Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Get Directions

Website

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, featuring the faces of four U.S. Presidents carved into the rugged granite mountainside in the Black Hills of South Dakota. A trip to this historic and awe-inspiring monument is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

Things to See & Do

Explore the numerous attractions and events in the area, such as the Presidential Trail, the Sculptor's Studio, and the evening Night Lighting Ceremony.

The Sculpture

Learn about the creation of the massive sculpture and the challenges that faced sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his team during its construction.

History

Discover the rich and fascinating history behind the monument and the presidents that it honors, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Ranger Programs

Join a ranger program to learn even more about the history and significance of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is not only a national treasure but a symbol of American culture and history. Plan your visit today and experience this magnificent work of art for yourself!

Experience Mount Rushmore

Here Are The Top 10 Things You Need To Do At Mount Rushmore

If you are one of the roughly 2.5 million people traveling from around the world to experience the wonder of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, be sure to add these top ten things to see and do to your list.

Mount Rushmore historical construction photo by Rise Studios

The concept of Mount Rushmore dates back to 1923 when South Dakota State Historian Doane Robinson who had the original idea for Mount Rushmore. Known as the “Father of Mount Rushmore,” Robinson’s motivation was to create a monumental attraction in the Black Hills of South Dakota that would bring tourists from all over the country. His original idea was of a large-scale sculpture of Indian leaders and key early American explorers who helped discover the frontier.

When he reached out to artist Gutzon Borglum in 1924, it was Borglum’s idea to honor four great presidents instrumental in America’s early existence, along with a brief history of the country on an adjoining tablet. Borglum also envisioned his work as being the perfect place to store and preserve key documents and early-American artifacts, like the Declaration of Independence, in a Hall of Records to be built behind the faces.

The original plan was to carve in granite pillars known as the Needles. However, Borglum realized that the eroded Needles were too thin to support sculpting. He chose Mount Rushmore (named in 1885 for New York lawyer Charles Rushmore) because it had suitable stone for carving and faced southeast with maximum exposure to the sun. Borglum said upon seeing Mount Rushmore, "America will march along that skyline."

With a site and plans made, funding for the project was the last mountain to climb. Through the efforts of Robinson, Senator Peter Norbeck, Congressman William Williamson and local businessman John Boland, 85% of the project was funded by Congress. The total cost of the project was $989,992.32.

Work officially began on Mount Rushmore on October 4, 1927, and it took just under three years to finish George Washington’s face, which was dedicated on July 4, 1930. Thomas Jefferson was the next completed, with a dedication on August 30, 1939. The Abraham Lincoln figure was dedicated on September 17, 1937, and the Teddy Roosevelt figure was dedicated was on July 2, 1939.

Unfortunately, Gutzon Borglum died on March 6, 1941, and Gutzon’s son, Lincoln Borglum, finished supervising work on the mountain until October 31, 1941.

Hours:

5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial facilities are open year-round, seven days a week, with December 25 being the exception. On December 25th, weather permitting, the parking structure and grounds remain open, but all buildings are closed.

For more information and current hours, see the memorial's operating hours here.

Fees:

You will not have to pay an entrance fee to visit Mount Rushmore National Monument, but there are parking fees.

Current Parking Fees

The National Park Annual Park Pass, Federal interagency, military, senior and access passes are not accepted as Federal funding was not used in the building of the parking garage.

Purchase Parking Permit

Directions:

Visitors traveling on I-90 should exit at Rapid City and follow 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.