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We visited the park Monday. Park is beautiful but based on your parking employees inability to speak English (not talking Spanish), it makes sense that Thune is from SD. Very sad!!
We've been before, this time we came for the night show and lighting of the monument. The rangers speech and the video were both great! I read online you should come 1-2 hours early if you want a seat, at least at the end of may that was to early, 30-45 minutes early would be plenty. The park is very clean, the parking garage was easy in and easy out. And the gift shop has nice things not all cheesy stuff.
Seeing the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln up close is already wild, but walking 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.
Through winding roads where the buffalo roam sit four great men. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt. I've made the trip to this great National Park twice in my life. Once has a child and again in my early forties. What a great experience. An absolute national treasure that in my opinion should be viewed by everyone at least once. You can spend as long as you want there but an hour and a half is plenty of time to catch stunning views and photos. First , the park has been greatly improved since I went as a child. There are now pathways where you can feel each individual president clearly in unobstructed. We did our own self guided tour and had a great time. EnJoyed , some ice cream on the way out and don't forget to stop in the gift shop for some marvelous momentos.
Mount Rushmore genuinely surprised me -- and I don't say that easily. Growing up, I watched Richie Rich (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.
So, Mount Rushmore has achieved it's purpose, to attract people to the region. But on our way here, we have seen much greater and much more purposeful art and sculpture, which makes it pale in comparison. I've paid more than the $10 parking fee it will cost you here but art for the sake of tourism is as eroded as this piece will someday be. They also say it's pet friendly, but just on the stairs out front. As soon as you reach the entry arch they are no longer welcome and if you're interested you cannot see the mountain from there so, it is not dog friendly. If it's on your bucket list, see it. The state flags seem to inspire more interest and delight from what I witnessed. Even during the government shutdown they made sure to keep the gift shop staffed though, in the true spirit of this entire place.
What a treat to see Mt. Rushmore! It's about a 30 min drive from rapid city- the drive up was gorgeous. Seeing the monument itself is free but you do have to pay $10 for parking- the cool thing is though is that your parking ticket is valid for 1 year. I thought that was pretty awesome and convenient. The monument itself is beautiful. It's pretty mesmerizing to actually see it in person. If you're ever in the area it's a must see!
It's is touristy as you'll expect, but on a motorcycle trip through S.D. you know I just had to stop. The ride up here was beautiful, with plenty of deer and even a bison that I stopped to watch cross the road about fifty feet away from me. I rolled the bike back another twenty feet from that one having seen all the videos on the internet of people trying to pet the big fuzzy cows ending poorly. There are plenty of places to stop for pictures and lots of tunnels through the mountains to drive through. The monument was just as impressive, and I had to wonder just how and why they picked this particular mountain to carve into and how they knew when to call it quits. I'ld have constantly been trying to make it just a little more detailed and would never have been finished. Of course I hit the gift shop, which was extensive, and dropped some cash for stuff I don't need but couldn't live without. The weather all week has been hit and miss with rain but fortunately it held off long enough for me to get some good pictures while I was here. The cost to get in on a bike was ten bucks which was well worth it.
My third time here. This time 45 of us arrived for lunch with our tour. We did a mile hike up & down steps viewing the monument from all different angles. The smell of the Ponderosa pines was invigorating.
This is a very pretty area of the country. A big museum in the park tells all about the artist, the process, changes made along the way. But nothing about 'why' it was even done! So I asked a Ranger. Seems a local businessman wanted to attract touristst to the area. He envisioned a mountain monument of wild west figures along the highway to entice travelers to stop. He raised money, hired the artist, gave him full power to 'have at it' and the artist switched everything up. No wild west personalities and a different location. If we had more time I would definitely hike this area. It's beautiful. Although there is no entry fee, parking is $10/car. Seniors and active military pay $5. There is an information desk and gift shop up a set of steps and through an archway. You can stamp your National Park passport here. Through another archway is another gift shop and a row of state and territory flags. Through another archway you see the mountain, unimpeded by structures, from a viewing platform. Down a set of steps from the viewing platform is an ampitheatre, museum, another information desk and gift shop. A pathway from the upper viewing platform leads to the artists studio. This is really a quick side trip. If you want to see the mountain without paying to park or seekng the museum there is a good view from the road just before the park entrance. There is a 'lay-by' or 'pull-off' area there for a few vehicles.
