If you are interested in knowing American history, iconic landscapes and wanna visit Mount Rushmore, then this blog is for you. Mount Rushmore is an amazing place surrounded by the beauty of Black Hills of South Dakota, USA. It’s a top family visiting place where you can learn so much about American history and culture. There are so many things to do at Mount Rushmore. Like attending the seasonal programs and events, walking through the presidential trail, exploring the visitor center or exhibits and much more. For the stays there are multiple options from cheap vacation rentals to luxurious hotels. Along with this, the great dining of the restaurants will amaze your mind. As you will enjoy fabulous meals for all time in a day. No matter, whether you are looking for exploring historic places, local experiences or a delicious bite at the popular restaurants. This place offers a diverse range of choices for a grateful experience.
In today’s guide, you will learn about the top things to do at Mount Rushmore that make your trip so amazing & memorable. So continue reading to know such adventurous things.
Top Things to Do at Mount Rushmore
There are several things to do at Mount Rushmore that help guide your trip. Some of the best things and places include.
Walk the Presidential Trail
The Presidential Trail is also called the Presidential Loop Trail, a short and easy day hike along a series of boardwalks. It’s a must visit place as from here you will get different views of the stunning monuments. The hike is 0.6 miles long with approx. 435 stairs. Starting from both east and west directions. But if you are starting from the east direction, you hit most of the stairs going up and it is a lot harder. So it’s suggested to start the trail from the west and then go to the east. The trail is usually closed during winter and opens according to the weather condition. There is no entry fee for hiking in the trail but you have to pay a parking fee at Mount Rushmore monument.
Visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
This center is a must visit when heading to Mount Rushmore. As inside the center you will see amazing exhibits and a 14 minute film. Which describes the reasons and methods used in carving Mount Rushmore. There is no entry fee to visit the center and for the timing you can check the official website.
Attend the Evening Lighting Ceremony
The evening lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore is not just an event. This unique celebration lights up the monumental faces which seems as a glowing tribute to democracy, freedom, and the long-lasting spirit of America. The programs run for 45 minutes 2 times a year, from may to early august at 9pm. And, from early August to the end of September from 8pm, remember there is no ceremony from October through May. The event is free of cost but there is a parking fee of $10.
Watch inside the Sculptor’s Studio
If you want to know about the tools and models used during the carving of Mount Rushmore. Then you should visit Sculptor’s studio located in the Keystone. Opens each year from late May till the end of September and also depends on the weather level. In the studio you will see some unique plaster models and worker tools related to the sculpting processes. Also there are some programs organized each day throughout the summer season. You can visit the studio and listen to a 15 minute ranger talk about Gutzon Borglu. The tour is free of cost, wheelchair accessible and does not require any reservations. Also accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are available on the lower level of the studio via an elevator.
Make memories on the Grand View Terrace
This is the only main viewing point of Mount Rushmore. And the first to offer a closer and clear view, which makes it a popular spot for photography. From the terrace you can also visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center program located directly below the terrace. From where you can access the presidential trail or walk the stairs to the Sculptors studio.
Things to Do Near Mount Rushmore
There are some other amazing places which are located a bit away from Mount Rushmore, and a must visit also. Some of those are.
Crazy Horse Memorial
The largest sculpture in the world with a height of about 563 feet and 641 feet width. Along with the 87 feet high head of the crazy horse. The memorial is located within a distance of 17 miles from Mount Rushmore. With the opening time of 8am to 6pm.
Custer State Park
The stunning Custer State park will inspire you to go out and find adventure. It is a rustic, remote, secluded area within the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Offers different fun activities including fishing, hiking, horse riding and much more. Also, the free ranging bison herd is the reason for this park’s popularity.
Needles Highway
Needle highway is called the crown gem of the Black hills. It’s a 14 miles scenic drive that offers more than just a road trip, but isn’t open for the whole year. It acquired the name Needle highway because of the needle-like granite formations that shoot up to the heavens. This highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
Iron Mountain Road
If you are visiting Mount Rushmore, then you should crave out some time to explore a nearby wonder that is Iron Mountain Road. Also known as Highway 16A, which takes up to 45 minutes or an hour to complete the drive and enjoy the nature view.
Where to Stay Near Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore has multiple options for stays whether you are looking for standard stays or a simple affordable stay. Some of those are.
Roosevelt Inn Mount Rushmore: A beautiful and peaceful hotel nestled along the grizzly creeks and towering mountains. Offering various facilities including modern rooms, indoor pool, free breakfast and multiple attractions to visit from the hotel. The hotel is located in Keystone city which is 2 miles from Mount Rushmore. And the cost of this hotel is within a range of $100-$200.
Comfort Inn & Suites: The hotel is popular because, apart from the other basic facilities it also provides an area for hiking and cycling. It is located in the Hill city within a distance of 15 minutes from Mount Rushmore. Not only this, it also offers an indoor pool and a hot tub as well which makes you feel relaxed at the end of the day. The hotel price is also between $100 – $200 per night.
