I definitely recommend putting this on something you go and visit in your lifetime. It is a very amazing 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 read more

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Last summer, June 2025 - completed my quest to visit all 50 states. ND and SD were my last two - and 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. read more

This National Monument...it's an iconic site that my family wanted to see on our South Dakota road trip. Of course! It is something that a lot of people want to see. There is no cost for admission, though there is a $10 fee for parking. Lots of things in the gift shop. The monument itself is not super impressive in my opinion. It always looks a lot bigger in photos! I did not think the visitors center was great. They have a Junior Ranger program but a lot of the activities relate to the video shown there...and they don't show that video anymore. There seems to be no information there about indigenous culture or about the plants and animals and geology of the area, and those things would have been more interesting to me than the patriotic exhibits. There is a sculptor's studio exhibit but that had closed earlier in the day. There is a cafe there (which also closes before the park does). The bison chili was pretty good and reasonably priced. The huckleberry ice cream was even better. Also - I don't usually eat beef jerky, but I got a bag there, and it was REALLY really good. I don't know if I will ever find other beef jerky this good. This will be the part of this visit I will remember the most. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Bison chili - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

I was honestly left breathless when I experienced Mount Rushmore National Monument. I came with people I love and mourning people I lost to experience this. It is not a perfect country, but many of us are trying to make it a better place. Without disappointment you cannot experience victory. read more

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"I've had my picture made with Willie Nelson Stayed in a hotel with a pool Driven through New Mexico where the saguaro cactus grow And I felt really small under Mount Rushmore" (Kacey Musgraves) It might be America's most iconic image. It messages four phases of the nation using presidents as symbols: George Washington: Represents the nation's founding. Thomas Jefferson: Represents the nation's expansion. Theodore Roosevelt: Represents the nation's development. Abraham Lincoln: Represents the preservation of the nation. As our bus pulled up into the complex, I admit to having a real chill when I caught a glimpse of the image that's been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Apart from the history lesson, it's become a common pop culture symbol and pops up in movies like National Treasure and TV shows like the Simpsons. You enter the complex by walking through an Avenue of States, a very cool display of flags representing the fifty states and American territories. There is a visitors' center, and many viewing stations to see the carvings. There's also a trail that takes you around the mountain to get different views. Yes, you will feel a rush of patriotism when you look up and see the four presidents. read more

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It's hard to put to words how to describe the Mount Rushmore experience. Maybe because it has much to do with the expectations of the visitor. For those that like physical activity and to see more than just "the view", there are nature trails encircling the monument. There's plenty of seating and concessions. For the crowd minded, the promenade was fairly packed for early autumn when we visited. Worth the visit, but I'd plan for more than just navigating the crowd. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

This wasn't what I was really expecting. FYI it costs $10 to park regardless of if you have a nat'l parks pass or not. The bathrooms are impeccably clean, and I felt that deserved mentioning. The gift shop group are amazing, you're going to find so many great souvenirs there. The monument itself was smaller than I expected. Now granted, my whole body probably fits inside Lincoln's nose, but from the ground, it looks smaller than you think it's gonna be in person vs in films/tv. Still a cool experience and something to mark off my bucket list. read more

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My family came here when I was growing up, so I was excited to come back with my husband for him to experience Mount Rushmore. He's never been here before, something that made coming all that more special. Venturing all the way from Michigan on a roadtrip, this historic place was basically a requirement to add to our itinerary on the way to Yellowstone National Park. Unfortunately it was very foggy the day we chose to go, so pictures were almost impossible. Employees were very informative and it was fun for me to learn about the monument. I will say though, I tend to prefer exploring National Parks rather than just viewing a national monument because, ya know, exploring is always more exciting than just staring at something. Still a cool spot to stop if you are into learning about history or just seeing things with your own eyes over seeing things in text books. To enter is free, but if you're coming by car you do need to pay a parking fee of $10. They have a book store and gift shop on site to purchase gifts. Overall, I'm glad we came here on our route to Yellowstone. read more

