In South Dakota’s Black Hills, Mount Rushmore showcases four presidents carved into granite—a striking tribute to America’s legacy.
But the experience doesn’t end there. The surrounding area is packed with trails, history, and charming views, offering something for every kind of traveler.
Mount Rushmore Attractions / Things To Do
1. The Avenue of Flags
Created in 1976, the walkway leading to the famous faces is lined with a vibrant display of America's unity.
All 56 flags of the United States, representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia, territories, and commonwealths, flutter along the path.
The flags are arranged alphabetically, so you can easily find your state's flag alongside its named pillar. It's a powerful symbol of American heritage and a great way to begin your exploration of Mount Rushmore.
2. The Presidential Trail
Hike beneath the gaze of presidents at Mount Rushmore's Presidential Trail. This scenic 0.6-mile loop offers an up-close and personal view of the monument.
The first, paved section is wheelchair-accessible, leading from the Grand View Terrace to the base for closer looks.
Then, the trail winds through ponderosa pines and granite outcroppings, gaining elevation with 422 stairs.
As you climb, new perspectives of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt unfold.
Informative signs share the story of Mount Rushmore's creation. The path concludes at the Sculptor's Studio.
3. The Sculptor’s Studio
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Built in 1939 for Gutzon Borglum, the visionary behind the monument, this studio offers a glimpse into the artistic process.
Inside, a 1/12th scale model of Mount Rushmore takes center stage, showcasing the sculptor's meticulous planning.
During the summer months, park rangers bring the carving process to life with talks about the tools and techniques used.
Don't miss the fascinating plaster models and worker tools on display, remnants of the incredible feat of carving presidents' faces into granite.
This historic studio provides a deeper understanding of the dedication and artistry that shaped Mount Rushmore.
4. Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
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The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center is your one-stop shop for understanding the monument's story.
Immerse yourself in a 14-minute film, "Mount Rushmore: The Shrine," detailing the carving process and the presidents it honors.
Exhibits showcase tools, models, and photographs, bringing the history to life.
Then, browse the bookstore for souvenirs and informative books about Mount Rushmore.
Park rangers are on hand to answer your burning questions about the monument and the surrounding Black Hills.
Afterwards, head across the plaza for a refreshment!
The Memorial Team Ice Cream Station offers a variety of ice cream flavors, including one made from Thomas Jefferson's original recipe!
They also sell cold drinks and snacks.
5. Evening Lighting Ceremony
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The evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore is a summer tradition that can’t be missed!
From late May to early September, a park ranger begins the festivities with captivating tales of the four presidents etched into the granite.
A stirring film, "Freedom: America's Lasting Legacy," follows, transporting you through the nation's history.
The ceremony culminates in the dramatic illumination of the presidents' faces, and spotlights bathe Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt in a warm glow.
Witnessing this nightly tradition adds a touch of magic to your Mount Rushmore experience.
6. Cosmos Mystery Area
Jess Conaway
Escape to a world of puzzling perceptions at the Cosmos Mystery Area, located about 10 minutes away from the monument in nearby Keystone.
This family-friendly attraction challenges your sense of gravity and perspective.
Walk on seemingly slanted walls that defy physics, where balls roll uphill and water flows upwards—or does it?!
The Mystery House is actually a cabin, but it’s tilted at a deceiving angle to create a disorienting experience.
7. Explore Keystone
Jess Conaway
Steeped in gold mining history, Keystone offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved 19th-century architecture.
Explore craft shops brimming with local finds, or pan for real gold at Big Thunder Gold Mine, just like prospectors did over a century ago!
Keystone's main street is lined with a delightful medley of restaurants, serving everything from cowboy cookouts to fine dining.
In the mood for some thrills? The Rush Mountain Adventure Park offers zip lines, an alpine slide, and a challenging ropes course to get your adrenaline pumping.
Keystone truly lives up to its nickname, "The Playground of the Black Hills," providing a fun-filled complement to your South Dakota adventure.
8. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Drive
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Located about an hour north of the monument, this 20-mile stretch of US Highway 14A follows the Spearfish Creek between towering limestone cliffs.
Imagine towering 1,000 feet above you, creating a dramatic contrast with the vibrant green forest blanketing the canyon floor.
Spruce, pine, aspen, birch, and oak trees add colorful bursts to the landscape, especially during fiery fall foliage.
Keep your eyes peeled for cascading waterfalls – Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls – each adding a touch of magic to the scene.
Pull over at designated areas to truly appreciate the beauty and capture unforgettable pictures.
The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is more than just a drive; it's a chance to breathe in fresh mountain air and immerse yourself in the Black Hills' natural splendor.
9. Deadwood
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A little over an hour north of Mount Rushmore is Deadwood, South Dakota— a town where Wild West history meets modern excitement!
Once a notorious gold rush boomtown, Deadwood retains its frontier spirit with restored saloons, gambling halls, and historic sites like Mount Moriah Cemetery, where Wild Bill Hickok rests.
Stroll down brick-lined Main Street, lined with period-dressed actors and actresses who bring the town's colorful past to life.
Step into a saloon and try your luck at poker or blackjack, or pan for gold like a true prospector.
Deadwood isn't all about the past, though. Today, it's a thriving center for entertainment, with a vibrant casino scene alongside live music venues and comedy shows.
Museums like the Adams House and the Deadwood Brothel Museum offer fascinating insights into the town's unique history.
10. Needles Highway Scenic Drive
Prepare for a thrilling journey on Needles Highway, a 14-mile scenic drive snaking through Custer State Park.
Nicknamed for the needle-like granite formations that pierce the sky, this route isn't for the faint of heart.
Tight curves, switchbacks, and pigtail loops hug the mountainsides, offering heart-stopping panoramas at every turn.
Along the way, hiking trails like Sylvan Lake Trail lead you past towering pines and sparkling Sylvan Lake, while the shorter Notch Trail takes you right through the heart of the rock formations.
Don't miss the thrill of cruising through two narrow tunnels – Needles Eye Tunnel and Iron Creek Tunnel.
Keep your eyes peeled for scenic overlooks like Sylvan Lake Overlook and Needles Point Overlook, where you can pull over and capture breathtaking vistas of the Black Hills sprawling beneath you.
Needles Highway is an unforgettable adventure that combines heart-pounding twists with stunning natural beauty.
11. Crazy Horse Memorial
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Standing tall amidst the Black Hills of South Dakota is the Crazy Horse Memorial, a monumental work in progress.
This colossal sculpture honors the legendary Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, astride his horse and pointing towards his Lakota homeland.
Envisioned by Lakota elder Henry Standing Bear and sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski, the monument is unlike any other.
Carved directly from Thunderhead Mountain, it's the world's largest mountain carving in progress.
While not yet complete, Crazy Horse's face, finished in 1998, is already an impressive 87 feet high – taller than the heads at Mount Rushmore.
The Crazy Horse Memorial is more than just a sculpture; it's a cultural center.
The Indian Museum of North America and the Native American Educational & Cultural Center offer educational exhibits and programs that celebrate Lakota heritage.
Witnessing the ongoing creation of this masterpiece and learning about Crazy Horse's legacy is a powerful and moving experience.
12. Custer State Park
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Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, Custer State Park offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Explore the park's 71,000 acres on scenic drives that wind past towering pines and sparkling lakes.
Sylvan Lake, a crown jewel of the park, beckons with its myriad activities.
Rent a paddleboat and explore the calm waters, casting a line for trout, or simply relax on the shores and soak in the scenery.
The park's visitor centers – the Peter Norbeck Education Center and the Legion Lake Visitor Center – provide valuable resources.
Learn about the park's geology, wildlife, and history through interactive exhibits and ranger talks.
Lace up your hiking boots and embark on trails suited for all abilities. The family-friendly Sylvan Lake Trail circles the lake, offering scenic overlooks and abundant birdwatching opportunities.
