10 Things to Know about Mount Rushmore

One of the most iconic monuments in the United States is Mount Rushmore. Getting to see the four Presidents carved in the side of the mountain is on most Americans bucket list. But how long does it take to experience it? What does it cost? How do you get there? Can you carry your water bottle? These are some of the things you need to know before you plan your trip to visit Mount Rushmore!

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10 Things to Know about Mount Rushmore

How much does it cost?

Visiting Mount Rushmore is FREE! There is no cost to enter the park. You don’t even need a National Park Pass.

Where can you park?

There is ample parking available in the parking garage after you enter the Park. There is a fee to park. See here for details specific to your vehicle.

Can you carry snacks and drinks?

Yes, you are welcome to carry a backpack with drinks and snacks for your visit.

How much walking is required?

There are steps up from the parking garage to the main level. There is also a wide paved trail leading from the parking garage to the Mount Rushmore overlook.

Can you bring pets?

Many people enjoy traveling with their pets but check the pet policy before you arrive at Mount Rushmore as not all areas are open to pets.

How much time should I allow?

Every family is different but for us we were focused on seeing the monument, taking pictures and enjoying from the main overlook. You can of course take hiking trails and stretch out your day but for most families, you probably only need to plan about an hour. This will give you time to browse the gift shop, use the restroom and walk out to the base of the monument.

Where is the wall for pictures?

Most people take a picture of Mount Rushmore beside a stone wall. This is a great place to view the monument and take selfies and family pictures. Just follow the path through the flags to the end and you will easily find the wall.

Are restrooms available?

Yes! As soon as you enter the park, you will find restrooms to the left.

Is food available?

Yes, you can buy snacks at the gift shop or eat in one of the Mount Rushmore restaurants available onsite. Of course, if you pack like we do, then you have tons of snacks in the car so you can eat a picnic.

What should I see after I see the Monument?

When you are done viewing Mount Rushmore, take the drive to Custer State Park along Iron Mountain Road. This road is not like anything you will experience anywhere else in the United States.

Iron Mountain Road is 17 miles of the most amazing scenery, over 300 curves, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtails and 3 tunnels. Designed to guarantee that you take it slow, this road offers beautiful views of wooden structures, called pigtail bridges, and one lane tunnels that were built to showcase the American patriotic symbol, Mt. Rushmore. 

Find Mount Rushmore

13000 SD-244
Keystone, SD 57751

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Custer State Park

Iron Mountain Road takes you down to Custer State Park! Read what to expect when you drive through Custer!

Have you been to Mount Rushmore? What did you think? Got any memories about visiting with your family?