Mount Rushmore National Memorial

This is a beautiful National Monument. I read many reviews complaining about the $10 parking costs, but it has had an unlimited use for a year. The loss of one star was from the Architects Room being closed early and the gift shop personnel not being friendly. Everyone else the rangers and food staff were fantastic. It is smaller than I ever thought but still was amazing. You must walk the trail as it gave a magnificent viewing point of the monument.

Was built as a tourist trap, still feels like a tourist trap. More of a roadside attraction than a national park. Only worth the stop if you're also visiting the nearby NPS sites. You have to pay for an annual parking pass, and the National Park passes aren't accepted for parking. Every time I've been there is construction. This visit, the theater was closed and the video was playing in the dining room of the cafe and without sound.

A true American treasure. The parking and entrance are excellent and wheelchair accessible. The maintenance appears to be top notch and the garbage cans were serviced. The restroom was about average. The signage and way-finding made it easy to navigate. Definitely knock this one off your bucket list!

In late August 2024, my husband and I visited Mount Rushmore. It was my second time and his first. The weather was perfect, making for a lovely day of exploring and some great people-watching. We arrived pulling our travel trailer and were directed to park in a designated area, separate from the main parking garage. I found it quite convenient, as it felt like we were much closer to the entrance than those parking in the garage. Whether it was intentional or not, it was just a quick 2-minute walk from where we parked to the front gates, which made things easier with the RV. The entry fee was $10 for us (in an RV), payable at the drive-in gate. For those parking in the garage, you can pay at machines near the entrance. The process was straightforward and quick. The walk from the entrance to the monument is very easy and takes less than 5 minutes. Along the path, you’re greeted by all 50 state flags, each with a short account of when the state joined the Union and a bit of its history, which adds an educational touch to the experience. Once we reached the viewing area at the back, we had a spectacular, unobstructed view of the monument. With clear, blue skies that day, it made for an ideal photo opportunity, and we were able to enjoy the monument in all its grandeur.

First time visiting, Went at sunset so we got to see it without lights and with lights on. Visiting during the off season is great, very few people. (Only one other group of people)The whole place was to ourselves and was very clean. Got great photos and got some gifts from the gift shop.

We decided to spend my 50th birthday at Mount Rushmore. The drive from Rapid City was relaxing with hills darted with deer in the morning. Coming around the corner to the monument to get a stunning glimpse of it through a break in the trees. Our excitement grew once we paid and parked. Walking through all the flags on display, you greeted with an in your face view. You don't expect it to be so up close. We stood with the winds just mesmerized. The details in the carvings are on full display, and your eyes want to wonder all over. I found myself looking at the monument and the surrounding swaying trees. Downstairs is a gift shop, and information on how the monument started. On display are tools and other things to see. Definitely take your time to read and look at everything. There is a café there where we ate some lunch. GET THE THOMAS JEFFERSON VANILLA ICE CREAM. You will not be disappointed, and the vanilla ice cream you have that will never compare. A quick word to all the foreign tourists. Don't act like you own the place. Read the signs that say keep out, don't climb on things, and there is no need to be loud and obnoxious. Learn some manners, I wouldn't go to your town or country and act like a fool. Respect the monument and others around you. Mount Rushmore was worth spending the day to see. It definitely will take your breath away.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an awe-inspiring tribute to history, artistry, and American resilience. Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, this colossal masterpiece stands as a testament to the vision of sculptor Gutzon Borglum and the dedication of the workers who brought it to life. From the moment you arrive, the sheer scale of the monument is breathtaking. Towering 60 feet high, the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are carved into the rugged granite, symbolizing the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States. Walking along the Avenue of Flags, flanked by representations of all 50 states, adds to the sense of national pride and reverence. Beyond the main viewing area, the Presidential Trail offers a closer look at the monument, winding through scenic terrain and providing unique perspectives on the intricate details of the carvings. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center is packed with fascinating exhibits, showcasing the incredible engineering, artistry, and perseverance behind this iconic landmark. What truly elevates the experience is visiting at different times of the day. The early morning light casts dramatic shadows on the faces, while sunset paints the granite in warm, golden hues. In the evening, the lighting ceremony transforms the memorial into a glowing beacon, accompanied by a moving tribute to veterans. Mount Rushmore is more than just a stop on a road trip—it’s a powerful and humbling experience that leaves visitors with a deep appreciation for history and human ingenuity. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or returning for another visit, this national treasure never fails to inspire. 📍 Must-Do Tips for Your Visit: ✔️ Arrive early or visit in the evening for fewer crowds and stunning lighting. ✔️ Take the Presidential Trail for the best up-close views. ✔️ Stop by the Carver’s Café and try the famous Thomas Jefferson ice cream! ✔️ Don’t miss the Sculptor’s Studio for insights into Borglum’s original vision. ✔️ Stay for the Evening Lighting Ceremony—a truly unforgettable experience. Highly recommend a visit to Mount Rushmore for history lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a true American landmark.