Rocket Motel: This beautiful motel is located in Custer, a small city in the central black hills but larger than both keystone and hill city. The motel offers well organised rooms featuring a covered pavilion with barbecue facilities and a fire pit. It is within a 30 minutes drive from Mount Rushmore. Also offers a 6-person hot tub, vending machine with drinks and free parking facilities. And cost between $150 to $200 per night.
Picturesque destinations at Mount Rushmore
There are so many best places to take photos near Mount Rushmore.
Grand View Terrace: The Grand View Terrace will provide you a great view for snapping a photo. From this place you can also see the former President’s mugs which are far away from this place and you can capture that also.
Presidential trail viewpoint: This is also a good place where you can snap a profile shot of George Washington off of Highway 244. Or take photos of all the presidents from interesting angles on this trail.
Night Lighting view: The Mount Rushmore night lighting view offers an amazing experience and its best for amazing photo shoots. As the sky contrasts, the illuminated faces look stunning.
Travel advice for Visiting Mount Rushmore
- To explore around the city, you will need a car. Either it can be of your own, or you can book a rental car.
- For adventure you should visit the Badlands National park and the Black Hills National park. As both of these places offer a great hiking experience.
- Pack your comfortable clothes including t-shirts, jeans and a nice dress for dining. Along with walking shoes, sandals and layers for changing weather.
- Visit early or later in the Summer to avoid crowds. Otherwise your visit can become so terrible between heat and crowd.
- Pack snacks and stay hydrated , as there are a lot of hikes and so much to explore which can leave you feeling dehydrated and low energy.
- Respect the environment, as this is a beautiful place which offers a lot of memorable experiences. It’s your responsibility to preserve the natural beauty of Mount Rushmore by doing things like – dispose of waste properly, and be mindful of the wildlife.
- Don’t miss shopping at the Keystone, which has plenty of tchotchke shops where you can get everything with a ‘western’ atmosphere. Also, it has a wish list that includes buffalo horns, antlers, and jack-a-lopes for your kids.
Ideal period to visit Mount Rushmore
There is no best time to visit Mount Rushmore as it depends on your flexibility. If you wanna beat the crowds then you can go from late may or mid september. If you want to travel during summer, June is the best time. And if you wanna save money and experience a unique adventure then you can go on between October to December. Each month in this place is unique and can give you a completely different experience.
Food & Dining Options
There are multiple places to eat around Mount Rushmore from casual street food to luxurious cuisines you will get all at once. And here are some of the restaurants which you can prefer.
The Front Porch Restaurant: This restaurant offers delicious food including the most massive veggie sandwich, Mountain man burger with a patty made of buffalo and deer. The restaurant is located in the historic Keystone. Not only this the restaurant has lots of seating inside and a large front porch.
Alpine Inn: This historic inn is known for its schnitzels, Kuchen(a German desert), and simple yet delicious steak dinners. The hotel is located in the Hill city(west). Offers contemporary European dishes, and the streamlined evening menu features filet mignon and homemade desserts.
Carvers’ Cafe: The beautiful cafe offers delicious lunch and dining options including Buffalo burgers, Grilled Chicken, dinner rolls and more. This cafe is located near the Lincoln Borglum visitor center and also offers banquet options for family gathering or events.
Memorial Team Ice Cream: This is the best place for Dessert options. The cafe offers an original vanilla ice cream recipe by Thomas Jefferson.
FAQs About Mount Rushmore
To cover some of your queries, there are some most asked questions that you can see and clear your doubts.
- Is visiting Mount Rushmore worth it?
Definitely, visiting Mount Rushmore is worth it. As you will get numerous things to do at Mount Rushmore. This place offers a chance to connect with the history of America, Native heritage and natural beauty. You should go there as this place is more than just a monument.
- Is there any entry fee?
There is no entrance fee required to enter the historic place, but you have to charge a decent fee for parking, shuttle or other transports. The fee is approx $10 per private vehicle, $25 for educational buses and $50 for Commercial buses.
- Can you visit at night?
Yes ofcourse, Visiting this beautiful place at night will give a delightful experience. And most importantly when the light glows up to the sculpture faces it looks so stunning & creates a soft glow that melts one’s heart.
- Is it good for kids?
Definitely it’s a good place for kids as it offers much more to learn. Apart from learning, kids can also enjoy doing fun activities in the National Parks, State parks, hiking, monuments, memorials with delicious quick bites and more. This beautiful place is one of the highlights of the trip for school-aged children.
Final Thought
Hope you enjoy this blog and get all the related information to visit Mount Rushmore. It’s a truly an unforgettable experience that offers insights into natural beauty and American history. There are several things to do at Mount Rushmore from which you will make the most of your journey. Whether it’s about hiking, exploring historic places or enjoying the nightlife with cocktails. Apart from this you can go for our Charter Bus rental services which provide comfort and timely services all across the USA. And offers you a stress free experience during your trip.
