Travel Guide for Mount Rushmore & Custer State Park
Your family loves to travel, and loves to explore historical places. Many have heard of Mount Rushmore, but always ask these questions ...
Where is Mount Rushmore located?
The iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located in the southwestern corner of South Dakota, and features massive 60-foot (18-m) sculptures of four former United States presidents.
Who are the people whose figures are carved on Mount Rushmore?
Carved figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota. The memorial tells the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of the country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.
When is Mount Rushmore open?
The visitor facilities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial are open all year, seven days a week, with the exception of December 25th. On December 25th, weather permitting, the parking structure and grounds remain open, but all buildings are closed. Opening hours vary through the year, so be sure to check with the National Park Service for times when you plan to visit.
Be sure to tour the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, bookstore, the Sculptor's Studio and attend the evening lighting ceremony.
More About the Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The mountain is named after Charles E. Rushmore, a prominent New York lawyer, during an expedition in 1885.
South Dakota historian Doane Robinson is credited with conceiving the idea of carving the likenesses of famous people into the Black Hills region of South Dakota in order to promote tourism in the region. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum created the sculpture's design and oversaw the project's execution from 1927 to 1941 with the help of his son, Lincoln Borglum.
 After purchasing tickets and parking, visitors walk through the Avenue of Flags as they approach the stone carvings at Mount Rushmore |
At first, the project of carving Rushmore was undertaken to increase tourism in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. After long negotiations involving a Congressional delegation and President Calvin Coolidge, the project received Congressional approval. The carving started in 1927 and ended in 1941 with no fatalities.
Nearly three million people visit Mount Rushmore each year. The busiest months are June, July and August. May, September and October are less busy and popular months to visit as well.
When planning a trip to Mount Rushmore, we highly recommend including a visit to nearby Custer State Park, with its granite peaks and rolling plains. The park is home to abundant wildlife, including bison, wild burros, mountain goats and many other animals. The park features facilities for camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or just relaxing.
Also located nearby is the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is continuing to be carved and sculpted.
Also nearby Mount Rushmore is the Badlands National Park.
View from Highway 244 in front of Mount Rushmore |
Stone figures of Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Lincoln carved in the rock on Mount Rushmore |
Lodging Options in the Mount Rushmore Area
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Interactive Map of the Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park Area
 Automobile entrance area at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota |
Crazy Horse Memorial
 Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota |
The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument under construction on privately held land in the Black Hills, in Custer County, South Dakota, near Mount Rusmore and Custer State Park. It will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing into the distance.
Work began on the momument in 1948. It is located at 12151 Ave of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730. For more information, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial website.
Custer State Park
Custer State Park is close to Mount Rushmore and definitely worth a visit. During the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps built miles of roads, laid out parks and campgrounds, and built three dams that set up a future of water recreation at the park.
Today, the park spans 71,000 acres. Cabin and camping rentals are available within the park, as is a variety of dining options.
Entrance area at Custer State Park in South Dakota
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The park is home to abundant wildlife, including 1,500 free roaming bison, wild burros, mountain goats, prairie dogs, big horn sheep, river otters, cougars and many other wild animals.
The park features facilities for camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or just relaxing. Plus, don't miss the scenic drives, tunnels and wildlife loops.
Custer State Park Visitor CenterCuster State Park Visitor Center ... a great place to start your visit to the park! |
For more information, visit the website of Custer State Park at South Dakota State Parks. |
Incredible views while driving through Custer State Park  |
Lakes at Custer State Park offer a variety of outdoor fun and activities |
The beautiful open ranges at Custer State Park
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The Bison Roundup
The park also features a very popular annual bison roundup and auction in September, in which with several hundred sold at auction to manage the rangeland vegetation. The annual roundups began in 1965; more than 10,000 people now attend each year. Shown here is a recent scene from the Bison Roundup.
Mountain goats in Custer State Park |
Wild burro on the road in the Park |
Narrow, one-way tunnels ... fun driving experiences at Custer State Park
The Needles Eye at Custer State Park |
Narrow, one-way passage through the rocks at Custer State Park |
Time to DineDining at Custer State Park ... buffalo burgers, and more! |
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Popular National Parks |
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More Regional Information
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