Iconic Americana - crossing off a bucket list item! Parking is $10 and ticket is valid for one year, so if you go in the morning, you can go back at night for the lighting and night views. I suggest going in the morning when they first open so that it's less crowded and you get some good photos without too much crowd. Come with the right expectations and you won't be disappointed - mostly a photo op of the most iconic American landmark! Take an easy stroll along the Presidential Trail for different angles of the monument and various viewing points that highlight each president, visit the Sculptor's Studio and see the model and some tools used in sculpting the monument, and mid-morning you might even find some dancers from the Sioux and Dakota tribes at the Grand View Terrace area!
4.5 stars We came to SD just to see Mt Rushmore! Well worth the drive. Parking is easy. We didn't visit the visitor's center, the gift shop, or the ice cream shop, but did spend about half hour there. The craftsmanship is amazing. 2024 #59
It is a must in South Dakota . So much history in building the monument. The Presidential trail was good. Less than a mile hike. The sculptor museum the theater were very educational. The weather was great today blue sky and breezy. Don't forget to have the Thomas Jefferson vanilla ice cream to die for
I went there on. Monday, arrived at 2:00 pm parking lot is easy to pay at the kiosk near the entrance. There is also an audio tour available. There is a long stairway upwards first to see the Sculpture Station before they closed at 4:00. Inside the station is very nice. Up towards there are four separate small biography of those Presidents. After going around, we went to the building with a gift shop, exhibit and theater with a short informative video. Then to the food court which the one in middle was only one open tried the bison burger and fries. Not worth $20.00 but was decent. They close all at 8:00pm The lighting ceremony was very interesting and amazing. Wishing everyone around would be quiet. It was overall great and very informative! read more
This was an awesome trip! Even though we drove far, it was well worth it! Make sure you do the presidential trail to get up closer to the monument and see the studio where they have a replica of how the monument should be. Easy parking and you will have in and out privilege so you can come back night time to see the lighting of the monument which is highly recommended. Lots of mosquitoes though so be prepared and wear some mosquito repellent. read more
Dattebayo! *slurps ramen* All future hokage must visit Mt Rushmore at least once. It's a rite of passage. I love how NPS laid out Avenue of Flags as a way to gradually approach the exciting national monument on foot as you grab many patriotic photos with your loved ones. Pleasant huge seating area to relax and soak in the magnificent views of the brilliantly sculpted stone faces. Also love the 1-km protected trail with ups and downs as you catch various angles of the visages. There's also a museum to learn more about the history of the planning and construction of these countenances. $10 parking. Visiting Mt Rushmore was an elating experience. Believe it! read more
We've been before, this time we came for the night show and lighting of the monument. The rangers speech and the video were both great! I read online you should come 1-2 hours early if you want a seat, at least at the end of may that was to early, 30-45 minutes early would be plenty. The park is very clean, the parking garage was easy in and easy out. And the gift shop has nice things not all cheesy stuff. read more
Seeing the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln up close is already wild, but walking 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. read more
Through winding roads where the buffalo roam sit four great men. Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt. I've made the trip to this great National Park twice in my life. Once has a child and again in my early forties. What a great experience. An absolute national treasure that in my opinion should be viewed by everyone at least once. You can spend as long as you want there but an hour and a half is plenty of time to catch stunning views and photos. First , the park has been greatly improved since I went as a child. There are now pathways where you can feel each individual president clearly in unobstructed. We did our own self guided tour and had a great time. EnJoyed , some ice cream on the way out and don't forget to stop in the gift shop for some marvelous momentos. read more
5 months ago
Mount Rushmore genuinely surprised me -- and I don't say that easily. Growing up, I watched Richie Rich (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. read more