It is one of the most iconic pieces of artwork in the United States history and a must-see in person to understand its beauty as well as complexity. It's free to enter, but $10 to park. The walk to get closer is pretty with all the state flags and the dates they became states in the USA. Honestly, the whole thing is a lot smaller in person and very far away from view. I really thought based on pictures you could get closer to the president's, but it's probably for the best they stay away from people for preservation purposes. The best photo spots are downstairs, where there are fewer people. They have plenty of restrooms and don't forget to go inside to learn about the history of this monument, as it's quite fascinating how it was constructed.

The figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are carved into the mountain for over two million people annually to gawk at. Even though I visited at the shoulder season, it was still very busy. This marks the third time I have visited, and it's so weird; the first two times I visited, I thought that the statues were really small, but this last time I visited they were much larger than I remembered! Funny how time plays tricks on memory. Anyways, I appreciated the exhibits at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, although a lot of it went over the sculptor and his family, which I wasn't really interested in. There's also a film being shown about the carving of Mount Rushmore, and also a gift shop. Of course, I had to try the vanilla ice cream based off of Thomas Jefferson's recipe (the version sold in the restaurant does not have eggs). It's made by Pride Dairy, located in Bottineau, North Dakota. Thomas Jefferson served his ice cream to visiting diplomats and dignitaries, and it's fun to close your eyes to savor the ice cream and pretend you're someone super important. To walk off the calories, walk the Presidential Trail to get up close to the statue, although don't go off the trail or else the cameras and motion detectors will set off and you'll get in trouble!

Some of the coolest park Rangers I've met. Clean, a parking garage costing $10. The ticket can be used repeatedly for one year. No entrance fee. The gift shop was overpriced but the mugs were very aesthetic and standard price. The presidents were very neat to see. Beautiful but one cannot forget that these were built on native American land. An acknowledgement at the front of the park feels missing and crucial.

Review Visit: July 25th, 2015 Taking a selfie with a presidential selfie! The final stop on my family 2-week cross country trip and what a stop it was. Never thought I would actually get to see this national landmark in person! But here we are, writing a blog and reflecting back on our visit there. If you are a United States citizen, no doubt you have seen many photos of Mount Rushmore in textbooks, school books, media and post cards. So to actually get to see a National Landmark that you've seen many times in books and on TV is awesome. Ok, on to what I thought of Mount Rushmore. First off, per any national place, it took awhile to get to a parking spot since there was a decent line. But once you pay the $10 (as of 2015), you get a parking pass that allows you to visit anytime for the rest of the year for free! It's nice to not be nickle and dimed at a popular place. Secondly, for it being busy, it never really felt crowded, due to the sheer size of the place and how open it was. It was about as busy as you could imagine, but it was never too crowded to ruin the experience. The main area is really nice. There is a nice sized observational area to view the memorial. There is a gift shop with tons of cool stuff inside. Beyond and below the observational area, there seemed to be some kind of theater/stage area where they might put on shows? It was closed when we went, so I don't have any more information on that. There also seemed to be trails that one can walk around if time allows. My dad came here back in the 70's and talked about how you had free reign to really walk around and enjoy the place. With how life and society is these days, they may have curtailed how much is open to the public. Sadly, if you don't get to do all the other stuff the place offers, the overall experience is kind of like... "This is awesome!.... now what". I really had a great time there but since we only looked at the Memorial and browsed the Gift Shop, the experience was exciting but lacking a bit. I would LOVE to go back some day. Get to really explore what else they offer there. Maybe go on the hikes around the area and see how close one can really get to the presidents.

Mount Rushmore on July 4th [Keystone SD] We spent July 4th at Mount Rushmore. We came and spent the latter part of the day to experience the festivities and ceremonies that day. During the scheduled events we were able to experience the Evening Lighting Ceremony which began at 9:00p Before that were The United States Air Force Band playing patriotic music from 7:10p to 9:00p at the amphitheatre stage... during that time we walked the entire loop of the Presidential Trail which was 0.6 miles. It was much easier to stroll ten years ago during our first visit here and the 425 stairs were a breeze... it took us a bit longer to complete this time with our not-so-young years anymore LoL! and we were able to see inside the Sculpture Studio. Seeing the illumination of the sculpture at night while playing the national anthem was the highlight of our visit. Can't think of a more patriotic place to be than Mount Rushmore on Independence Day. Review #0195 updated

A beautiful drive up to Mt Rushmore. You have to pay to park. They have parking pay stations everywhere. All the exhibits are great and informative.