For a more challenging trek, conquer the Black Elk Peak trail, the highest point east of the Rockies, and be rewarded with panoramic vistas.
Custer State Park offers a scenic escape, brimming with outdoor adventures.
13. The Wildlife Loop
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Cruise through Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop for an unforgettable safari experience. This 18-mile scenic drive winds through rolling hills and meadows, transforming into a prime spot for wildlife viewing.
Prepare to be awestruck by herds of American bison, the park's iconic residents, grazing freely along the roadside.
Keep your eyes peeled for pronghorn antelope and the elegant forms of white-tailed and mule deer.
With a bit of luck, you might spot a majestic elk or even a bighorn sheep perched on a rocky outcrop.
But the wildlife show doesn't stop there! Watch for playful prairie dogs popping out of their burrows, and be sure to respect park regulations regarding feeding any wildlife.
The Wildlife Loop offers a unique opportunity to witness the wonders of the Black Hills' animal kingdom up close.
Just a fair warning— you might get stuck in a bison traffic jam!
14. Jewel Cave National Monument
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As the third-longest cave in the world, with over 220 miles of explored passages, Jewel Cave National Monument offers a glimpse into a hidden world.
Descend hundreds of feet via elevator to embark on a guided tour.
Marvel at the dazzling array of calcite crystal formations adorning the cave walls, glistening like jewels under the tour lights.
These formations, created over millions of years, come in all shapes and sizes, from delicate needles to massive sparkling spirals.
Jewel Cave isn't just a visual spectacle; it's a place of scientific intrigue.
Ongoing exploration reveals new passages, and the constant cool temperatures create a perfect habitat for rare cave life.
A trip to Jewel Cave National Monument is an adventure for all ages, combining breathtaking beauty with a glimpse into the wonders that lie beneath the surface.
15. Wind Cave National Park
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Yes, there are two caves to explore in the Black Hills! Home to the seventh-longest cave in the world, Wind Cave boasts a staggering 154 miles of explored passageways.
Nicknamed the "Breathing Cave" due to its unusual pressure changes, Wind Cave offers a unique caving experience.
Descend with a ranger to marvel at chambers adorned with rare boxwork formations, resembling honeycombs sculpted by time.
Above ground, vast prairies teeming with wildlife complement the wonders below. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope roaming the grasslands.
Hiking trails weave through the landscape, offering scenic outlooks and opportunities to spot these majestic creatures.
Wind Cave National Park is a treasure trove for spelunkers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure in South Dakota.
FAQS
Is Mount Rushmore free to visit?
Technically yes, but parking costs $10 per vehicle (Seniors pay $5, and active-duty military park for free)
What else is there to do at Mount Rushmore?
Besides gazing at the iconic faces, visitors can explore the Borglum visitor center, the Sculptor’s Studio, the Presidential Trail, and the Avenue of Flags
How long does it take to see Mount Rushmore?
It typically takes about 1–2 hours to see Mount Rushmore. That gives you enough time to walk the Presidential Trail, visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, and check out the Sculptor’s Studio if it’s open.
Are pets allowed at Mount Rushmore?
No, pets aren’t allowed in the memorial buildings or main viewing areas. However, there is a designated pet exercise area near the parking lot where you can take them for a walk and some fresh air.
Is there a special lighting ceremony at night?
Yes! From late May through September, there’s a patriotic lighting ceremony in the evening that includes a ranger talk and illumination of the monument.
Final Thoughts
Mount Rushmore National Monument and the surrounding area have so much more to offer than four legendary faces immortalized in stone! Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or thrill seeker, there’s so much more to discover!
And Shaka Guide has you covered! Be sure to check out Shaka Guide’s tour of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills for even more adventures.
Take the Mount Rushmore Audio Tour with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.
Still planning? Check out our Mount Rushmore Itinerary and Know Before You Go guide to prep for an epic day.
Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!
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