National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Midwest

About Mount Rushmore

Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Midwest
State: South Dakota
Designation: National Memorial
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Mount Rushmore.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Mount Rushmore grounds - early March through September 30

Mon: 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Tue: 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Wed: 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Thu: 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Fri: 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Sat: 5:00AM - 11:00PM
Sun: 5:00AM - 11:00PM

Weather permitting, the grounds at Mount Rushmore are open every day of the year. The Information Center, Visitor Center, Gift Shop and Carvers' Cafe are open every day except December 25th.

Weather and when to go

Weather at Mount Rushmore can be highly variable in any season. Summer high temperatures range from 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall high temperatures range from 45 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter high temperatures range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring high temperatures range from 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, July and August are the warmest months and January and February are the coldest. March and April receive the most snow, while May and June receive the most rain.

Getting there

Visitors traveling by car from the East use Exit 61 off I-90 and follow the signs for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Coming from the West use exit 57 exit at Rapid City and follow U.S. Highway 16 southwest to Keystone and then Highway 244 to Mount Rushmore. Visitors coming from the south should follow Highway 385 north to Highway 244, which is the road leading to the Memorial.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 13000 Highway 244, Building 31, Suite 1, Keystone, SD 57751
Phone: (605) 574-2523
Email: moru_information@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/moru

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Mount Rushmore

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Mount Rushmore

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Visit The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

Museum Exhibits · about 40 min

View exhibits and the 23-minute film "Mount Rushmore: Carved in Stone" which takes viewers on a journey through the history of America's most recognized mountain carving, from lon…
Walk the Presidential Trail

Hiking · about 30 min

The Presidential Trail provides changing views of Mount Rushmore as you travel through ponderosa pine forest and granite outcrops.
Visit The Sculptor's Studio

Museum Exhibits · about 20 min

Visit the Sculptor's Studio to learn more about Gutzon Borglum, his scale model and the process of carving Mount Rushmore.
Hiking The Blackberry Trail

Hiking · about 40 min

Looking to experience the natural surroundings of the Black Hills? Try hiking the Blackberry Trail.