Here to see the four heads, what else! We made it in time for sundown, although the sunset's colors weren't as spectacular as hoped, but it was great to see the monument in the natural sunlight and the nightly program they do before turning on the spotlights at night. I'll say it right away: The heads look huge on the tv - thanks to HD, zooming in, special effects, etc - but in real life they're smaller. It's great they have benches in the amphitheater. We sat in the front row of the upper balcony and you can more great photos from that vantage point, too. The nightly program is a video that talks about the men and their historically significance in America's history. At the end, they call up any person who is serving/retired in the armed forces and sing the Star Spangled Banner.

We had a great time, so historical and powerful. Great walking trail and views. Welcome center was very helpful. Thanks for appreciating veterans and active duty military.

Hey, I'll spare the lengthy description. You all know what this is. Worth a trip, spectacular view of the sculpture. Affordably priced. Shame you can't take your pets.

Mount Rushmore is just absolutely amazing if it's the last thing you do in your life you should at least visit once. If you're patriotic it might bring a tear to your eye like it did to me. Go in the evening after 8 o'clock when they do the lighting . The video explanation showing how it was built is just phenomenal..

Amazing to see in person! Parking is 10 bucks. Admission is free! You can spend a couple hours here if you check out the museum on the bottom and gift shop! A must on your bucket list!

You should visit, but it's really a somewhat underwhelming visit. The craftsmanship and carving are obviously impressive, but the exhibits don't much acknowledge the history of the site before the planning of the mountain carving. In other words there's very little regard for native American people or history of the site. There's a huge parking garage which costs $10 to use and there's really no other option unless you walk or cycle up the road. There is a trail from the visitor center to the bottom of the mountain.

Easy parking and easy access. We arrived early I hopes of missing the crowds and we were very pleased. The loop can be accessed from the left or right. The left is the easier route as you are coming down the 400+ stairs vs going right you are climbing the stairs. So many vantage points to see the monument. It's beautiful. If you can arrive going down Iron Mountain Road you will have several great views of the monument including one centered through a tunnel.

Absolutely recommend visiting! It was really cool and impressive up close, as well as very peaceful just sitting out there. There are benches with plenty of seating on the higher level and lower level. It is $10 to park but free to visit and they have a very large gift shop. We went in this October which was kind of an off time but the best decision. It wasn't crowded, all the trees and surrounding areas were beautiful and colorful. It was a bit cold but one jacket was good for me. Highly recommend visiting in October and staying in Rapid City which was 20-30 minutes from the monument. Rapid City surprised me and was an active little city with a cute Main Street area where you could walk around. Such a great experience that I didn't know I needed!

Four United States presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln were carved on sacred Native American land. To this day, the native Indians protest for their stolen land that the U.S. government improperly took. Turns out that in Abraham Lincoln's head is a hidden room. Sadly, tourists are not allowed to have access to this room because its location is too difficult to reach. Which, I don't buy that story.

Okay, I won't get into the controversy surrounding this monument. I enjoy my visit because I look at it from an Engineering perspective. The quality of the work from the people that risked their lives is amazing. You get different viewpoints as you walk the trail around. It's worthy of visiting and reflecting on the history behind it.

I had this visit to Mount Rushmore in the top 5 of my bucket list for a while now. I had been told by a few others it was small and unimpressive. Well, IMO that couldn't be farther from the truth. It was remarkable. We drove up to see it from the south on Iron Mountain Road. If you do anything do that. The first glimpse of Mount Rushmore was exiting one of the single lane tunnels. It was FABULOUS. I have a video and it does it no justice. We visited on Memorial Day and the crowds were light. We had amazing parking and photo opportunities the entire stop. Take the Presidential Trail for close views. It is a lot of stairs so be forewarned. It's a big circle so you can start from either side.

Developing a bucket list of places we'd like to visit in our lifetime is something we often do. Some, will have the good fortune of completing their list while others will not. Today, I visited one on my list, The Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. Seeing this in person was more impressive than I ever could have imagined. The granite sculptures featuring Presidents; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Rosevelt and Abraham Lincoln was the brainchild of Gutzon Borglum who was an incredibly talented and highly respected painter and sculptor. Each statue stands about 60 feet with Lincoln's being a bit taller. The eyes on each is about 11 feet wide with the mouths measuring 18 feet wide. Mount Rushmore is one of the largest sculptures in the world with the other being the Crazy Horse Memorial. Ironically, both are in South Dakota and are only a few miles apart. A presidential trail takes visitors on a self-guided tour through the grounds and offers a variety of different angles and unique locations to take photos of the sculptures. A word of caution: The walking tour can be challenging for those with limited mobility due to inclines and numerous steps. There are also two indoor exhibit rooms which, provide more in-depth information about the sculptures and those who built it. There's also a gift show with lots of souvenirs and other momentous documenting your visit. A special shoutout goes to the gift shop employee. She was phenomenal and took the time to explain the items we purchased. There is a food court at the entrance, which, is ok, but I'd recommend eating prior to coming. This was truly on of the best and most historic places I've visited thus far, and I hope to continue visiting other places on my bucket list. If Mount Rushmore isn't on your bucket list, it should be. I guarantee it will amaze you.

