I definitely recommend putting this on something you go and visit in your lifetime. It is a very…read moreamazing monument from the time you walk up through the main gate you can start to see the monument and it's just amazing at the work that was put into it they have lined the pathway with the flags from all 50 states and it just kinda gives you this amazing walk up experience and that if you haven't seen you early enjoy. My family and I spent about an hour and a half there which is a great amount of time you can walk up get some great photos plenty of park Rangers around to talk to get directions and tell you a little bit more about the park They do offer videos certain times of the day that are very informative. They have a full-blown theater at the foot of the mountain, which is really amazing when people can perform and things like that which I had no idea that was there until later. And then they have this amazing easy to travel trail. You can do about 50% of it with the stroller and get close up to the monument and take a great photo but then there comes an area where it says I have almost 450 steps so we stopped right there and turned back, but it does do a loop around the whole area with spectacular views. I definitely think that this is a great place to go and visit really peaceful place well-maintained. They do have restaurants and gift shops there so if you're ever in South Dakota, go and give this place a visit

Last summer, June 2025 - completed my quest to visit all 50 states. ND and SD were my last two -…read moreand no visit to SD would be complete if you didn't stop off to see Mount Rushmore. I don't remember how much parking was. There are signs there. Or check the site. Just follow the signs, grab a ticket and pay for it at one of the kiosks. It's not rocket science. You'll figure it out. Usual shops for gifts and things but know it's tourists' prices. Multiple exhibits where you can learn about how the memorial came to be before taking a walk on the trail that gives you a closer look. Don't forget to grab some shots of the way leading up to the memorial of all 50 states' flags and plaques. Admission is free - and check the site for different events like lighting ceremonies. Didn't catch that but maybe next time. I say that because I can see myself visiting the area again. Lots to see and do out there.

Seeing the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln up close is already wild, but…read morewalking the Presidential Trail takes it to another level. It's a short loop (0.6 miles) with stairs and boardwalks that bring you closer to the sculpture, with different angles you don't get from the main overlook. There are a good amount of stairs, but it's broken up with scenic spots and benches along the way. Honestly, it made the whole visit feel more immersive instead of just a viewpoint stop.

Mount Rushmore genuinely surprised me -- and I don't say that easily. Growing up, I watched Richie…read moreRich (1994) and saw Mount Rushmore on screen for the first time as a kid. From that moment, I told myself I had to visit it someday. Fast forward to 2026 -- I finally made it happen, standing right there with my own kid. That full-circle moment alone made the trip unforgettable. The Presidential Trail loop is 0.6 miles but don't underestimate it -- 425 stairs and a strenuous path that takes you right up close under the monument. It's a real hike, but every step is worth it. The Sculptor's Studio is just 0.2 miles in if you need a shorter option. Entry to the monument itself is free -- just $10 for parking, valid for a full year. If you're passing through South Dakota, this is non-negotiable. Stop. Walk the trail. Read the history. Take the photos. You won't regret it.

You can see a Mount Rushmore tunnel view as you are driving through Scovel Johnson Tunnel when you…read moredrive Iron Mountain Road TO Mount Rushmore. it is a one-way tunnel from south to north and fascinating to see Mt Rushmore from here. Driving through the Iron Mountain Road tunnels also means that you'll be driving through Black Hills National Forest. The tunnels -- are carved from granite to create roads through the Black Hills while doing as little harm as possible to the scenic landscape Fact from the web: was named for the man who built the Needles Highway. He also did survey work on the Iron Mountain Road and contributed to the layout of Sylvan Lake.

You can see a Mount Rushmore tunnel view as you are driving through Doane Robinson Tunnel when you…read moredrive Iron Mountain Road TO Mount Rushmore. As the tunnel that is the closest to Mount Rushmore, this is also the tunnel that will give you the BEST tunnel view of Mount Rushmore as you are driving through it!

It's a fun place to have a drink if you're rambling around Keystone. Looks like Wild Bill could…read morecome in at any second.

Love the decor and prices are great. Service is good for a busy little bar! 2nd night visiting!…read more Had a flight of South Dakota Whiskeys for $7.50.

July 4th at Keystone SD!…read more On our way to Mount Rushmore we passed by this charming town with many family-friendly activities and attractions, shops, street vendors and dining options. It looked like this was a popular destination for visitors to the Black Hills. We decided to stop here first and see what kinds of souvenirs we could bring home. Finding parking was a challenge but we were able to snag an open spot. It is Independence Day and also election year so many of the merchandise were patriotic things that are Red, White, and Blue all from apparel to non-clothing souvenirs. We poked our heads in some of the shops... bought some stuff and we wore them at Mount Rushmore. There were a lot of locals and tourists... Keystone was busy. Fun stop! Review #3490

Keystone, a town with a distinct western ambiance is about a 10 minute drive from Mount Rushmore…read more The major road that takes you to Rushmore runs right through Keystone, population about 350. Established in 1883 as a mining town, Keystone still celebrates the Black Hills gold rush with establishments like "Gold Diggers", a shop specializing in Black Hills gold jewelry. The Black Hills Central Railroad (1900) has a depot in Keystone, tickets available.There are places to eat in Keystone as well. Keystone House Restaurants, Peggy's Place or a deli sandwich at Teddy's deli.. The National Presidential Wax Museum displays every President, several notable Sioux chiefs, inventors and international figures. The wax figures are the creation on internationally recognized artist, Katherine Stubergh. Among her accomplishments are wax figures created for the movie "Gone with the Wind". Another notable museum in Keystone is the Rushmore Borglum Story, a museum dedicated to the artist that created Mount Rushmore.

I had a really fun and surprisingly memorable visit to the National Presidential Wax Museum. It's…read moreone of those places that you don't expect much from at first, but it ends up being a highlight of your trip. Right at the beginning, you get to step up to a presidential podium and read from a teleprompter, which is such a unique and entertaining way to start. It immediately sets the tone for a more interactive experience. Inside, there are over 100 life-sized wax figures, including every U.S. president, displayed in scenes that represent important moments in American history. The attention to detail is impressive, and some of the figures are incredibly lifelike. It's both educational and fun, which makes it great for all ages. The self-guided audio tour adds a lot of value, giving context and background to each exhibit so you're not just looking at displays--you're actually learning as you go. If you're in Keystone or visiting Mount Rushmore, this is definitely worth stopping for. It's engaging, unique, and a great way to experience history in a different way. Check out our video. We post on all socials @reessroots

Very amazing museum. We had fun listening to the stories on the little phones. Going at your own…read morepace was nice. The story at the beginning of how they make them was very amazing too. The store had lots of things we bought to take home as souvenirs.

I was in the area and decided why not? I only signed up for the tour but you can also pan for gold…read more I came on a slow day because it was just me for the tour. But my tour guide was great, very knowledgeable about the tale of Big Thunder and how it came to be. It was fascinating going through the mine and getting a glimpse of what it's like actually mining for gold. If you have children I think this is something they would truly enjoy.

This place was fun, we only did panning for gold, but enjoyed the experience! The young man who did…read moreour intro lesson was funny and informative. Definitely would be a fun stop with kids, but takes a bit of patience! You of course don't end up with much gold, and there are rattle snake warnings lol (they may be legit)