Since its opening in 1941, Mount Rushmore has turned into an iconic landmark of America. Almost 2 million visitors from across the country and the world come to the Black Hills region of South Dakota every year to visit this National Memorial. This travel guide will show why you too should put it on your US bucket travel list. Furthermore, it is a very kid-friendly destination making for a perfect stop on any family vacation.
This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links are no extra charge to you, but I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. You can find the full policy here.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
History Behind Mount Rushmore
The idea behind Mount Rushmore is credited to historian Doane Robinson. Indeed, in 1923, he came up with the idea for Mount Rushmore to promote tourism in South Dakota. Originally, he wanted likenesses of American West heroes like Lewis and Clarke, Sacagawea, Crazy Horse and Buffalo Bill Cody among others, carved on granite pillars known as Needles. He persuaded sculptor Gutzon Borglum to travel to the Black Hills region to ensure the project could be accomplished. Borglum realized that the eroded Needles were too thin to support sculpting. Instead, he chose Mount Rushmore, a better and grander location. This new location faced southeast and would enjoy maximum exposure to the sun. Borglum also suggested carving Presidents instead of American West heroes.
Work on the project debuted in 1927. Borglum created the designs and oversaw the project’s execution with the help of his son, Lincoln Borglum. It took 400 workers 14 years (1927 to 1941) to finish it. They removed over 450,000 tons of rock using dynamite and jackhammers. The results were grandiose. The head carvings were approximately 60 feet tall. Each of their eyes is about 11 feet wide and their mouths are 18 feet wide. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln were chosen to represent the country’s birth, growth, development, and preservation.
Controversy
The creation of Mount Rushmore is not without its dose of controversy. The Black Hills are sacred land to the Lakota Sioux, the original occupants before the white settlers arrived. Despite a treaty in 1868 promising they could remain on the land, the Sioux were forced to relinquish it just a few years later when gold was discovered.
Already incensed at the government taking their sacred land, the Sioux also took insult at Mount Rushmore. Indeed, they see it as a celebration of American settlers who killed Native Americans and appropriated their land. In response, in 1939, Sioux Chief Henry Standing Bear instructed sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to carve the Crazy Horse Memorial as a memorial to the Sioux Nation. Construction started in 1948 and to this day, is still ongoing.
Interestingly enough, Crazy Horse Memorial is not without its own controversy within the Sioux Nation as some elders did not appreciate construction on their sacred land.
Kid-Friendly Activities at Mount Rushmore
Stop by the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
You can learn the history of Mount Rushmore through different exhibits and a 14-minute film describing its the creation as well as the different carving methods used. The Visitor Center is located below the Grand View Terrace.
Stroll the Avenue of Flags
The Avenue of Flags is the main pathway to the Memorial. It is flanked on both sides by the flags of all 50 states, territories, and commonwealths of the United States as well as the District of Columbia, all arranged in alphabetical order.
Participate in the Mount Rushmore Junior Ranger Program
Kids ages 3 and up can participate in the Junior Ranger program. The program is designed to educate children on the importance of preservation and history of Mount Rushmore while encouraging them to explore the outdoors. The activities are regrouped in booklets and they differ based on the kids ages: ages 3-4, 5 to 12, and 13 and up. Upon returning the completed activity booklet to the Visitor Center, kids earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Hike the President Trail
The Presidential Trail is a short 0.9 mile loop. At first flat, the paved trail will then take you up 422 stairs to viewing areas at the base of the mountain. You will be up close and personal with the sculptures. There are several landing areas complete with benches to stop and catch your breath. They also offer plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Visit the Sculptor’s Studio
This building was previously Gutzon Borglum’s on-site studio. It now houses different exhibits related to the carving process. In the summertime, you can find ranger talks and special children programs complete with hands-on activities. Check the Information Desk at the Visitor Center for specific dates and times.
Enjoy the Evening Lighting Ceremony
From late May to late September, Mount Rushmore holds a special 45-min program each evening. The program consists of a brief ranger talk and a short movie screening. It concludes with the lighting of the sculpture as the audience sings the National Anthem. From late May to mid August, the ceremony is held at 9 pm and from mid August to September 30 at 8 pm. The rest of the year, the sculpture is illuminated nightly at sunset without any ceremony.
Practical Information
How to Get to Mount Rushmore
13000 Highway 244
Building 31, Suite 1
Keystone, SD 57751
- Visitors travelling from the east should use Exit 61 off I-90 then follow signs.
- 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.
How Much Does It Cost
Admission is free at Mount Rushmore and you do not need to make a reservation. However parking fees apply: $10 per vehicle, $5 for seniors (62 and older) and free for active duty military. Fees are valid for 24 hours.
National Park Service passes (annual, senior, every kid outdoors, etc. ) cannot be used for parking fees.
When Is The Best Time To visit Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is open daily all-year long. From early March through September 30, operating hours are from 5 am to 11 pm. Winter hours are 5 am to 9 pm. The Visitor Center opens from 8 am to 5 pm (until 10 pm from May to August) and only closes on Christmas Day.
Peak season is in the summer and you should expect big crowds then. See the picture below taken in July 2019 to get an idea of the crowds. I suggest visiting in the fall and spring for a less crowded experience.
Where to Stay
Rapid City is only 20 miles away and offers a vast array of accommodations. During our visit, we stayed at the Home2 Suites by Hilton. This budget hotel delivered great value at a great price. As an added bonus, the hotel is next door to the Watiki Indoor Waterpark and hotel guests can purchase discounted tickets at the Front Desk.
Even if you only have a couple hours, I highly recommend a visit to Mount Rushmore. Stay a little longer to enhance your experience and learn about this iconic place. If you like this guide, please subscribe to the blog for more travel ideas and tips.
Thank you for reading xx