I've wanted to see Mt Rushmore my entire life. It's a major bucket list item to cross off for me. The experience was memorable. There was so much suspense leading up to seeing it close up, we kept seeing it from a distance as we passed through tunnels and specific points on the way there. We kept getting close and close until we reached mt Rushmore close up, in all its glory. What sight to see!! It didn't seem like it was going to be as big as I thought but really we were seeing it from far away, once we got there I was bewildered by it's size And architectural excellence. On the walking park to the monument you'll find an area with every states flag and a beautiful view of the presidents. A bit of history for you guys about the monument: The four heads are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Between October 4, 1927, and October 31, 1941, Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers sculpted the colossal 60-foot-high carvings of United States Presidents. At the monument they played videos about how the monument was created. The amount of people And effort it took back then with outdated tools and old school architectural methods, the difficulty to make it happen, all in the name of pride in our country is just heart warming. I was in a state of shock gazing at this amazing sight, I couldn't take my eyes off of it and I'm still so thankful that I got to see this in my lifetime.

My first time here & it was beautiful what a amazing work of art!!! I Donald Trump will soon be next to Abe Lincoln!!

Excellent place to visit and they are doing a wonderful seem less job with how you enter taking a ticket, park and then at your leisure pay at a kiosk and leave, and it is not expensive. Tons of stuff to learn about this magnificent place and how it came about.

Its not good or bad. Just a $10 parking, go walk about 5mins, look at the giant head carvings and done... its a one time experience. A must? Probably not. But if youre in the area and your family really want to see it, sure, go for it.

DREAM COME TRUE!!!! Ever since I first learned about Mount Rushmore back in grade school, I've always wanted to see Mount Rushmore in person. I find it so AMAZING that this enormous sculpture was carved into the mountainside. How Incredible is that???? Construction started in 1927 and ended in 1941. Can you name the four faces depicted on Mount Rushmore? If you cannot, then you should brush up on your United States History. No reservations are needed to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial. There is no entrance fee, but you do have to pay a minimal parking fee. We paid about $10 for our vehicle the summer of 2021 when we visited. There is a nice covered parking structure to park your vehicle at. Once you exit the parking structure and enter the grounds......you will see Mount Rushmore and the four former Presidents!! It truly is Majestic and Historic!!! There are other things to do and see at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. There is the visitor center where you can see the bookstore, view exhibits, and find out more information about the Memorial. The Avenue of Flags is an Awesome sight as well. 50 flags plus more! You cannot miss the sight because you walk right by the flags which line the walkway leading to the four Presidents. Have a seat and watch the flags blow in the wind. Wonderful photo ops!! We were able to get up closer to the Memorial sculpture by strolling along the paved trail called the Presidential Trail. You will find yourself almost directly underneath the Presidents. Another fantastic view!! Bottom line is that I was able to cross this visit to Mount Rushmore off my bucket list!! The visit not only met my expectations.....it exceeded them!! By the way, make sure to eat the Vanilla ice cream while you are here. It is made from Thomas Jefferson's homemade recipe. I can truthfully say that it is the Best Vanilla Ice Cream I have ever eaten!! Dreams do come true!!! I look forward to continuing to cross places off my bucket list, and I will continue to add to the reviews.....now at 4,000 Yelp reviews and counting!

Breath taking! I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful sky to view this monument. This history of this place is so rich and inspiring, I was in tears listening to it through my handheld audio device. The rental for which was $6, you just click the corresponding number and hear the interesting facts about this sacred place. You will pay $10 parking but there's no entry fee. That fee covers you for the year, just keep the ticket and scan it upon re-entry. The parking lots have a digital counter to let you know how many spaces are left on each level. Once you park, you walk up to the information/book center where there are restrooms and a booth to order a tour or purchase the rental of your audio device. We enjoyed reading the information on everything from workers wages for this project to facts about the sculptor himself (who was danish!). There's a trail you can take if your stomach doesn't start rumbling by the time you finish inside. But with the annual parking pass you could just leave and come back like we did. I will note that masks are required indoors, they provide disposable ones if you don't have any. There is an ice cream shop and a gift shop if you're in the mood for treats. I found some Indian teas, huckleberry gummis, chokecherry jelly beans and more! You HAVE to visit this site and take your time. Enjoy every moment of history, don't ever forget your roots :)

