Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. While it doesn’t offer enough activities to be a destination location by itself, its placement in the center of the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota makes it a great centerpiece to the myriad of beautiful parks, drives and attractions in the area.
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A Must See American Icon
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The Avenue of Flags leads to the Grand Terrace and features the flags of all the states
Our Visit. We visited Mount Rushmore in July as part of a week-long trip to the Black Hills
Our Weather. Mid 80s and sunny
About the Park. The carvings on Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota were commissioned by Congress in 1925 after it was conceived by sculptor Gutzon Borglum after he was recruited for the project by Doane Robinson. Carving started in 1927, the US Park Service took on oversight of the location in 1933, and it was completed in 1941 by Gutzon’s son Lincoln Borglum in 1941. Originally, full torso and head carvings of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln were planned, but work was halted at the heads when the project ran out of money as the US prepared for WWII.
Visiting. If you’re in a rush (no pun intended), you can see Mount Rushmore in about 30 minutes. This will give you time to walk the Avenue of Flags to the Grand Terrace above the amphitheater for a great view of the sculpture. It really is a massive work, and this is one of the best vantage points in the park.
The Norbeck Overlook on Iron Mountain Road offers spectacular views of the mountain from a distance
If you’ve got a few hours, start by taking the best drive into the park, Iron Mountain Road. While not a part of the park, Iron Mountain Road was constructed for no other purpose than to offer fantastic views of Mount Rushmore including tunnels that frame the mountain perfectly. We stayed in the nearby town of Keystone, SD, but instead of taking the 10 minute drive directly to Mount Rushmore, we backtracked to Playhouse Road and cut up on Iron Mountain Road (US 16A), making a stop at Norbeck Overlook for more great views. This road has hairpin turns and single-lane tunnels, so its best for cars and small RVs.
The Sculptors Studio shows Borglum’s model for the project
In the park, use your extra time to take the Presidential Trail, a loop that takes you up to the base of the mountain and features many different vantage points. You’ll also pass by the Sculptors Studio which is well worth a stop. Inside, you’ll see the model built by Borglum with his full vision of the torsos, and you’ll get some great insight into the memorial’s construction from talks by Park Rangers or volunteers. Expect a lot of stairs along this trail, but it’s not too difficult for anyone in reasonable walking shape.
This is the view from directly under the center of the sculpture from Presidential Trail
Suggestions. If you can swing it, DEFINITELY take Iron Mountain Road to get to the park! You can take it leaving the park as well, but the best views are heading in. Expect crowds–this is a very busy park, and everyone’s congregated into a narrow area. While the park is technically “free” to visit, you will have to pay for parking (don’t worry, it’s worth it). The monument faces southeast, so lighting is best in the morning. For a different experience, try to visit Mount Rushmore at night as well when the faces are all brilliantly lit.
Note: Mount Rushmore is controversial because it was carved into a distinctive formation known to the Lakota Sioux as the “Six Grandfathers” and is considered by some to be a desecration. If we were debating on whether or not to carve it today, I would be on the side of conservation of the natural formation; however, because this memorial now exists and has come to represent America, I recommend a visit to see this unique wonder.
Nearby Towns Keystone, Hill City, Custer, Rapid City (South Dakota)
Other Nearby Attractions Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Badlands National Park
Official Website Mount Rushmore National Memorial
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- The Norbeck Overlook on Iron Mountain Road offers spectacular views of the mountain from a distance
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- Another view from the south side of Norbeck Overlook on Iron Mountain Road
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- The Avenue of Flags leads to the Grand Terrace and features the flags of all the states
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- This is the view from the Grand Terrace, and it’s excellent
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- Just to the east of the Grand Terrace is the Historic View, a smaller platform offering a slightly different vantage point
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- Expect lines to get into indoor spaces during COVID-19 as staff limit numbers in confined spaces like the Mount Rushmore gift shop
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- One of the many unique views from the Presidential Trail
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- A small offshoot of the Presidential Trail takes you to a cleft in the rocks offering this view of Washington
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- This is the view from directly under the center of the sculpture from Presidential Trail
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- The Sculptors Studio shows Borglum’s model for the project
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- The Sculptors Studio on Presidential Trail requires hiking a decent set of stairs
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- Mount Rushmore can be seen from miles around–this view is from a ridge about 10 miles to the east
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