A trip to see Mount Rushmore National Monument is a once in a lifetime event for some, so I want to make sure you make the most of your time while you're there. There are a large number of tourist stops on your way to the monument, but I'm going to focus on what you should be doing once you get there. The first step is getting into the monument. There is no entrance fee but you will have to pay for parking. Seniors get a discount so make sure you mention if there is a senior in the vehicle. The parking fee is $11.00 for cars, motorcycles and RV's as of 2019. The fee varies if entering the park with a commercial vehicle. With a senior discount, it is around $5.00. The parking pass is also good for a year on that vehicle, so if you plan to return keep it handy. Once you have arrived, now you can concentrate on maximizing your experience by doing these 7 things.
1. The Lincoln Borglum Museum - The museum houses over 5,200 square feet of interactive exhibits which inform you of the history and development of the sculpture. There are also two 125-seat theaters where the 18 minute film “The Shrine,” gives you an introduction to the memorial. This is a "must see" for your visit to the monument.
2. Sculptors Studio - This structure is a little off the main section but it's something that really should be visited. It was built in 1939 as a second on-site studio for sculptor Gutzon Borglum and houses exhibits explaining his vision, plaster models and sculpting tools. Special programs include a short studio talk on the mountain carving process.
Gutzon Borglum
3. Lighting Ceremony - The Evening Lighting Ceremonies are held beginning the Friday before Memorial Day to September 30th each year. From Memorial Day weekend until August 10, 2019 the ceremony begins at 9 pm. From August 11, 2019 to September 30th it begins at 8 pm. This 20 minute program consists of a brief ranger talk, lighting the memorial, a flag-folding demonstration, and playing the national anthem.
4. Free Ranger Walks and Talks
These programs begin at various locations throughout the memorial and are offered each day throughout the summer months. Schedules are posted at the Information Center and Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.
5. Audio Tour
Rent an audio tour wand to hear the story of Mount Rushmore through music, narration, interviews, historic recordings and sound effects while walking a scenic route around the park. Available at the Audio Tour Building across from the Information Center (rentals available inside the Information Center during the winter months). The tour and accompanying brochure are available in English, French, German, Lakota, and Spanish.
6. The Presidential Trail - Get even closer to the monument by taking this short 0.6 mile long trail. You will feel like you're directly under the sculptures while you get an even better understanding of what it took to work on this project. There are a lot of stairs but nothing too strenuous as there is only a 100 foot gain in elevation.
7. Highway 244 and Iron Mountain Road - The two scenic drives let you see the faces from different angles. On Iron mountain road, drive through tunnels that frame the faces or visit the Norbeck overlook. Highway 244 offers even more views of the monument as well as hiking, rock climbing, picnic areas, and camping at Horse Thief Lake. Click the link below for more information on Iron Mountain Road.
View from Iron Mountain Rd - one of the tunnels.
From Highway 244 just west of the Mount Rushmore entrance. Park at the Profile parking lot to get this photo.