Five stars for four presidents! Mt Rushmore is not only the most popular destination in South Dakota, but it is a global icon of the United States and worth a visit. It is about an hour south of Rapid City in the beautiful Black Hills. Parking is $10 but is good for an annual pass. Save your ticket to return for free! I visited twice since my first trip had lingering smoke from a Canadian wildfire. You see the monument driving up which is very cool. People can stop outside the park and see the monument so you don't need to stop. However stopping is really nice with a good visitor center and museum. I stopped twice and walked down the avenue of flags towards the main viewing area. You don't get too close to the faces so they will seem somewhat small in photos. However the impact was still fairly emotional for me. They have a large cafeteria with coffee and ice cream and a large gift shop. The latter has a good selection of Black Hills gold and art too. There are good restrooms and water fountains with very good water to fill up. Other than visiting the museum and taking a selfie, there isn't much else to do here. But it's totally worth a visit because it's frigging Mt Rushmore! Expect crowds for the peak season but people move through quick. I was so glad to finally visit here coming from California, and I think you will be too.

BUCKET LIST-CHECK This place is amazing i loved it. We came in early at 6:30am to avoid the crowds we walked around the presidential trail to look closer at the faces. along the way there's information about the presidents and the monument. this place is bigger and more exiting in person than i thought. i Needed a second look at this place and this time we came around 6:30pm and the crowd was bigger. All you pay is parking and you are able to reenter as you like. If you have a chance to go once in your lifetime, do it you won't regret it. i love this place just wish the town near by had more things to do.

We have been to Mount Rushmore many times before, but this time we made it a point to see it at night time. It would have been perfect if Ranger Dan would've kept his sermon out of the event. Seriously dude, keep politics out of what should be a symbol of unity for this country. Your presentation was dangerously close to violating the Hatch Act and you clearly had a one-sided agenda. Here's a simple way to handle the nighttime at Mount Rushmore: it gets dark, turn the light on and keep your mouths shut.

Mount Rushmore is a must-see, once in a lifetime experience. The venue is a lot less crowded than I would generally anticipate, and pictures are easy to take from multiple angles. The historic aspect can be learned from the visitors center, the many plaques through the park, or a video presentation shown at the closing ceremonies at 9:00 p.m. when they light up the faces. Parking is affordable, admission is free, and this is a place that all visitors to the area should see.

I visit a few national parks yearly, invest in a national park pass to save quite a bit, The USA has alot to do and see if you seek out the positive energy of the earth. Some people decide not to visit due to the history of the monument, I shall not discuss it here, do your own research. History is for all, and I believe it was worth a stop to see the monument. Personally the history of how it was carved was amazing to actual see up close and personal. Lots to read along the journey to the monument, parking is $10 and you will have to walk abit from the parking lot. You cant get up to close, but it was still worth the drive to see. My family and I where on a 2 week road trip to see national parks and some local history. So this was planned out along with hotels and foodie spots along the way. We had a fab time on this journey. I highly recommend you go and see for yourself. Pics to follow, trying to play catch up with my reviews. Dani~

Highly recommend going to see Mount Rushmore closer to the evening time. Get your pictures in daylight, then check out the exhibit. There are a ton of things to learn about and the creation of Mount Rushmore. Then stick around for the lighting of the mountain. There is a brief 30-minute show before the lighting.

Great views and not a lot of people over the Christmas break made for a great experience. The drive in through the mountains was awesome and we hit up Sylvan Lake on the way out: definitely worth a stop. The whole Black Hills area is amazing. Mt. Rushmore itself is a short walk from the parking lot and there are plenty of places to take photos. As you walk in, you'll pass placards of all of the states as well as their flags. You can take a path and get very close to the mountain carvings. A few of the trails were closed, but when we went we were able to walk around the front of the monument and take some great photos. Being there around Christmas time also meant there were only a handful of people there besides us. The gift shop had a lot of cool stuff and the cafeteria nearby had some Mt. Rushmore-themed cans of beer, wine, ice cream, and food.

More amazing and beautiful then one could ever imagine. US history is vital to teach children, good bad or indifferent. This is great to see for approximately 1 hour. The original state history is available waking towards the fabulous sculpture. Parking $10 and ample parking available.

Everyone has to see this place once, if only to say you've been there. I went once as a kid, and now again as an adult and it was much cooler to see the enormity of it now. The history and making of it is also fascinating. There was also a local high school holding their graduation ceremony at the amphitheater. How cool is that?!

I enjoyed this much more than I thought. Make sure you watch the movies. It's incredible how this was built. One of the best visitor centers and gift shops I have been too Will have to try it at night with the lights.

