Mount Rushmore Activities and Programs

Evening Lighting Ceremony
This program consists of a brief ranger talk, the “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy” film and the lighting of the sculpture as the audience sings the National Anthem. Military and veterans may participate in a flag-folding ceremony. The lighting ceremony is held in the amphitheater May-August and in September nightly. From October-April the sculpture is illuminated at dusk without a formal program.

Avenue of Flags
On the way the Grand View Terrace, the Avenue of Flags displays flags of all 50 states, territories, commonwealths and one district of the United Sates.

Presidential Trail
A ½-mile loop trail that begins directly off the Grand View Terrace. The first ¼ mile is wheelchair accessible to the base of the mountain. Here visitors have spectacular close-up views of the faces. The trail continues down a series of stairs to the Sculptor’s Studio and climbs to complete the loop at the Grand View Terrace. Open year-round, weather permitting.

Lakota, Nakota, Dakota Heritage Village
Explore the history of the Black Hills and the American Indian tribes who have populated this land for thousands of years. Located along the first section of the Presidential Trail, this area highlights the customs and traditions of local American Indian communities.

Sculptor's Studio Talk
Learn about the tools and techniques used in the carving of the mountain sculpture. Talks include stories from the workers, demonstrations of the tools and the artist's working model. Programs are offered frequently each day throughout the summer months. (Schedule will be posted at the Information Center, Studio and Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center).

View Wildlife and Wildflowers
Animals commonly seen at the Memorial are mountain goats, marmots, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits and deer. There are many different species of wildflowers that bloom along the walking paths in the park.

The Mount Rushmore Audio Tour
This award-winning tour offers visitors a different experience at the park and a chance to learn about its history. The Mount Rushmore Audio Tour: Living Memorial is a recorded guide incorporating narration, music, interviews, sound effects and historic recordings of Gutzon Borglum, Lincoln Borglum, Mary Eillis Borglum Vhay and several workers. This lightweight, handheld wand allows visitors to listen to the self-guided tour while touring the park or just sitting. The entire tour can take two hours, but visitors can choose to listen to portions as time allows. The tour and accompanying brochure and map are translated into Spanish, German and Lakota. The tour is available for $5 in the Audio Tour building during the summer and in the Mount Rushmore History Association Bookstore in the winter.

Buy Mount Rushmore Memorial Parking Passes