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Mount Rushmore even on a foggy and drizzly day was a breathtaking experience. The Park Service Rangers, Staff and other employees were both friendly and knowledgeable. If you go this summer, try the Thomas Jefferson vanilla ice cream, said to have been made from his own recipe. The scope and scale of this landmark is one to be experienced in person. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Mount Rushmore - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

Proud to be an American! That's how you feel as soon as you walk in see all the state flags and the Monument in the distant. So beautiful. You go down a level to visit the Visitors Center to watch an amazing movie in a clean and comfortable theater. As well as a museum explaining how the monument was built. My husband and I walked the presidential trail which also took you much closer to monument. They labeled the trail strenuous due to amount of stairs taking you down then you have to climb up. (425 to be exact). I did have some trouble, but I made it. We then went for ice cream which was a nice treat. Finally, we stayed for the lighting ceremony which occurred at 8;00 pm. It's so beautiful at night all lit up. A must see. read more

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It's been a dream of mine to come here ever since I was 8 years old. I'm in my 50's now and that dream finally came true. We tried several times to see it but never could due to fog but the third time was a charm! We went during the day and at night. I advise both if you can! It made me have all the feels and I got teary eyed. The evening ceremony is beautiful and when they light it up it's pure magic. Do the Presidential trail but start left if you or someone in your party can't do a lot of stairs. Someone tipped us off on that since by hubby has 2 broken vertebrae in his back. He was able to do that trail going left. Also get the Thomas Jefferson vanilla ice cream it really was delicious! They give you 2 scoops so we shared and also got the salted caramel ice cream for the second scoop. read more

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The site is amazing. If you can, stay for the lighting of the monument; it's beautiful and breathtaking. They used to gradually light the faces (I visited 20 years ago). This time, they just flipped the switch. I hope they go back to doing it slowly. The staff is great. Nice and friendly (and so international!). read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Before the lighting of the monument ceremony. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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Truly inspiring! We visited the memorial in the evening for the lighting up show. It was a most wonderful experience! The opening dialog of landscape by the Park Ranger was interesting. The rest of the show explains each President carved on the mountain was wonderful! When the lights finally came on and lit up the Monument it was absolutely breathtaking! You can only see it with your own eyes to experience the same awe inspiring feeling I felt! As a young boy I have always wanted to see it in person, it was worth the 60+ years of waiting. I hope to be back again soon! read more

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Great place - make sure to stop by at nighttime for a new experience and a different perspective on the entire thing read more

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I had the misconception that the faces were in the distance when you entered the park. Actually, once you are through the gate the faces are right there. In these divisive times it was a pleasure to be in a place where we could all be Americans and salute men who were absolutely role models. read more

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**June 2025: Monday Late Morning Visit** You can't go to South Dakota and not visit Mount Rushmore. ISo, obviously my friend and I drove to Keystone to see the Presidents in person. Parking was $10 a vehicle, but free admission. There is a gift shop near the beginning of the attraction, but everything was definitely at a premium. There are flags and plaques of all 50 states before you see the presidents which was really cool and I spent a lot of time taking selfies with all the states that I visited. There are at least two levels where you can take photos head on of the presidents. If you choose to walk the loop to see different angles of the heads be sure to take the path on the left side (versus right) if you're facing the presidents. Otherwise it'll be a mostly uphill hike. There are two areas where you can learn more about the the creation of Mount Rushmore and at least during my visit there were large photo frames with different message that you could use for your solo or group photos. I think my friend and I spent about 2-3 hours here since we were taking a TON of photos What I didn't know was there's an Evening Lighting Ceremony during summer months (May-September) and we missed it D': I guess that just means I'll have to come back! read more

