Your Visit to Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest, is 25 miles southwest of Rapid City, South Dakota, via US Highway 16; and 3 miles from Keystone via US Highway 16A and South Dakota Highway 244. Major airlines and bus routes serve Rapid City.

The park has food service and a gift shop; food service is limited in winter. Motels, campgrounds and picnic areas are available in nearby communities and in Black Hills National Forest.

The memorial can be viewed 24 hours a day, year-round. The Information Center is open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. during the summer (late May through early September) and until 5 p.m. during the winter (October through April). It is closed on December 25. Hours are subject to change. The Sculptor's Studio is open during the summer only, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A lighting ceremony is presented at the amphitheater in summer beginning at 9 p.m. The sculpture is lighted nightly throughout the year.

The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Musuem has interactive exhibits and two theaters that show a film about the memorial. The memorial faces southeast and is best viewed and photographed in the morning light. Short trails lead to the Sculptor's Studio and to the amphitheater. The studio has exhibits that include the original tools, models and other carving equipment. The Avenue of Flags connects the Concession Building to the Grandview Terrace. The walkway is lined with the official flags of the 56 U.S. states, territories and districts, arranged in alphabetical order. The Avenue provides direct and easy access to the Grandview Terrace and the Presidential Trail, offering spectacular views of the mountain sculpture. A parking fee is required to enter the Memorial; however, a free parking area is also provided.

Disabled Access

The park grounds and facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities; assistance is required on some trails. Stairways lead to the lower visitor areas.

For your safety and the park's protection

• Climbing the mountain, feeding the wild animals, and building fires are prohibited.
• It is unlawful to collect plants, animals, rocks, or other natural materials.
• Pets are not allowed on trails. (Visit the National Park Service's site for more information.)
• Stay on trails while walking. Trails are slippery when wet and may have rough or uneven surfaces.
• Please drive carefully on the Black Hills roads. Front passenger seatbelt use is mandatory in all areas of the National Park System.

Administration

Mount Rushmore is administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Contact: Superintendent, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, P.O. Box 268, Keystone, SD 57551.

Related Sites

Other National Park Service areas in the region include Badlands National Park, 90 miles east; Wind Cave National Park, 45 miles south; Jewel Cave National Monument, 35 miles west; and Devils Tower National Monument, 130 miles northwest.