So, Mount Rushmore has achieved it's purpose, to attract people to the region. But on our way here, we have seen much greater and much more purposeful art and sculpture, which makes it pale in comparison. I've paid more than the $10 parking fee it will cost you here but art for the sake of tourism is as eroded as this piece will someday be. They also say it's pet friendly, but just on the stairs out front. As soon as you reach the entry arch they are no longer welcome and if you're interested you cannot see the mountain from there so, it is not dog friendly. If it's on your bucket list, see it. The state flags seem to inspire more interest and delight from what I witnessed. Even during the government shutdown they made sure to keep the gift shop staffed though, in the true spirit of this entire place. read more
What a treat to see Mt. Rushmore! It's about a 30 min drive from rapid city- the drive up was gorgeous. Seeing the monument itself is free but you do have to pay $10 for parking- the cool thing is though is that your parking ticket is valid for 1 year. I thought that was pretty awesome and convenient. The monument itself is beautiful. It's pretty mesmerizing to actually see it in person. If you're ever in the area it's a must see! read more
It's is touristy as you'll expect, but on a motorcycle trip through S.D. you know I just had to stop. The ride up here was beautiful, with plenty of deer and even a bison that I stopped to watch cross the road about fifty feet away from me. I rolled the bike back another twenty feet from that one having seen all the videos on the internet of people trying to pet the big fuzzy cows ending poorly. There are plenty of places to stop for pictures and lots of tunnels through the mountains to drive through. The monument was just as impressive, and I had to wonder just how and why they picked this particular mountain to carve into and how they knew when to call it quits. I'ld have constantly been trying to make it just a little more detailed and would never have been finished. Of course I hit the gift shop, which was extensive, and dropped some cash for stuff I don't need but couldn't live without. The weather all week has been hit and miss with rain but fortunately it held off long enough for me to get some good pictures while I was here. The cost to get in on a bike was ten bucks which was well worth it. read more
This is a very pretty area of the country. A big museum in the park tells all about the artist, the process, changes made along the way. But nothing about 'why' it was even done! So I asked a Ranger. Seems a local businessman wanted to attract touristst to the area. He envisioned a mountain monument of wild west figures along the highway to entice travelers to stop. He raised money, hired the artist, gave him full power to 'have at it' and the artist switched everything up. No wild west personalities and a different location. If we had more time I would definitely hike this area. It's beautiful. Although there is no entry fee, parking is $10/car. Seniors and active military pay $5. There is an information desk and gift shop up a set of steps and through an archway. You can stamp your National Park passport here. Through another archway is another gift shop and a row of state and territory flags. Through another archway you see the mountain, unimpeded by structures, from a viewing platform. Down a set of steps from the viewing platform is an ampitheatre, museum, another information desk and gift shop. A pathway from the upper viewing platform leads to the artists studio. This is really a quick side trip. If you want to see the mountain without paying to park or seekng the museum there is a good view from the road just before the park entrance. There is a 'lay-by' or 'pull-off' area there for a few vehicles. read more
1 year ago
Iconic Americana - crossing off a bucket list item! Parking is $10 and ticket is valid for one year, so if you go in the morning, you can go back at night for the lighting and night views. I suggest going in the morning when they first open so that it's less crowded and you get some good photos without too much crowd. Come with the right expectations and you won't be disappointed - mostly a photo op of the most iconic American landmark! Take an easy stroll along the Presidential Trail for different angles of the monument and various viewing points that highlight each president, visit the Sculptor's Studio and see the model and some tools used in sculpting the monument, and mid-morning you might even find some dancers from the Sioux and Dakota tribes at the Grand View Terrace area! read more
4.5 stars We came to SD just to see Mt Rushmore! Well worth the drive. Parking is easy. We didn't visit the visitor's center, the gift shop, or the ice cream shop, but did spend about half hour there. The craftsmanship is amazing. 2024 #59 read more
2 years ago