Price to get in is only $10. Can't beat that! There's a nice trail walk about a half mile long that gives you some more history and good views. The sculptor's studio showed some neat scaled down models too, and to see what details they had to leave off. Most entertaining was the movie in the theater. It's about 30 minutes long and gives you great history on the project's conceptions, enactment, and why it didn't get finished. We tried the ice cream too which was good (but expensive), but the Thomas Jefferson original ice cream flavor was sold out! They have a cool gift shop too with lots of unique stuff. A must see for all Americans! read more

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Mount Rushmore is the state's top tourist attraction and a recognized symbol. Walking toward the monument, there are state flags on either side of the wide walkway. It wasn't too crowded going in April. The downside is that the Presidential Trail was closed. It's $10 for parking. * U.S. National Register of Historic Places read more

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I arrived here later in the day closer towards sunset and the lighting on the monument wasn't very good. I think even if I had come in the middle of the day, I probably wouldn't have given this more than three stars. It's just okay. You pay your $10 to park, walk up some steps and there is a walkway with the flags of each state. It is only partially dog friendly because you have to leave your dog back behind the walkway. There are restrooms and a cafe and a gift shop. There is also some information about the sculptor, I don't think you could spend more than 30 minutes here, but it's kind of a bucket list thing so now I have checked it off. read more

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One more check on my bucket list!! I recently had to take a cross country trip from Norcal to DC so I was able to stop by. Military families get free parking so it costs nothing to see this magnificent monument. You can see all the state flags leading up to the monument. We spent about 30min or so. If you stop by gift shop and stuff, maybe you need an hour. It is unfortunate they don't allow dogs...so I had to find a dog boarding while visiting the area. But I understand why and that's how they maintain this park so spotless. I would not go all the way to Rapid City and Keystone just for Mt. Rushmore, but it is definitely worth taking a bit of detour if you are on the way to somewhere else. read more

The figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are carved into the mountain for over two million people annually to gawk at. Even though I visited at the shoulder season, it was still very busy. This marks the third time I have visited, and it's so weird; the first two times I visited, I thought that the statues were really small, but this last time I visited they were much larger than I remembered! Funny how time plays tricks on memory. Anyways, I appreciated the exhibits at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, although a lot of it went over the sculptor and his family, which I wasn't really interested in. There's also a film being shown about the carving of Mount Rushmore, and also a gift shop. Of course, I had to try the vanilla ice cream based off of Thomas Jefferson's recipe (the version sold in the restaurant does not have eggs). It's made by Pride Dairy, located in Bottineau, North Dakota. Thomas Jefferson served his ice cream to visiting diplomats and dignitaries, and it's fun to close your eyes to savor the ice cream and pretend you're someone super important. To walk off the calories, walk the Presidential Trail to get up close to the statue, although don't go off the trail or else the cameras and motion detectors will set off and you'll get in trouble! read more

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I am updating my review because I have to admit that going to Mount Rushmore meant "seeing four dudes carved into a mountain" for me and it meant little more to me before coming to South Dakota. I also didn't know much about the history of South Dakota before coming here. While in South Dakota and afterwards, I learned more and this has shaped how conflicted I feel about Mount Rushmore and what it stands for. For example, Abraham Lincoln has a mixed legacy that I feel is not talked about enough. He is known for the Emancipation Proclimation where he declared enslaved people were to be "thenceforward, and forever free" in 1863. I have always been taught how progressive he was in school growing up. What I didn't learn was that how detrimental he was to the progress of Native Americans/Indigenous people. Abraham Lincoln approved the hanging of 38 Dakota men following the U.S. Dakota War of 1862. The U.S. Dakota War was a 6 week conflict that began when the U.S. government failed to deliver food and supplies promised to the Dakota people in exchange for land. This public hanging approved by Abraham Lincoln was the largest mass execution in U.S. history and approximately 4,000 spectators witnessed this event. So while there was progress with one group, he was detrimental to another and it really made me question who we hold up as leaders and why we carve them into the hillside because they are not people we should look up to. Before coming to South Dakota, I was ignorant to other things related to Native Americans as well. I learned that bison were near extinction at some point in our history and this was because the US military encouraged the mass killing of bison to suppress Native American resistance to westward expansion by removing their primary food source and forcing tribes onto reservations. Visiting South Dakota made me appreciate the sacred land we are on and want to visit places like Mount Rushmore even less because of what it represents within me, a conflicted heart, and a questioning of our past leaders, and a caution in who we hold up or carve into a mountain. read more