This has been on my bucket list before I even knew what bucket list was. I only saw this on TV, magazines, movies, textbooks but always wondered when will I get to see this monument. It's so damn patriotic I heard screaming eagles as I walked towards to entry gate. IYKYK :) So here is some info if you're thinking about visiting the park and witness this marvelous monument. About 2-3 miles before you get to Mount Rushmore there's a small town called Keystone. It has a lot of restaurants, shops and other activities. If you're into Native American products, take the time to visit the shops. They're amazing! It's really easy to get to the park. You go through a gate and then to the parking lot. If you're active duty military then the parking is free and it will get taken care of. The one thing is that if you're taking a pet, they won't let them in past the entry point to the monument. So there's a gate that you go through to get into the park and then an entry point to the monument. Pets can walk freely up to the entry point to the monument and then they can't go in. Understandably so. So if you have a pet, maybe plan on taking turns going to see the monument. Once you go to the entry point there are some shops you can go to for souvenirs. They're not that expensive. Then you keep walking until you see the beautiful monument. As an Army Veteran, I enjoyed this piece of American beauty. Not far from here is the Sitting Bull monument as well. Johan, Out!

Our time spent at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial was even more enchanting than I expected it would be. From the time we drove up (about 6:30am MTZ) until we left almost three hours later. So clean, peaceful, easy to travel through (by car as well as by foot), people were helpful, bathrooms were super clean, signage was easy to read. Did you know it is not very expensive (I think it was less than $20 for the two of us) to have access and parking in this national monument / grounds / location? We walked the Presidential Trail, stopping to read the info provided about each president per historical facts as well as info from the original architect of the memorial. This place is so clean, well maintained and spacious. There are many places to sit on provided benches to offer views from many angles of the monument as well as this whole "park" (it's not considered a park) like place. Clean, easy to access bathrooms, there's a couple small eateries and a really well stocked gift shop. The staff in the Gift Shop were helpful and kind. There was a wide array of things to look at (and possibly purchase) from books, keychains, tshirts, jackets, posters, jewelry, etc ... the list goes on. One of the clerks mentioned she and her husband were repeat "volunteers" and were camping at the local RV provided area. Repeat means they must enjoy what they're doing and they were well treated the prior seasons. I highly recommend everyone that possibly could to take the time to make your way to this memorial, it's more awe inspiring and emotionally moving than you'd ever imagine.

When you visit Mount Rushmore, there is a lot more to do than just walk up, gaze up at the four presidents, snap a selfie, and leave. First of all: Parking is $10 and that is your entrance fee as well and the interesting part is- that is valid for a year. cool... You enter and you see 1) avenue of the flags: This is the main thoroughfare to the Grand View Terrace. This walkway is lined with 56 flags. They represent the 50 states, the District of Columbia, three territories (Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands), and two commonwealths (Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands) in the United States. then comes 2) Grand View Terrace: which is the main viewing platform. From here, you have a clear view of the four presidents. ( earlier there is an old platform, but that is very small and of course due to congestion they made this) 3) Presidential Trail: This trail leads up to the base of the mountain for close-up views of the sculpture. Along the way, you can learn more about the four presidents on the informational signs. let me give you the MOST IMPORTANT TIP OF THIS REVIEW: walk the trail in a clockwise direction. It's just 0.6 miles and 422 steps then there are sculptor studio, lincoln visitor center, bookshop, gift center, restaurant I visited on 4-July-22 and it was an okay crowd. not a mad rush which I assumed before visiting. I know for sure, that almost everybody knows this, The four presidents carved onto Mount Rushmore are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, from left to right. but why they were chosen - let me tell you this: These four presidents were chosen because they represent the nation's birth, growth, development, and preservation Fact 2: Originally, the plan was to portray the presidents from the waist up. However, funding ran out in 1941 so only the heads were carved from the rock. It took 14 years Don't forget to attend the evening lighting ceremony. (rem: you can exit and enter again with the same parking receipt) and when you exit the parking, 5 mins drive and you can see the profile of George Washington

I didn't visit Mt Rushmore until I was an adult. I thought it sounded kind of silly, like you drive to the middle of nowhere to look at a weird carved mountain for 5 minutes. But in fact the Black Hills is a fascinating area, and there's a lot to explore at Rushmore. It's really well presented, definitely spend some time at the main visitor center under the view, they tell the story of its creation (and what it represents, for those rusty on US history). Don't stop exploring outside at the main viewing deck: walking the easy boardwalk trail gives lots of other interesting perspectives. The $10 parking charge is unfortunately not covered by National Parks passes. Don't queue at the first pay station you see, there are dozens scattered around.

