South Dakota Vacation Guide - 2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
2025-12-15 09:21:26
Visit a collection of parks, monuments, memorials, and scenic byways in the Black Hills & Badlands. Explore the history and the wonder of each and see why the Lakota revere these mountains as the sacred center of creation. We only ask that you tread lightly in these wild places.
See the monumental 60-foot sculptures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln etched into a granite mountainside
THINGS TO DO
● Learn about the carving process at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center. Peruse the gift shop for memories and fantastic books chronicling the history of the region.
● Experience the patriotic Evening Lighting Ceremony held nightly from late May through September. The ceremony includes an inspirational ranger program followed by a short film. The sculpture is lit as the National Anthem is sung. Veterans in attendance are recognized for their service.
● Stroll the Avenue of Flags where 56 flags line the walkway. They represent 50 states, one district, three territories, and two commonwealths.
● Enjoy excellent views and take great photos of the sculpture from the Grand View Terrace and the Borglum View Terrace.
● Visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn about the carver’s vision. During the summer, rangers present talks focusing on the workers who helped Borglum create Mount Rushmore along with the tools and techniques they used.
● Hike the Presidential Trail for the closest viewpoints of the stone faces. The short trail takes you among blast fragments at the base of the monument. Learn about the indigenous tribes of the Black Hills at the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Heritage Village.
● Rent a hand-held photo/video tour or an audio wand and take a self-guided tour.
● Dine with the presidents at Carvers’ Café. Be sure to get a scoop of Thomas Jefferson’s ice cream — a treat based on the first written recipe in the U.S.
● Enjoy the outdoor Stone Hoop and Ethnobotanical Garden, a new exhibit focused on Lakota ethnobotany, star knowledge, and sacred sites.
MORE AT RUSHMORE
Mount Rushmore is a bucket-list item, and there are many ways to enjoy it! While pets are not permitted within the memorial grounds, the park added a brand new pet-exercise area for when you’re on a road trip with your best furry friend.
Just outside the memorial, you will find yellow paw prints that lead the way to this spot. The best part? You can still view the memorial from the seating area of this spot. Doggie bags are also provided – just make sure to leave this wooded area better than you found it!
Explore Mount Rushmore and other parks at BlackHillsbadlands.com/Parks-Monuments.
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