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I ran across this Yelp site, noticed I had not reviewed, and decided to add my photos. They're the same as everyone else's day time photos lol. From the other photos, seeing this impressive monument in the evening must be spectacular, but we did not experience that. Seeing this awesome monument is something everyone should endeavor to do at least once in their lives, as it is so grand and American. It's also timeless - my photos could have been taken anytime between 1942 and now, and you wouldn't know when unless you happened upon the wardrobes of the tourists. The monument also reminds me of the climax of Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 classic thriller North by Northwest, though those scenes actually weren't filmed here but rather in an elaborate and realistic LA studio set. It's worth experiencing both scenarios (the movie and the actual monument) in either order but the movie will never replace an actual visit here. read more

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Some of the coolest park Rangers I've met. Clean, a parking garage costing $10. The ticket can be used repeatedly for one year. No entrance fee. The gift shop was overpriced but the mugs were very aesthetic and standard price. The presidents were very neat to see. Beautiful but one cannot forget that these were built on native American land. An acknowledgement at the front of the park feels missing and crucial. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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Amazing experience. The craftsmanship is remarkable up close, with the scale and detail of the sculptures creating a sense of awe. The surrounding landscape of pine-covered hills and rocky slopes adds a peaceful, majestic backdrop. It's a place where history feels alive and pride stirs naturally. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or road trip enthusiast, Mount Rushmore is a must-visit American landmark. read more

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It's on a lot of people's bucket list--so here we go, bucket list item complete! Mount Rushmore is such a neat place, nestled in the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota. Honestly, the drive alone is worth the trip! It's a fun spot to walk around, take in the views, and snap some great photos. A bonus for military families: parking is free with a valid military ID. Whether you're checking it off your list or just looking for a beautiful place to explore, Mount Rushmore is absolutely worth a visit. read more

Mount Rushmore is just a quick 35-minute drive from our hotel, traveling at around 55-65 mph. The drive itself is beautiful, passing by Bear Country and the Reptile Gardens. Upon arrival, parking for cars is $10.00. There is a discount available for seniors and military members, but otherwise, there's no entrance fee. Normally, the elevators provide access to the trails, but due to the government shutdown, the trails were not accessible for wheelchairs during our visit. We made our way to the marketplace for some ice cream, which was delicious. Overall, we had a great time visiting Mount Rushmore! read more

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Mount Rushmore on July 4th [Keystone SD] We spent July 4th at Mount Rushmore. We came and spent the latter part of the day to experience the festivities and ceremonies that day. During the scheduled events we were able to experience the Evening Lighting Ceremony which began at 9:00p Before that were The United States Air Force Band playing patriotic music from 7:10p to 9:00p at the amphitheatre stage... during that time we walked the entire loop of the Presidential Trail which was 0.6 miles. It was much easier to stroll ten years ago during our first visit here and the 425 stairs were a breeze... it took us a bit longer to complete this time with our not-so-young years anymore LoL! and we were able to see inside the Sculpture Studio. Seeing the illumination of the sculpture at night while playing the national anthem was the highlight of our visit. Can't think of a more patriotic place to be than Mount Rushmore on Independence Day. Review #0195 updated read more

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A beautiful drive up to Mt Rushmore. You have to pay to park. They have parking pay stations everywhere. All the exhibits are great and informative. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

