Mount Rushmore
National Memorial

The major resource at Mount Rushmore is the granite sculpture itself, but of major interest is the Sculptor's Studio built under the direction of Sculptor Gutzon Borglum in 1939. Unique plaster models and worker tools related to the sculpting processes are displayed in this 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 itself.

VISITATION:

Highest in July and August; lowest in January and February.

LOCATION:

Keystone, SD

ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 268
Keystone, SD 57751

TELEPHONE:

(605) 574-2523

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.

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.

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.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

A parking fee will be assessed beginning in the summer of 1997. Donations accepted with donation boxes available within the memorial.

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:

Concessionaire T.W. Services 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.

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.

RESERVATIONS/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.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Stay from one to two hours; may require four to five days for leisurely visit to all sites in the area.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

Special events are scheduled throughout the summer months involving choirs, band concerts, and variety shows. Check at the Orientation Center upon arrival for events scheduled during your visit. The sculpture lighting ceremony is held each evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day in the amphitheater.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Major construction is ongoing at Mount Rushmore to improve visitor facilities. Every effort is being made to give visitors an enjoyable experience despite the construction.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write Park Headquarters, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, P.O. Box 268, Keystone, SD 57751 or call (605) 574-2523.

Last Updated:
http://www.nps.gov