In short
- Pets are banned on viewing terraces and the Presidential Trail.
- Dogs are allowed only in garages and the pet exercise area.
- Pets must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
In this article
Traveling to the Black Hills with a pet requires careful planning. Mount Rushmore limits pet access to protect the monument and the 1,278-acre grounds. Keep reading to see exactly where you can walk your dog during your visit.
Are dogs allowed at Mount Rushmore?
Dogs are allowed at Mount Rushmore but restricted to very specific areas.
You cannot bring them into the main memorial grounds. Your dog is welcome in the parking garages and the designated pet exercise areas. They can also go in undeveloped areas away from the main complex. You must keep your pet on a leash of 6 feet or less at all times.
Where are pets prohibited at Mount Rushmore?
Pets cannot enter the central viewing areas, trails, or indoor facilities.
You must leave your dog behind if you want to walk the Avenue of Flags or stand on the Grand View Terrace. Pets are strictly banned from the Presidential Trail and its 422 stairs. They are also not allowed inside the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, Sculptor's Studio, or Carvers' Café.
Is there a fee to bring my dog?
There is no separate fee for bringing a pet to Mount Rushmore.
Entry to the memorial is free for all visitors. You only pay a $10 parking fee per vehicle. This parking pass is valid for one full year. If you prefer to stay in your vehicle with your pet, a self-guided driving tour is a practical option.
Can I camp overnight with my dog?
No, overnight parking and camping are completely prohibited within the memorial.
You cannot sleep in your vehicle or set up a tent anywhere on the grounds. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of whether you have a pet. You must find a campground or pet-friendly accommodation elsewhere in the region.
Questions travellers ask
Can I walk my dog on the Presidential Trail?
No. Pets are strictly prohibited on the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail loop and its 422 stairs. They are also banned from the Grand View Terrace and the Avenue of Flags.
Where can my dog go at Mount Rushmore?
Your dog is only permitted in the parking garages, the pet exercise area, and outside the developed area. They must stay out of all central viewing locations and buildings.
How long can my leash be?
You must keep your dog on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet at all times while visiting the allowed areas of the memorial.
