Mount Rushmore National Memorial
National Memorial ยท South Dakota
NPS Photo
Mountain with U.S. presidential sculptures
The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a national memorial centered on a colossal sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills near Keystone, South Dakota, United States. The sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, named it the Shrine of Democracy, and oversaw the execution from 1927 to 1941 with the help of his son, Lincoln Borglum. The sculpture features 60-foot-tall (18ย m) depictions of the heads of four United States presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, respectively chosen to represent the nation's foundation, expansion, development, and preservation. Mount Rushmore attracts more than two million visitors annually to the memorial park which covers 1,278 acres. The mountain's elevation is 5,725 feet (1,745ย m) above sea level.
About Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Mount Rushmore grounds - early March through September 30
Weather permitting, the grounds at Mount Rushmore are open every day of the year. The Information Center, Visitor Center, Gift Shop and Carvers' Cafe are open every day except December 25th.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
Popular activities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial include: Food, Dining, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Junior Ranger Program, Park Film, Museum Exhibits, Shopping.
What is the weather like at Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
Weather at Mount Rushmore can be highly variable in any season. Summer high temperatures range from 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall high temperatures range from 45 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter high temperatures range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring high temperatures range from 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, July and August are the warmest months and January and February are the coldest. March and April receive the most snow, while May and June receive the most rain.
How do I get to Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
Visitors traveling by car from the East use Exit 61 off I-90 and follow the signs for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Coming from the West use exit 57 exit at Rapid City and follow U.S. Highway 16 southwest to Keystone and then Highway 244 to Mount Rushmore. Visitors coming from the south should follow Highway 385 north to Highway 244, which is the road leading to the Memorial.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Weather at Mount Rushmore can be highly variable in any season. Summer high temperatures range from 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall high temperatures range from 45 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter high temperatures range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring high temperatures range from 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, July and August are the warmest months and January and February are the coldest. March and April receive the most snow, while May and June receive the most rain.
Directions
Visitors traveling by car from the East use Exit 61 off I-90 and follow the signs for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Coming from the West use exit 57 exit at Rapid City and follow U.S. Highway 16 southwest to Keystone and then Highway 244 to Mount Rushmore. Visitors coming from the south should follow Highway 385 north to Highway 244, which is the road leading to the Memorial.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in South Dakota
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