Experience America's shrine of democracy carved into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills. Stand before the 60-foot faces of four great presidents who shaped our nation's destiny.
Self-guided audio walking tour along the Presidential Trail with 17 interactive stories. Explore at your own pace from the Information Center to Sculptor's Studio with GPS-triggered narration
Discover multiple scenic viewpoints of Mount Rushmore from Iron Mountain Road tunnels, Grand View Terrace, and Presidential Trail. Perfect photo opportunities with expert commentary on presidential history
Exclusive private tour of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. Customize your itinerary with expert guide, comfortable transport, and all entrance fees included
Mount Rushmore stands as the most iconic symbol of American democracy, carved into the granite cliffs of South Dakota's Black Hills. This monumental sculpture represents the birth, growth, development, and preservation of our nation through four great presidents.
Carved from solid granite between 1927-1941, Mount Rushmore features 60-foot-tall faces of Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln by master sculptor Gutzon Borglum. This engineering marvel continues to inspire millions of visitors from around the world.
More than just a monument, Mount Rushmore symbolizes the enduring ideals of freedom, democracy, and progress that America represents. Stand where presidents were immortalized in stone and witness one of humanity's greatest sculptural achievements.
Discover History
Experience one of the world's greatest engineering achievements with 60-foot presidential faces carved from solid granite using dynamite, jackhammers, and incredible human determination.
Stand before the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln - four presidents who represent the birth, growth, development, and preservation of our nation.
Marvel at Gutzon Borglum's artistic genius and engineering innovation. His 14-year project transformed an idea into America's most recognizable monument using revolutionary techniques.
Explore the sacred Black Hills that have been treasured for millennia, offering stunning natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and panoramic views of the Great Plains.
1923 - Vision Born: Historian Doane Robinson conceives the idea of carving the Needles in the Black Hills to promote tourism in South Dakota, eventually leading to Mount Rushmore.
1925 - Borglum Arrives: Sculptor Gutzon Borglum selects Mount Rushmore as the perfect location due to its granite composition and southeastern exposure for optimal lighting.
1927 - Construction Begins: President Coolidge dedicates the project. The first drilling starts on Washington's face, marking the beginning of 14 years of dangerous mountain carving.
1930-1939 - Presidential Faces: Washington (1930), Jefferson (1936), Lincoln (1937), and Theodore Roosevelt (1939) are completed through innovative techniques using dynamite and precision carving.
1941 - Project Completed: Gutzon Borglum dies in March, and his son Lincoln completes the monument in October, creating America's shrine of democracy.
Explore carving techniques
Witness the commanding presence of America's first president, representing the birth of our nation. Washington's 60-foot face captures his strength and determination that led the colonies to independence.
Walk the half-mile Presidential Trail for the closest views of the monument. This accessible boardwalk and trail system offers stunning perspectives and photo opportunities of all four presidents.
Explore Gutzon Borglum's working studio where the monument was planned and designed. See original models, tools, and learn about the incredible engineering challenges overcome during construction.
Walk through the inspiring Avenue of Flags representing all 50 states, districts, and territories. This patriotic pathway leads directly to the amphitheater with perfect monument views.
Make the most of your Mount Rushmore experience with these essential planning tips:
Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
Nearest Airport: Rapid City Regional Airport - 30 minutes drive
Coordinates: 43°52'44"N 103°27'35"W
Mount Rushmore stands majestically in the Black Hills of South Dakota, visible from miles away. This sacred land has been revered for thousands of years and now serves as America's shrine of democracy, drawing millions of visitors annually to witness this engineering marvel.
Allow 2-4 hours minimum for the complete Mount Rushmore experience including the Presidential Trail, visitor center, and Sculptor's Studio. The evening lighting ceremony (summer) adds another hour but is absolutely worth experiencing.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial has no entrance fee, but charges a $10 parking fee per vehicle. America the Beautiful Annual Pass holders park for free. The fee supports visitor services and facilities.
The Presidential Trail offers the closest public access, bringing you within 400 yards of the monument. The boardwalk provides excellent views and photo opportunities. No climbing on the monument is permitted for safety and preservation.
Yes, Mount Rushmore is largely accessible. The visitor center, museum, gift shops, and main viewing area are wheelchair accessible. The Presidential Trail has some accessible sections with beautiful monument views.
Late afternoon provides the best lighting as the faces are carved on the southeast side of the mountain. The evening lighting ceremony offers dramatic illuminated photos. Early morning provides fewer crowds for better compositions.
The evening lighting ceremony runs from mid-May through September, weather permitting. It begins at sunset in the amphitheater with a patriotic program followed by the dramatic illumination of the presidential faces.
The Black Hills offer numerous attractions including Crazy Horse Memorial (30 minutes), Custer State Park wildlife, historic Deadwood, and scenic drives like Iron Mountain Road with its famous tunnel views of Mount Rushmore.