So amazing to see it in person! Your parking pass does get you in for a year - if you keep track of it ;). Make sure to head there at least a couple of hours before the exhibit center and stuff close. Seeing it at night as well as during the day is a good idea. It is cool lit up. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Mount Rushmore - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore is undeniably impressive to see in person--the size, detail, and history of the carving are remarkable. However, during my visit on October 1, 2025, there really wasn't much to do beyond simply viewing the monument. The visitor center and other amenities seemed closed, which may have been due to the government shutdown happening at the time. While the sight itself is worth experiencing at least once, the lack of open exhibits or activities made the visit feel shorter and less engaging than expected. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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What a fantastic experience. We got there at 8:45 pm and they do the ceremony at 9 (spring & summer) with the lighting at about 9:35. They then conclude with honoring veterans and military. Very moving and special. read more

Go early and there is a lot parking available, We traveled with our little Yorkie so there is parking garage too. Views of Mount Rushmore is amazing just like the movies. Highly recommended! read more

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Great place to visit. Loved it. Very patriotic feel. Entrance if free but there is a $10 parking fee. I recommend the nightly lighting ceremony. Well worth it if you are a Patriot. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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This place was so cool! I'm glad we were able to take the kids here with our RV. We had no problem finding parking and were able to have enough space with our RV. Came here over spring break and it was awesome! Happy to see all the states flags and just the entrance to the rock formation was so cool! The kids had a great time and I know they are going to remember this years to come. read more

I mean... duh. It's amazing and totally awe-inspiring. Be sure to do the entire Presidential Trail and visit the museum near the amphitheater. Very interesting. Plus, you can push buttons to blow up the mountain. read more

I had this visit to Mount Rushmore in the top 5 of my bucket list for a while now. I had been told by a few others it was small and unimpressive. Well, IMO that couldn't be farther from the truth. It was remarkable. We drove up to see it from the south on Iron Mountain Road. If you do anything do that. The first glimpse of Mount Rushmore was exiting one of the single lane tunnels. It was FABULOUS. I have a video and it does it no justice. We visited on Memorial Day and the crowds were light. We had amazing parking and photo opportunities the entire stop. Take the Presidential Trail for close views. It is a lot of stairs so be forewarned. It's a big circle so you can start from either side. read more

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Memorial was great to see and the Presidential trail is worth the short just under 1 mile hike if your up for it. Forewarn that your NPS Annual Pass won't work at the gate and you'll have to pay to park in the garages. read more

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We had a great time, so historical and powerful. Great walking trail and views. Welcome center was very helpful. Thanks for appreciating veterans and active duty military. read more

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Review Visit: July 25th, 2015 Taking a selfie with a presidential selfie! The final stop on my family 2-week cross country trip and what a stop it was. Never thought I would actually get to see this national landmark in person! But here we are, writing a blog and reflecting back on our visit there. If you are a United States citizen, no doubt you have seen many photos of Mount Rushmore in textbooks, school books, media and post cards. So to actually get to see a National Landmark that you've seen many times in books and on TV is awesome. Ok, on to what I thought of Mount Rushmore. First off, per any national place, it took awhile to get to a parking spot since there was a decent line. But once you pay the $10 (as of 2015), you get a parking pass that allows you to visit anytime for the rest of the year for free! It's nice to not be nickle and dimed at a popular place. Secondly, for it being busy, it never really felt crowded, due to the sheer size of the place and how open it was. It was about as busy as you could imagine, but it was never too crowded to ruin the experience. The main area is really nice. There is a nice sized observational area to view the memorial. There is a gift shop with tons of cool stuff inside. Beyond and below the observational area, there seemed to be some kind of theater/stage area where they might put on shows? It was closed when we went, so I don't have any more information on that. There also seemed to be trails that one can walk around if time allows. My dad came here back in the 70's and talked about how you had free reign to really walk around and enjoy the place. With how life and society is these days, they may have curtailed how much is open to the public. Sadly, if you don't get to do all the other stuff the place offers, the overall experience is kind of like... "This is awesome!.... now what". I really had a great time there but since we only looked at the Memorial and browsed the Gift Shop, the experience was exciting but lacking a bit. I would LOVE to go back some day. Get to really explore what else they offer there. Maybe go on the hikes around the area and see how close one can really get to the presidents. read more

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