A place for all to see at least once. The monument itself it kinda cool but being in the Black Mountains is the coolest part of seeing Mt Rushmore. Driving through the state park you can see the memorial from various locations. Once inside the national memorial itself, there is a nice visitor center with a movie about the the building of the monument. There is also a cafe and gift shop. We ate at the cafe late in the evening and the food was remarkably good for a tourist attraction. I know others are saying it was $10 to park but I think it was only $5 and if you keep your receipt it is good for a whole year. Plenty of parking, benches to sit along the way if you walk the trail and a really big amphitheater where they show a movie, a ranger gives a 10 minutes presentation (written by the ranger him/herself), which was impressive and the folding of the flag when they invite all service men/women to come onto the stage as they are lighting the memorial at sundown. It was worth the trip. While in the Black Mountains be sure and see Crazy Horse memorial, still under construction and a bit more costly than Mt Rushmore but if you are that close it is a must do. Also a drive through the State Park to see the wildlife is a must. If you are lucky you'll see buffalo herds as well as other wildlife. A very cool area, We stayed in Rapid City and it was a central location for these sites as well as Deadwood, the Badlands, Wall SD and Devils Tower. All worth a visit, especially Devils Tower.

On the big road trip, having never been. I felt almost a patriotic duty to see Mount Rushmore. Four presidents. One mountainside and a plethora of architectural and artistic genius for all those who contributed to its forming and creation. An old acquaintance would constantly start various conversations with "Who/what is the Mount Rushmore of" ..... (Rock bands) for example. This sometimes would lead to debate of what constituted what the 'Mount Rushmore' meant if there was disagreement on who or what would go on the hypothetical discussion Mount Rushmore. He then one day said "The Mount Rushmore" should contain the foundation for whatever the topic is. I thought he'd made a good point with that. The real Mount Rushmore could be seen as doing that. Anecdote aside. This is yet another gotta stop and see it Road Trip tour stop as you make way across the U.S. Mount Rushmore Represents the first 150 years of History of America, Mount Rushmore is recognized as a national memorial and if history, art, architecture and nature are your thing that's another reason I'd say to make visit. The only real expense is the $10 fee for parking. That's it. If your timing is good there is a little pull off on the road up to the gate where you can get out of your car and be in full frame of Mount Rushmore. You won't be as close obviously, but you could get a decent picture and really looking to avoid the parking fee. After paying for parking from there you just walk in to see the monument. Along the way you see plaques for all 50 states and when they were established, which is pretty cool. It is called the 'Avenue of flags', rightfully. Mount Rushmore isn't just a mountain, it's considered a granite sculpture with figures of the heads of former American Presidents of course. I wouldn't describe myself as an art history buff per-se, but it truly is a marvel seeing how this was pulled off, even if it took over a decade. To me that seems rather fast for such a well done creation. So yeah. With all that said, what is the Mount Rushmore of Yelp restaurants? Just kidding.

An excellent piece of American History that is accessible to ALL. This is a great place to bring your kids or grandkids to teach them about our founding fathers that Truly loved America, especially during these times were lawlessness and lack of values have caused unredeemable damage. The park has many modern refinements, including a museum with video streaming, a gift shop, restrooms, and a restaurant. Seeing all the state and territory flags is cool. There's also covered parking available. You must visit this monument at least once in your life. We loved the trail hike and seeing it up closer--an outstanding nature trail walk. Decent amount of steps, so if you don't do well with steps, maybe think about doing part of the trail. Lighting ceremony at night, they say, is beautiful and informational. We only went early in the morning and headed to the Devil's Tower. The bonus is you park for $10, and you can go back ad many times in a year as you want. So it's inexpensive to hit day and night. We are only 6 hrs away, so we will come back to see the night ceremony!

Fantastic monument set in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. It is full of history and national pride... take some time to walk the Presidential Trail and stop by the Sculptor's Studio for information on the story of the park's creation. Can it be underwhelming...yes, but I warn to measure your expectations by enjoying the park for what it is - part of American history. It may not appear to be the case from any of the viewpoints but remember that each face is 60ft. in height. That's 10 people high! The park has a beautiful ampitheater from which Park Rangers communicate the importance of leadership, why it's important to them - who their support and inspirations is and why support and inspiration was important to the leaders whose faces grace the Black Hills. The park is nestled in a beautiful part of South Dakota, the first place you'll enter is general parking. Grab your parking ticket, head on up to the park entrance, where you will be able to find the Ranger Station and the first set of rest rooms. The Rangers will be able to provide information on the park and Junior Ranger requirements. You can also get your U.S. National Parks passport stamps here. Once done there you can pass through the Avenue of Flags and head down to the amphitheater. Next your'll be able to pass through the park's gift shop and snack shop. We got there during the evening and decided on some ice cream cones. They also have a lemonade stand to quench your summer thirst. Both delicious options. During the summer nights, the lighting ceremony celebrates the veteran visitors to the park. Sculpture Illumination happens 8:30pm from May to September. Between October and May, the sculpture is lighted up without ceremony at sunset. If you hang a left or a right after the gift shops, you will reach the Presidential Trail trailheads, which are a 30min walk to various viewpoints and the Sculptor's Studio around the grounds. At the Sculptor's Studio, you will find tools used to blast rocks, sculpt the faces, and a huge model that was used to build the final product. As other folks have mentioned, you don't need all day to visit this park. The entire park can be traversed in under an hour, but there is more than an hours stuff to keep you busy. Camping is not available on the grounds, but there are plenty of options in the surrounding area. There's always some controversy to monuments, but this one is worth the visit. Pro Tip: Measure your expectations, it's not overwhelming by itself. The experience needs context and you will get more out of a visit you understand the history and the scope of a project if created today.

