Mount Rushmore National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)

Quicklinks:

National Park Service Organic Act

“…the fundamental purpose of said parks, monuments, and reservations, which purpose is to convey the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such a manner and by such means will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” August 25, 1916

CAPTURING HISTORY AT MOUNT RUSHMORE

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is in the process of a ground-breaking 3-D laser scanning project. Memorial staff will be using the latest laser scanning technology to create a highly accurate record of the sculpture and other historic resources at the park.

Check out our progress here as the project captures amazing details of the memorial.

American flag flying at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

CLASSES AND EVENTS AT THE MEMORIAL

Please see our Calendar of Events to learn more about the latest special events occurring at the memorial.

For Scout Troops: If you are interested in having your scout troop participate in a flag lowering ceremony, please fill out an application form and submit it by mail, e-mail, or fax (Not before Jan. 8, 2011) The application process for the 2011 season begins on January 8, 2011. Season runs from May TBD through September 30.
"You don't get to keep the flag"
Scout Troops only.

For Special Events:

To apply for a special event at the memorial, please click here or on the Quicklink above Special Use Permits.

PETS

SERVICE ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED

Pets (except service animals) are not permitted in any part of the memorial, except in the pet exercise areas located at each end of the main parking facility. Pets are not allowed past these points.

The park superintendent established this policy for the safety of park visitors and the cleanliness of the memorial. Visitors are encouraged to use area kennels or pet services found in local communities if they are planning a lengthy stay.

Image of a yellow or prairie cone flower and a purple cone flower behind it.

Black Hills Pine Beetle Infestation

For decades, the Black Hills have been experiencing outbreaks of the mountain pine beetle which currently are killing large swaths of forests on private and public lands. The National Park Service has been working with Black Hills partners and developing strategies on how to slow the spread of the infestation by working with the USDA Forest Service, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, and various local government agencies. more

Write to

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 Hwy 244 Bldg 31 Suite 1
Keystone, SD 57751

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(605) 574-2523

Fax

(605) 574-2307

Climate

January and February are usually the coldest months during the winter. Daytime temperatures average in the 30s but during windy conditions temperature inversions can occur warming the area into the 50s and 60s. March and April is usually the Black Hills snowy season. March is typically known as the snowiest month. Normal temps are in the 40s and low's in the 30s. The average temps in April are in the 50s with lows in the 30s. May and June are mild with some scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temps average in the 60s to 70s for highs and 40s for the lows. July and August are considered the warmest months temps can easily rise into the 90s with low humidity lows can dip down into the 50s. September and October temps begin to cool averaging in the 60s and 70s lows can drop into the 40s. November and December are the beginning winter months temps are in the 30s to 40s. Please check the weather forecast before you plan your visit by selecting 'Plan your Visit' and click on the NOAA forecast.