Family Trip To Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is 1 of the United States well-nigh iconic and revered landmarks. Who among united states of america hasn't always wanted to keep holiday to the see those gigantic dead sculptures of the 4 former presidents who helped shape America?!

We certainly had.

Visiting this colossal National Memorial was a expressionless cert on our first 3 month US road trip, right subsequently Badlands National Park and before Custer State Park in Fall 2019.

We couldn't resist a 2d visit when passing through Southward Dakota once again in Spring 2021. Both of our experiences were polar opposites, which nosotros'll go into and will help y'all with planning your own vacation to Mt Rushmore.

In one case y'all arrive at the Memorial, nosotros think 3 hours is easily plenty time to explore the surprisingly attractive grounds and sculpture itself.

In this guide, nosotros volition walk yous through exactly what you tin expect from the Memorial grounds, amphitheater, Presidential boardwalk trail and much more.

Let's get right into planning your Mount Rushmore vacation!

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Mount Rushmore Vacation Update 2021

During our commencement visit to Mt Rushmore, nosotros entered the memorial before sunrise at around 7am and so we could lookout as the famous sculpture radiated at start light.

We passed through open barriers and left without paying for parking because entry barriers didn't begin operation until 7.30am. Nonetheless, that is no longer possible.

There are no longer entry barriers only a ticket must be taken upon entry, which is inserted into a parking payment auto before exiting. You must present a paid parking ticket to exit the parking lot.

Parking is US$ 10 per vehicle.

Note: Mount Rushmore is a National Memorial, so your America the Beautiful Annual Pass will non work here. It is only valid at National Monuments, such as nearby Devils Tower in Northeast Wyoming.

Where Is Mountain Rushmore?

Mount Rushmore is located in Southwest S Dakota, at the center of the stunning Black Hills National Forest.

Keystone is the nearest town and one of the near convenient locations to set up base for your vacation if you adopt to stay in hotels. But campers also accept plenty of options in the surface area.

Mount Rushmore Vacation Information

Accost: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751
Website: nps.gov/moru
Phone: (605) 574-2523

Park Hours: All day, every 24-hour interval
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee but U.s.$ x to park at the memorial (subsequently 7am)

Accommodation: Keystone, Custer, Rapid City, various campgrounds

Superlative Activities: Sightseeing, short walks, much more than in surrounding area

Annual Visitors: Between 2 – 2.5 million

Best Time to Visit: May – October (wet Leap, hot & decorated Summer, best Fall)

Video – We got a little video footage of Mount Rushmore with our old GoPro and threw a quick video together. This certainly won't win any oscars but it's a fun take on arriving for sunrise!

Construction and Closures

Hopefully by the time you lot visit in that location will exist no farther construction work taking place but from our ain experiences, we have to admit that we found certain surface area closures very disappointing.

During our get-go visit we explored the Presidential Trail and found a fantastic 'hidden' spot with keen view of the sculpture. The amphitheater and chief concourse were closed for construction.

However, on our 2d visit in 2021, the amphitheater was open simply the remainder of the entire memorial was closed for structure.

Having been twice, we have to say that despite entry simply being US$ x, we did find the experience a little underwhelming when the Presidential Trail was airtight.

Subsequently planning your Mount Rushmore vacation, read our South Dakota Road Trip guide detailing all the all-time stops nearby and including Mt. Rushmore as function of an action packed 4 day itinerary!

3 Hour Mount Rushmore Holiday Itinerary

Telephoto shot of Mount Rushmore before sunrise golden hour

If everything is open up on site, 3 hours is aplenty time to soak up Mt Rushmore views, walk the trail and visit educational exhibits.

Also, if you're visiting between tardily May and the cease of September, don't forget y'all can catch an evening lighting ceremony held in the Lincoln Borglum visitor center amphitheater. Each night at 8pm or 9pm, Mt Rushmore is illuminated past powerful lights from beneath.

Our summit recommendation is to wake up (agonizingly!) early to come across the presidents faces glow with the beginning rays of sunlight. The sunday rises directly in forepart of Mount Rushmore.

Let'southward have a look at the perfect iii hour Mount Rushmore vacation itinerary, which has been laid out for a sunrise visit but of course still applies to any fourth dimension of day:

Get in Before Sunrise

We know this sounds like a lot of endeavour, arriving anywhere before sunrise is not easy. Simply trust the states, it is worth setting that early alarm.

We would never recommend something nosotros haven't washed ourselves and you volition stand a skillful take a chance of having the entirety of Mountain Rushmore to yourself.

The solitude is worth the effort alone, but the best part is still to come…

Mount Rushmore after sunrise illuminated yellow and orange

You will be able to witness an incredible sunrise as the 4 presidents are dramatically bathed in unobstructed orange, xanthous and red rays.

The reason nosotros suggest arriving earlier sunrise is then you tin can photograph the memorial before and during golden hour, which means no shadows, followed by a beautiful scarlet aureola and bright orange.

Arrive whatsoever later and you will just be able to see the granite rock colour, total of shadows.

