News Release

Parking Enhancements

Photo of new self-pay station for parking at Mount Rushmore.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 28, 2018

Contact: Maureen McGee-Ballinger, 605-574-3115

KEYSTONE, S.D. – The parking facility at Mount Rushmore is about to change lanes. Beginning October 2 visitors will drive up, take a ticket for parking and pay at one of several pay stations located throughout the parking facility, near the Information Center, at Carvers' Marketplace or at the Gift Shop.

Pay stations have been installed to provide park visitors with the convenience of taking their time when preparing to pay for parking. Visitors will be able to pay at their leisure and present their paid ticket when exiting the parking area. The goal of the new system is to alleviate long lines at the fee booth.

Xanterra Travel Collection, a park partner that operates the parking facility, has been working diligently to make the parking experience a pleasant one. The parking ticket will be valid for one year from the date of purchase. Pay stations will accept most major credit cards or cash. Returning multiple times during the year, a visitor can use their smart phone to photograph their ticket. When they return in the same vehicle they can scan the photo at the pay station or just reuse the paper ticket.

People who currently hold a valid receipt can come in the same vehicle and exchange the old receipt for a new ticket. Parking fees will remain the same $10 per vehicle, visitors 62 or older $5 and active duty military will receive free parking. Buses and recreational vehicles will have a staffed fee booth to provide individual service.

"We are very pleased to institute the new parking system. In addition to reducing lines at the fee booth each parking level now has an electronic sign providing the number of parking spaces available on that level. These innovations will provide our visitors with a more relaxing start to their visit," stated Superintendent Cheryl Schreier.

For additional information, please visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial’s official website at www.nps.gov/moru or call [phone].