Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a renowned landmark and an iconic symbol of American patriotism. This memorial represents an extraordinary feat of engineering and craftsmanship, carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore.

The memorial features the colossal sculptures of four former United States presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These sculptures were meticulously carved by Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln Borglum, over a span of 14 years, from 1927 to 1941. Each sculpture stands at a height of about 60 feet and attracts millions of visitors each year.

The choice of the four presidents was intentional, representing different aspects of American history and values. George Washington symbolizes the birth of the United States and its struggle for independence. Thomas Jefferson represents the expansion of the country through the Louisiana Purchase and his contribution to the Declaration of Independence. Theodore Roosevelt signifies the country's industrial growth and conservation efforts. Abraham Lincoln highlights the preservation of the nation and the abolition of slavery.

Apart from admiring the grand sculptures, visitors can explore the memorial's Visitor Center and Museum to learn about the history, construction, and meaning behind Mount Rushmore. The Sculptor's Studio provides insights into the intricate artwork and engineering involved in creating this masterpiece.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial also offers a range of outdoor activities. Several hiking trails wind through the surrounding area, allowing visitors to enjoy the striking natural beauty of the Black Hills. From these trails, one can witness stunning viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of the memorial and the picturesque landscape that surrounds it.

For those looking for further exploration, the nearby Black Hills region offers a wealth of attractions. The Crazy Horse Memorial, still under construction, commemorates the Native American leader and stands as a testament to cultural diversity. Custer State Park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures, with its sprawling landscapes and herds of bison. The Badlands National Park, with its distinctive rock formations and fossil beds, offers a unique sightseeing experience.

In conclusion, Mount Rushmore National Memorial stands as an enduring symbol of American history, ingenuity, and patriotism. Its colossal sculptures of four influential presidents have become an emblem of the nation's values and ideals. With a rich historical background and an abundance of nearby attractions, this national memorial attracts visitors from around the world, fostering a deeper appreciation for the United States and its remarkable heritage.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is situated in the scenic Black Hills region of South Dakota, within the city of Keystone. Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the western part of the state, Mount Rushmore stands majestically on the eastern slope of the Black Hills, captivating visitors with its grandeur. Surrounded by dense forests and abundant wildlife, Mount Rushmore is conveniently located in the heart of the United States, making it easily accessible to travelers from across the country. The panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges and nearby national parks further enhance the allure of this iconic landmark, immersing visitors in the awe-inspiring beauty of South Dakota's diverse landscapes.

Address & Contact

13000 Highway 244
Building 31, Suite 1
Keystone, SD 57751
Driving Directions
Phone: 6055742523
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial would be in June or September. June offers pleasant weather with an average maximum temperature of 72°F and an average minimum temperature of 53°F. The average monthly precipitation in June is 3.4 inches, allowing for outdoor activities without excessive rainfall.
September also provides favorable weather conditions, with an average maximum temperature of 70°F and an average minimum temperature of 50°F. The average monthly precipitation in September is 1.7 inches, ensuring a comfortable visit while minimizing rainfall.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Mount Rushmore National Memorial are: Food Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Dining

Topics

Learn about these topics at Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Presidents Animals Birds Geology Arts Forests and Woodlands Monuments and Memorials Coniferous Forests Sculpture

Visitor Centers

Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

Park information, film, museum exhibits and a bookstore. Opens at 8:00 am daily (closed December 25th). Late May through mid-August closes at 10:00 pm. Mid-August through September 30 closes at 9:00 pm. October 1 through October 31 closes at 6:00pm. November 1 through late May closes at 5:00pm.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Mount Rushmore National Memorial

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Rodeway Inn Near Mt. Rushmore Memorial

With a stay at Rodeway Inn Near Mt. Rushmore Memorial in Keystone, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Big Thunder Gold Mine and Gutzon Borglum Historical Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, luggage storage, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 908 Madill Street, SR 40 E., Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt. Rushmore, an IHG Hotel

Located in Keystone, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt. Rushmore, an IHG Hotel is in a rural location, within a 15-minute walk of Big Thunder Gold Mine and Gutzon Borglum Historical Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: Mt Rushmore 321 Swanzey St, Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Web: Link

Elk Ridge Bed & Breakfast

Located in Keystone, Elk Ridge Bed & Breakfast is in the mountains, within a 15-minute drive of Museum Black Hills Institute and National Presidential Wax Museum. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, a library, and microwave in a common area. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12741 Matthew Ct, Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Web: Link

Ramada by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt Rushmore

With a stay at Ramada by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt Rushmore in Keystone, you'll be a 3-minute walk from Big Thunder Gold Mine and 8 minutes by foot from Gutzon Borglum Historical Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Planning an event in Keystone? This hotel has 800 square feet (74 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 115 Swanzey Street, Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Web: Link

Baymont by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt. Rushmore

When you stay at Baymont by Wyndham Keystone Near Mt. Rushmore in Keystone, you'll be in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Gutzon Borglum Historical Center and Big Thunder Gold Mine. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 106 Highway 16A, Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Web: Link

Roosevelt Inn Mount Rushmore

With a stay at Roosevelt Inn Mount Rushmore in Keystone, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Big Thunder Gold Mine and Mount Rushmore. Featured amenities include express check-out, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 206 Cemetery Rd, Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Web: Link

Black Elk Resort Cottages and RV Park

Located in Hill City, Black Elk Resort Cottages and RV Park is a 4-minute drive from Sheridan Lake and 6 minutes from Sheridan Lake South. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12720 S. Highway 16, Hill City, South Dakota 57745
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Keystone/Mt. Rushmore

With a stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Keystone/Mt. Rushmore in Keystone, you'll be in a national park, just steps from Rushmore Tramway Adventures and a 3-minute drive from Big Thunder Gold Mine. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 702 Highway 16A, Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Web: Link

Under Canvas Mount Rushmore

With a stay at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore in Keystone, you'll be 2.3 mi (3.8 km) from Big Thunder Gold Mine and 11.3 mi (18.2 km) from Custer State Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 24342 Presidio Ranch Road, Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Web: Link

Freedom Ridge Cabins

Located in Hill City, Freedom Ridge Cabins is in a national park, a 5-minute drive from Sheridan Lake and 6 minutes from Sheridan Lake South. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 23935 Pink Cabin Rd, Hill City, South Dakota 57745
Web: Link