Mount Rushmore Travel Guide

The figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, set against the Black Hills of South Dakota, reflect the story of the United States. From its earliest inhabitants to the diverse nation it is today, Mount Rushmore offers visitors a meaningful look at the country's shared history and heritage. 

Why Were These Four Presidents Chosen?

George Washington's Role

George Washington (1732-1799) led the American colonists during the Revolutionary War, which resulted in independence from Great Britain. Regarded as the father of the nation, he helped shape the country's democratic system. To reflect his role in the nation's founding, Gutzon Borglum made Washington the central figure on Mount Rushmore. 

Thomas Jefferson's Role

Born in 1743 and died in 1826, Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, a document that has shaped democratic ideals in many countries. In 1803, he oversaw the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France, an agreement that doubled the size of the United States and added all or part of 15 modern-day states. Gutzon Borglum selected Jefferson to symbolise the nation's expansion on Mount Rushmore.

Theodore Roosevelt's Contribution

Born in 1858 and died in 1919, Theodore Roosevelt served as president during a time when the United States was expanding rapidly in industry and commerce. He helped make the Panama Canal project a reality, creating a vital shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Nicknamed the "trustbuster", Roosevelt challenged the power of large business monopolies and supported fair treatment for ordinary workers. For these achievements, Gutzon Borglum included Roosevelt on Mount Rushmore as a symbol of the country's progress.

Abraham Lincoln's Legacy

Born in 1809 and died in 1865, Abraham Lincoln guided the United States through the Civil War, the country's greatest national crisis. He believed that preserving the Union was his highest responsibility and remained firmly committed to ending slavery. Gutzon Borglum chose Lincoln to symbolise the preservation of the United States on Mount Rushmore.

Must-Do Experiences at Mount Rushmore

• Explore the Presidential Trail

Follow the Presidential Trail to enjoy changing views of Mount Rushmore, surrounded by ponderosa pine trees and granite rock formations.

• Explore the Sculptor's Studio

Visit the Sculptor's Studio to discover the work of Gutzon Borglum, view the original scale model, and learn how Mount Rushmore was carved.

• Experience the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Centre

Explore the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Centre beneath the Grand View Terrace to see museum exhibits and watch a 14-minute film explaining why and how Mount Rushmore was carved.

• Hike the Blackberry Trail

The Blackberry Trail is a one-mile gravel route and a designated national recreational trail. It connects with the Centennial Trail in the Black Elk Wilderness, within the Black Hills National Forest.

This moderately strenuous trail is suitable for hikers, horse riders, and wildlife watchers. Along the way, visitors may find small water crossings, a wooden bridge, horse tie-up stations, and picnic tables.

The trailhead is located across South Dakota Highway 244 from the parking area. Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash under six feet, and owners must clean up after them.

Getting to Mount Rushmore

• By car: From Interstate 90, exit at Rapid City, take U.S. Highway 16 to Keystone, then follow South Dakota Highway 244 to the memorial. From the south, take U.S. Highway 385 north to South Dakota Highway 244.
• By plane: Rapid City Regional Airport is about 35 miles from Mount Rushmore via South Dakota Highway 44.
• Public transport: There is no public transport to Mount Rushmore. Visitors usually arrive by personal vehicle, rental car, or private tour from Rapid City.

Parking and Entry Information

Mount Rushmore National Memorial does not charge an entrance fee. Visitors only pay for parking, which provides unlimited entry for one year from the date of purchase. Parking is available on-site, and reservations are not required. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available within the parking facility.

Mount Rushmore Travel Tips

• Visit before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. during summer to avoid the busiest crowds.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the Presidential or Blackberry Trail.
• Carry drinking water and check the weather before your visit, as conditions can change throughout the day.
• Stay on marked trails and follow park signs to help protect the memorial and surrounding landscape.
• If travelling with a pet, use only the designated pet-friendly areas and keep pets on a leash at all times.

Content Disclaimer: Travel information is for general guidance only. Fees, access, timings, parking, weather and activities at Mount Rushmore may change. Please check official sources before visiting.