It is a must in South Dakota . So much history in building the monument. The Presidential trail was good. Less than a mile hike. The sculptor museum the theater were very educational. The weather was great today blue sky and breezy. Don't forget to have the Thomas Jefferson vanilla ice cream to die for read more
2 years ago
This is one of my favorite places to visit time and time again. We usually go every year when we're out in the Black hills and they always add new and amazing things at each year. Does your mistake for the speech and even presentation and I have to say the order was amazing starting at 9:00 p.m. A booming speech that echoes off the mountains and the faces of the presidents reminded me of something that you might see an ancient Rome before a battle or something it was amazing. Spend some time to take the trail walk around the base of the mountain and learn all about the history of how this was created and all the men who created this amazing piece of History. read more
1 year ago
What an amazing place. So very cool together to see this national landmark in person. Iconic andthe history wasvery cool to learn read more
2 years ago
I got here around 7:40 a.m. in early April (4/5/24) and sent about an hour here. I saw about 15 other people while there, that did not work there. It was EMPTY, which was great. I didn't have to fight for a good view, because when I was on the Presidential trail, I was the only one there. I never thought that I would ever be able to see Mt. Rushmore in person. I am so glad that I was able to do so. It is so massive. Sometimes, I wonder what it would look like if they hadn't run out of money. Though, I love it as it is. I was hoping to have some of Thomas Jefferson's ice cream, even early in the morning and while it was cold out side (44 degrees and windy!), but the cafe was not open, even though it was supposed to be. I didn't get to see any of the museums either, because I didn't know where they were. I still enjoyed my time! read more
I love Mt Rushmore! I can stare at it all day! Whether or not you are patriotic (I am), you can't help but be amazed at the process and skill needed, at the time, to complete this project. No drones, no fancy air tools, no computers. Just hard work, dedication, skill and mathematics! They have a video that plays in one of the theaters that explains the process. There's a mile long trail that runs from the top of the viewing theater, along the bottom of the mountain where you get different views of the faces and back up to where you started. The Rangers are very helpful if you cant find your way around. Don't forget to catch the evening show. read more
1 year ago
An American icon. Happy to see other Americans visiting the site. Entry is free but parking is 10 dollars per vehicle. Active military is free. 62 or older is 5 dollars read more
Went with family and friends, and this was one of their top bucket lists. We went before Memorial Day weekend to avoid the crowds. Parking was $10 and good for a year. The park has elevators and bathrooms for handicapped and / or strollers. Bathrooms at the beginning of the entrance. Easy level walking at this park. You can take an elevator from the parking area and after flags to see the lower area. You will see several trails as well. Great experience and paid no fee to enter besides parking. Would have liked to visit at night but timing did not work out for us. I'm so glad we were able to see this. read more
2 years ago
Tremendous experience with great history. We went to the evening lighting ceremony. Felt proud to be an American and seeing the memorial lit up at night was amazing read more
4 years ago
Breath taking! I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful sky to view this monument. This history of this place is so rich and inspiring, I was in tears listening to it through my handheld audio device. The rental for which was $6, you just click the corresponding number and hear the interesting facts about this sacred place. You will pay $10 parking but there's no entry fee. That fee covers you for the year, just keep the ticket and scan it upon re-entry. The parking lots have a digital counter to let you know how many spaces are left on each level. Once you park, you walk up to the information/book center where there are restrooms and a booth to order a tour or purchase the rental of your audio device. We enjoyed reading the information on everything from workers wages for this project to facts about the sculptor himself (who was danish!). There's a trail you can take if your stomach doesn't start rumbling by the time you finish inside. But with the annual parking pass you could just leave and come back like we did. I will note that masks are required indoors, they provide disposable ones if you don't have any. There is an ice cream shop and a gift shop if you're in the mood for treats. I found some Indian teas, huckleberry gummis, chokecherry jelly beans and more! You HAVE to visit this site and take your time. Enjoy every moment of history, don't ever forget your roots :) read more