Second time going to Mount Rushmore and both my first and second time I was in awe of how breathtakingly beautiful the monument and the scenery around it is. Definitely worth it! And $10 for parking isn't too bad!

Cool place with interesting history. Visited during memorial day weekend. Lots of crowds. But if you visit early in the morning right around sunrise, place is empty enough to spend more time near the monument.

Watch your step! Awesome, patriotic and a must see. But watch your step since there is horse poop on the trails. What a desecration of our national monument. There are no bad horses, only horse owners.

My husband and I visited here this morning around 10:30 and the crowds were light. We thought it looked amazing in person. The gift shop was huge and had great items too. Parking is $10 and you park inside of a parking structure. If you prepaid for parking online, drive to gate 4 when you arrive to have them swap the voucher for a paid parking ticket. If you forget, just let the other gate attendant know and they can help you. There is no fee after that.

The view is beautiful from the theater the cashiers are also super nice and when you exit there is a mini city and zip lining with a hotel also and there is also a camp area for Mount Rushmore This place is very family friendly

Pro tip: If you want to do the presidential trail where you go right under the monument and avoid 400 stairs, start on the left side if you're facing the monument. If you don't do the entire loop and double back halfway it's a lot easier

I visited Mount Rushmore for the first time last month and thoroughly enjoyed it. This American icon was finished right before WW II and has been viewed in person by tens of millions of people since then. It is kind of out in the middle of nowhere as western South Dakota isn't exactly an area where people normally travel so here are some tips if you choose to come visit: Admission into Mount Rushmore is free but $10 to park your car and that price is good for seven days so you can return during that time and not pay another fee to park. Be sure to get your park map at the Information Center when you arrive. If you can I recommend you visit here twice. First, would be to arrive after dark. Every evening they illuminate the monument (check times) and in the summer they precede that with a 30 minute presentation led by a Park Ranger in the outdoor amphitheater with a flag ceremony to follow. The perfect time to arrive in the evening would be after dark but before they illuminate the monument for the effect of the lighting. Walking the Avenue of Flags at night with the dark monument in the background is a neat experience. Keep your parking ticket because it can be used the next day when you visit in the daytime. If you come during daylight the earlier you arrive the better due to the crowds. If you are there during a mealtime, Carvers Restaurant is located across from the large gift shop and has perfect views of the monument thru the large picture windows inside or the outdoor terrace seating. It's a counter service restaurant. During the daytime you will want to walk the Presidential Trail which brings you even closer to the faces and provides more interesting facts along the way. It is only about 1/2 mile in length and circles back to your starting point at the Grand View Terrace. It is NOT stroller friendly as there are short stairs involved. Be sure to visit the Sculptors Studio (closed in winter) which is on the trail. Gifts and souvenirs are available in both the Gift Shop and the Information Center. They also provide audio tours across from the Information Center for a fee if you wish. Be sure to also visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitors Center (closes early in winter) which is below the Grand View Terrace and accessible by stairs and elevators. The monument is easily accessible from Rapid City (30 minute drive) for its availability of rooms and restaurants however if you can find an affordable room rate you want to stay in Keystone. The town is about a 5 minute drive down the hill from the monument. It's a small touristy town with motels, restaurants, souvenir stores, etc. and is very kid friendly. From a couple of places in town you can actually see the monument faces. I recommend Powder House Restaurant for a meal (preferably dinner). It's about 1 mile out from Keystone. One word of caution. When driving ANYWHERE in this area watch out for wildlife especially at night. I saw several animals on my drive. Obey the speed limits!

I left my dog in the hotel after reading the no dogs allowed policy and when I got there everyone had their dogs with them. The night light ceremony was boring af and we left. Go see the rocks and museum and leave. Paid parking however seniors pay half and if we knew the gate was just standing open we wouldn't have paid at all.