Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone, South Dakota, symbolizes both national pride and an awesome feat of engineering. Carved from a mountain of granite and standing proud since 1941, Mount Rushmore, protrudes from the granite as a true “Shrine of Democracy” with the faces of George Washington, commander of the Revolutionary Army and first United States President; Thomas Jefferson, founder of the Declaration of Independence; Abraham Lincoln, abolished of slavery; and Theodore Roosevelt, corruption reformer and wildlife conservationist.
During your vacation to Mount Rushmore, walk the Presidential Trail to the base of the mountain where you just might see mountain goats, enjoy the Avenue of Flags, browse the gift shop and spend time at the interactive museum and visitor center.
The evening program and lighting ceremony is offered at 9:00 p.m., May 25 through August 11 and then at 8:00 p.m. from August 12 through September 30. Mount Rushmore illumination is daily from sunset to 11:00 p.m.
This internationally recognized “Shrine of Democracy”, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open year-round, seven days a week and is located only 3 miles from Keystone and 17 miles from Rapid City, South Dakota. A parking pass is required to visit Mount Rushmore and is valid for one year starting with your first visit (this is not a National Park Fee). Active Military are free with I.D.
Check out our Great 8 Vacation package.
Peak Season Hours:
The parking structure and memorial grounds are open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. March through September and from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. October 1 – March 9, 2019. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and the Information Center are open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. The evening program and lighting ceremony is offered at 9:00 p.m. through August 11 and then at 8:00 p.m. from August 12 through September 30.
The historic Sculptor’s Studio is open 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. through September 5. The Audio Tour building is open through September 30 from 8:00 am until 5:30 pm.
The Dining Room and Gift Shop open daily at 8:00 a.m. Closeing times are:
May 24 – August 11
Gift Shop 8:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Carvers Café 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
August 12 – September 30
Gift Shop 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Carvers Café 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
October 1 – March, 2019
Gift Shop 8:00 a.m. – closing time varies from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Carvers Café 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Booking Instructions: Vehicle parking pass, please leave quantity at 1.