Park Up and Enter the Memorial

Our car the only one in the parking lot at Mount Rushmore

Bulldoze through the entry barriers, picking upward a ticket and head inside the parking lot. It is very likely you will be the simply car in the parking garage, just as we were.

If there are no tickets available this early, pick i up equally you return to your auto and explain you arrived for sunrise.

If the sun is beginning to creep up, leg it upwards the rock staircase until y'all arrive at the archway to the memorial. Don't forget your photographic camera!

Approaching the entrance to Mount Rushmore with presidents heads small in distance

Walk under the columned gate and yous volition catch your first Mountain Rushmore glimpse of the vacation, looking smaller than you imagined in the distance. That will change as you lot become closer.

Rapidly Detect The Best Vantage Point

Yous won't have long before sunlight begins to illuminate the polished granite rock. Speedily observe where you lot want to set upwardly your camera and effort out a few angles to make sure y'all're happy with your spot.

You will probably be happy enough in the amphitheater with a 24-70mm or 24-105mm to shoot multiple focal lengths.

We first visited in October and discovered this was out of season for both Keystone and Mount Rushmore. Much to our shock and dismay the amphitheater had been cordoned off with a closed for renovation sign.

Oh crap!

Terrible vantage point of Mount Rushmore

Nosotros were stuck with a terrible view as you can see in the photograph above. Under pressure level, we managed to codify a rough idea of where we could get a meliorate vantage point.

Fortunately, we quickly found another location to ready and had an first-class view. This place will work for y'all if you lot don't visit at sunrise and the amphitheater is packed…

Our 'Secret' Viewing Terrace

Mount Rushmore vacation photo from before sunrise in Keystone SD

Okay, it's non exactly secret, it's on the map.

So, take hold of a map, keep the entrance to the South and the presidents to the North. Look for the Nature Trail that takes you to Sculptor's Studio only only follow it every bit far as Borglum View Terrace.

Take a left and some other left, follow the path upwards some stairs and take a right to a little square straight to the right of the amphitheater.

Tree in the way of sunrise over presidents heads keystone

This is at a higher vantage point than the amphitheater and is where we were able to set just in the nick of time. The just effect here is overgrown treetops that – even with the telephoto lens on – just about creep into the bottom of the frame.

Mount Rushmore might just be a sculpture, simply it is iconic and emblematic. This is a cracking vantage point for i of the most famous photographs in the United states.

Sculptor's Studio

In one case you take your sunrise photographs, take a very curt walk to the Sculptor'south Studio. It was originally built every bit a second on-site sculpting studio for Gutzon Borglum to design and sculpt Mount Rushmore.

Construction of the National Monument took 14 years from 1927 to 1941, the second half saw Borglum'south son Lincoln join his father equally assistant sculptor.

Machine used to help carve Mount Rushmore

Models and tools related to the design and structure of Mountain Rushmore can be establish in the studio for those interested in the history of the memorial.

Read: Our top 10 things to do near Mount Rushmore next to fill the rest of your itinerary in the stunning Southward Dakota Black Hills.

Walk the Presidential Trail

Boardwalk through Mount Rushmore Memorial

Once yous've marveled at the range of colors glowing on the four presidents intricately carved faces, it'due south time to accident the early morning cobwebs off with a brisk uphill walk.

And by uphill, we hateful up-stairs. A lot of stairs! 250 to be precise.

The Presidential Trail loops from Sculptor's Studio, up to a closer view of the presidents faces, then back down to the amphitheater – an anti clockwise route. Alternatively, take it clockwise and finish at Sculptor's Studio.

The trail is a lovely walk following pristine wooden boardwalks through low hanging trees and a low lord's day in the sky backside you.

There are enough of terminate off points but keep an middle out for the four information boards detailing the lives of the 4 presidents faces you take been looking at all forenoon: Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and the male parent of America'southward National Parks – Theodore Roosevelt.

The Summit (and Cave View)

Mark and kristen highest vantage point Mount Rushmore

In all honesty, the superlative is a little disappointing because the trail doesn't pb to anything in particular.

Perhaps some other viewing platform directly below the sculpture would help. Or finding the golden from National Treasure 2, which was actually filmed at nearby Sylvan Lake.

There are some areas you lot can meet views of the faces but it's more similar under-chin views and many of the facial features are hidden because of the angle.

We're actually kneeling on the boardwalk and leaning forwards slightly to get a not-upward-the-nose photograph!

There is one cool shot to expect for though, information technology'due south just off the master boardwalk and you lot tin can see Washington through a cave shaped like an eye. If information technology had flames inside, it would look only like the eye of Sauron.

Mountain Rushmore Amphitheater

Empty amphitheater seating at mount rushmore national memorial in south dakota on a cloudy snowy day in april

Our second visit in April 2021 allowed usa to finally make it inside the amphitheater.

It had recently snowed and melted, which resulted in wet presidential faces as though they had all been crying almost the cold weather.

