Park Details
The primary resource at Mount Rushmore is the granite sculpture itself, but also of interest is the Sculptor's Studio built under the direction of Sculptor Gutzon Borglum in 1939. Unique plaster models and tools related to the sculpting process are displayed in the studio.
Other resources at the memorial include the flora and fauna representative of the Black Hills environment and the unique geological formation of the mountain and adjacent peaks.
Park Details
Location Information
Location:
Keystone, SD
Address:
P.O. Box 268
Keystone, SD 57751
Telephone:
(605) 574-2523
Directions:
Visitors traveling on I-90 should exit at Rapid City and
follow 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.
Transportation:
Rapid City, SD, located 24 miles from the memorial has an
airport and bus service. Rental cars or private tour bus
companies can bring visitors to the memorial from Rapid City.
Personal vehicles are most commonly used to come to the
memorial.
Operating Hours/Seasons
Daily, summer: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; daily, winter: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed December 25.
Reservations/Permits/Fees
Fees:
A parking fee of $8.00 is charged.
Donations accepted with donation boxes available within the memorial.
Reservations and Permits:
Reservations for school groups or other educational groups
should be made at least one month prior to the visit. At least
one month's notice and application for Special Use Permits is
required. Filming permits are arranged on an individual basis.
For additional information concerning reservations, special use,
or filming permits, call (605) 574-2523.
Park Regulations:
Pets may be exercised in the parking area. No pets are allowed on the
trails. Climbing Mount Rushmore is prohibited.
Climate, Recommended Clothing
Warm days and cool nights are common in the summer, but July and August are typically hot. Moderate temperatures usually prevail in the winter months with some below zero temperatures. Afternoon thunderstorms in the summer may bring damaging hail and on occasion fog will obscure any view of the memorial. Snow may fall as early as September and may last until mid-May. Layered clothing is recommended along with comfortable walking shoes.
Facilities and Opportunities
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Orientation Center and Bookstore: A four minute film depicting
the history of the Memorial is shown continuously throughout
business hours. Books and tapes related to the Memorial can be
purchased at the bookstore.
Trails, Roads:
The Presidential Trail takes visitors near the memorial (length 1/2 mile).
There are many hiking trails and biking trails outside of the memorial.
Programs/Activities:
Regularly scheduled guided walks and ranger programs during
the summer months. School programs by appointment.
Lodging and camping facilities:
None in park. A variety of hotels, motels, and RV camping
sites are available around the area.
Food/supplies:
Mount Rushmore's concessionaire offers a restaurant and gift
shop on site.
Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
A bookstore operated by the Mount Rushmore History Association is
located in the Orientation Center.
Accessibility:
The Orientation Center, viewing area, gift shop and food
service at Mount Rushmore is wheelchair accessible.
Special Needs:
Handicapped parking areas are available.
Internship Opportunities:
Internships are offered year-round in three areas at Mount
Rushmore: Interpretation/Environmental Education; Resource Management/Visitor Protection;
and Museum/Archives.
Recommended Activities/Park Use
Viewing the Memorial from the viewing terrace; hiking the Presidential Trail, visiting the Sculptor's Studio during the summer months; and viewing the natural beauty in the area.
Visitation
Basic visitor recommendations:
Stay from one to two hours; may require four to five days for
leisurely visit to all sites in the area.
Visitor Impacts:
Major construction to improve visitor facilities is finished.
Special Events Programs
Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Badlands National Park and Devils Tower National Monument are all located in the area surrounding Mount Rushmore. There are also many other private attractions in the area.
Adjacent Visitor Attractions
Write Mount Rushmore National Memorial, P.O. Box 268, Keystone, SD 57751 or call (605) 574-2523.
Additional Information
Write Mount Rushmore National Memorial, P.O. Box 268, Keystone, SD 57751 or call (605) 574-2523.
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