Absolutely beautiful experience and stunning views. We stopped at all the museums and listened to all the park rangers stories. We enjoyed the Native American area. The trail is beautiful with unique views of the monument. The kid truly enjoyed it. The restaurant is pricey but after a long walk it was worth it. It's very cheap to get in. Highly recommend this experience for all ages! read more
We've been here several times, at different times of the day, at different times of the year. This great monument never gets old, and there is no such thing as seeing it too many times. The one thing that I take away from being here might differ from the description that others see. I see this place as very peaceful. I also like the path that takes you closer to the actual mountain. It's only a mile maybe, but offers closer and different views. I especially liked the sliver in the rock look at George Washington. Make sure to make this part of your Black Hills itinerary at least once in your life. Cheers. read more
A granite mountain with a few faces, or a patriotic display of what America stands for? Let's say Mt Rushmore is both. The drive up via the Black Hills was gorgeous. Plenty of curves and lots of motorcyclists even on a weekday. The parking is $10 even for those with a national park pass, so plan accordingly. The visitor center has a nice design to it, and plenty of viewing space and three gift shops as well as a place to try Thomas Jefferson's original ice cream recipe. My favorite part was the row of 50 flags leading up to the faces. This trip made me see that most state flags are damn ugly, but some like Arizona and New Mexico have great state flags. The small museum definitely caters to patriotic fervor. You'll never feel less American walking through the halls. It's a cool spot and there is a ton of symbolism in every possible part of the complex. Overall, cool spot on your long roadtrip. read more
This an amazing National Memorial. A lot of history. We waited for the light show. Gift shop is very nice. Place is crowded but worth the view. Its fascinating to learn about the history of our presidents who had such diverse interests but had one common interest to grow our country. The light show is good. The ceremony of retreat is worth seeing. Highly recommend for everyone. read more
This was a bit of a disappointment of a visit, especially in comparison to all that the Crazy Horse Monument has to offer. The price of admission is a reasonable parking fee. I liked seeing each state flag represented as you approach the viewing platform. It was also pretty cool to find the Wisconsin flag waving as the closest to the viewing area. I've never been to Mt Rushmore before and I'm happy I can cross this one off the old bucket list. read more
1 year ago
Stunning! I remember hearing about this place back in middle school. It was unbelievable to finally come face to face with this impressive architecture. It's definitely a different experience seeing it in person vs in pictures. Learning about its history and the artist who created it was also a highlight. A few important things to note: -your ticket is good for a year, so you can come back as many times as you like all you gotta do Is scan your ticket this includes parking. - they have a night time lighting ceremony, A MUST if you have the opportunity to come back and see it at night time. -you must do the Presidential Trail they have which is only a half mile paved loop, wheelchair friendly trail. It provides different views of Mt. Rushmore along with historical information you can read and appreciate! You get a chance to get more up close and personal to monument There's plenty of parking and I recommend checking out this place during the day and at night, you won't regret it! read more
Family vacation 2021...bringing the California variant of COVID-19 to your city. A great place to stop and be patriotic with our greatest presidents faces carved in stone. We visited at night after the lighting ceremony had ended. Unfortunately, that meant that many people were leaving so it was hard to get into the parking structure. But, it was great as it was not crowded when we arrived. Lighting was adequate. They close at 11PM. I loved the walkway with the flags of the 50 states. It might be scenic with the Black Hills visible in the daytime. Mt. Rushmore was a great place to visit whether day or night. read more
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How much time should we allow this time of year to explore Mt Rushmore? Would 2 hours give us a little bit of history and a good look?
It all depends upon what you like to see & do. I was there this summer, and the visitors center was under renovation, and we were there about an hour & a half. That allowed ample viewing time from the platform and wandering the plaza, and seeing the…
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