You will find hundreds of seats at the newly renovated amphitheater, which will provide a fantastic atmosphere for the nightly light shows in Summer.

If you have time, nosotros highly recommend planning an astonishing 10 day road trip itinerary taking in both Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park.

The Best Things to do Near Mount Rushmore

Custer Country Park & Wildlife Loop

Hood tunnel on needles highway in Custer state park things to do near Mount Rushmore on South Dakota road trip itinerary

Custer State Park is regarded as one of the best land parks in the Usa. You lot can bulldoze along the incredibly scenic Atomic number 26 Mountain Road and Needles highway, plus visit Custer'south famous wildlife loop.

This eighteen mile one-manner road takes you through rolling hills and meadows filled with Bison, Deer, Donkeys, Elk, Antelope and more. Visit early or belatedly in the twenty-four hours for the best chance of spotting active animals.

Distance from Mountain Rushmore – 20.7 miles / 50 minutes with stunning views from Iron Mountain Route and Needles highway.

Read More About Custer State Park:

v Amazing Things To Do In Stunning Custer State Park, South Dakota

Black Elk Tiptop Hike

Black elk peak hike trail in custer state park is epic and one of the best things to do near Mount Rushmore on a South Dakota road trip itinerary

Our top hiking recommendation near Mount Rushmore is without question the Black Elk Meridian trail. Formerly known as Harney peak, Black Elk Peak hike is effectually 3.5 miles up and iii.5 miles back down for a total of 7 miles.

It should take approximately 4-5 hours but permit more time for stops and 30 minutes at the top, which has spectacular views over four states.

Altitude from Mount Rushmore – fifteen.8 miles / 32 minutes.

Read More About Black Elk Peak:

Complete Hiking Guide To Stunning Black Elk Tiptop Elevation, South Dakota

Badlands National Park

If fourth dimension allows, yous should non miss the spectacular martian landscapes at Badlands National Park. Nosotros do recommend staying a night at or close to Badlands, but information technology can easily exist seen on a day trip from the Keystone/Mt Rushmore expanse if you don't have spare days.

Brusk hikes with dramatic viewpoints and photography are the all-time things to do at Badlands. Need convincing about visiting? Check out our favoriteBadlands photographs.

Distance from Mount Rushmore – 85 miles / 1 hr 30 minutes.

Read More Nearly Badlands National Park:

4 Unmissable Things To Do In Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore Vacation Interactive Map

Where To Stay Near Mount Rushmore

Campgrounds Almost Mt. Rushmore

In that location are a scattering of campsites inside shut proximity to Mount Rushmore but our top selection would be Horse Thief Lake campground, simply three miles away.

A more suitable family location for camping ground could be around the Sylvan Lake area of Custer Country Park. Sylvan Lake campground is 16 miles (xxx minutes) from Mount Rushmore but offers much more in its immediate expanse.

Black Elk Peak trailhead begins at Sylvan Lake. Plus, the lake is one-half fashion forth Needles scenic highway, which has tunnels, switchbacks and stunning views over the Black Forest.

All-time Hotels In Keystone, SD

In that location are several options for setting up your vacation base close to Mount Rushmore.

The most obvious pick for those who adopt a built upwardly surface area is the pocket-sized town of Keystone, under ten minutes drive from the stoic faces of Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt and Jefferson.

Notwithstanding, delight exist aware there are many more splendid places to stay in South Dakota'south Black Hills.

Find out if Keystone or another nearby boondocks is the best identify for y'all to stay past reading our guide to the all-time hotels near Mountain Rushmore.

We stayed in Keystone for a dark and tin vouch for its convenience with a handful of restaurants and bars open in peak flavor.

At that place are a lot of hotels to choose betwixt but be aware that Summertime is extremely busy so it's a good idea to book in advance.

Yous might find our essential tips on booking the cheapest hotels helpful by learning how we relieve when traveling.

Click each Keystone hotel name below to check prices and availability.

K Bar Due south Social club Ascend Hotel– Mt Rushmore views and sun terrace
Roosevelt Inn Mountain Rushmore– Indoor pool and games room
Vacation Inn Express and Suites– Indoor pool, hot tub, tennis court

Best Locally Owned Lodges Near Mt. Rushmore

Would you lot adopt to prepare up base in a tent or cabin surrounded past nature and back up the local community near Mount Rushmore?

Y'all are spoiled for pick in the stunning Blackness Hills region! Here are three highly rated and varied options close to Mt Rushmore but outside of the town.

Pulverisation Business firm Social club – Lodges and cabins located just outside Keystone with outdoor pool and restaurant.
Under Canvas – Highly rated extremely glamorous glamping in a forest well-nigh Mt. Rushmore, hiking options nearby.
Battle Creek Lodge – Very highly rated and quaint society right in the heart of Keystone'due south main 'strip'.

We promise this helped you plan your Mountain Rushmore vacation!

Did you visit for sunrise? What did you think?

Delight permit u.s.a. know if you have whatever questions almost the surface area or your vacation plans in the comments beneath.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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