Plan Your Mount Rushmore Visit: Itineraries & Practical Info

Plan your visit

Learn how to get to the memorial, what to pack, and how to structure your day. Use these tips to avoid crowds and save time.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

13000 Hwy 244, Keystone, SD 57751

GPS 43.8789, -103.4598

Open directions

Getting there

Getting to the memorial

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive via I-90 to Rapid City, then take US Highway 16 southwest to Keystone, and follow Highway 244 to the memorial.	30-40 minutes from Rapid City	$10 parking fee	A $10 parking ticket is valid for a whole year. Designated lanes exist for RVs and trailers.
Tour: Book a guided bus or shuttle tour from Rapid City or surrounding Black Hills towns.	Varies (half to full-day tours)	Varies by operator	A good option if you want to avoid driving. Commercial buses pay a separate parking fee, which is usually covered in your tour ticket.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

Peak season runs from June through August. The memorial is very busy during these months. September and October offer cooler weather and smaller crowds. The site is open year-round, closing only on December 25th.

What to bring

Lightweight, packable jacket or windbreaker for unpredictable Black Hills weather
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes for the Presidential Trail's 422 stairs
Sun protection including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated at the 5,000+ foot elevation
Camera or binoculars for close-up views of the presidential faces
Fleece or long sleeves for cooler mornings and the Evening Lighting Ceremony
Small daypack for carrying essentials while exploring the grounds
Umbrella or rain shell, as summer thunderstorms can pop up quickly

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Bring sun protection and a reusable water bottle.

The memorial sits at an elevation of 5,725 feet.

How the day runs

Suggested itineraries

See the main highlights and walk the loop trail in a few hours.

9:00
Arrive and Park
Pay the $10 parking fee and enter the main grounds.
9:15
Avenue of Flags
Walk past the state flags to the Grand View Terrace.
9:45
Presidential Trail
Hike the 0.6-mile loop to see the faces from below.
10:45
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
Watch the 14-minute film about the mountain's carving.
11:30
Carvers' Café
Grab a quick lunch and try the Monumental Ice Cream.

Practical advice

Weather in the Black Hills changes quickly. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker even in summer. You should also wear sturdy shoes for the 422 stairs on the Presidential Trail Guide.

Pets are highly restricted. They are not allowed on trails or viewing terraces. You must keep them on a 6-foot leash in approved areas outside the main grounds.

Easiest way to do it

Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour

8 h to 9 h 5.0 (95)

English Guide
Bottled water
Umbrellas and blankets in van
Entrance fee

From$312per person

Viator$312 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

Is Mount Rushmore open in winter?

Yes. The memorial is open year-round. It only closes on Christmas Day (December 25th).

Can you walk up to the faces?

No. Climbing the sculpture is strictly prohibited. The closest you can get is on the Presidential Trail.

Are there places to eat?

Yes. The Carvers' Café is the only on-site restaurant. It serves burgers, salads, and ice cream.