Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Keystone, SD Hours and Location

Learn and Explore

Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.

We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.

Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.

Our Mission

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I obtain a park entrance pass?

Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

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About this location:

National Memorial

Operating Hours & Seasons

Mount Rushmore grounds – early March through September

Weather permitting, the grounds at Mount Rushmore are open every day of the year. The Information Center, Visitor Center, Gift Shop and Carver’s Marketplace are open every day except December 25th.

Standard Hours

• Sunday:5:00 AM-11:00 PM
• Monday:5:00 AM-11:00 PM
• Tuesday:5:00 AM-11:00 PM
• Wednesday:5:00 AM-11:00 PM
• Thursday:5:00 AM-11:00 PM
• Friday:5:00 AM-11:00 PM
• Saturday:5:00 AM-11:00 PM

Additional Information View More

• Mount Rushmore grounds – October through early March:
• October 1 – March 11
• Sunday:5:00 AM-9:00 PM
• Monday:5:00 AM-9:00 PM
• Tuesday:5:00 AM-9:00 PM
• Wednesday:5:00 AM-9:00 PM
• Thursday:5:00 AM-9:00 PM
• Friday:5:00 AM-9:00 PM
• Saturday:5:00 AM-9:00 PM

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fees:

• $0.00 – Mount Rushmore Entrance Fee
  There is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. However, fees are required to park at the memorial.
• $10.00 – Mount Rushmore Parking Fee – private vehicles
  Parking fee is for private passenger vehicles, valid for one year from date of purchase. Parking fee for Seniors, 62 and older, is $5 and Active Duty Military parking is free. Annual Pass, Annual Pass – Military, Senior Pass, Access Pass and Every Kid In A Park Pass do not apply.
• $50.00 – Mount Rushmore Parking Fee – Commercial Bus
  Valid for 24 hours from time of purchase. Annual Pass, Annual Pass – Military, Senior Pass, Access Pass and Every Kid In A Park Pass do not apply.
• $25.00 – Mount Rushmore Parking Fee – School Bus
  Valid for 24 hours from time of purchase. Annual Pass, Annual Pass – Military, Senior Pass, Access Pass and Every Kid In A Park Pass do not apply.

About

American History, Alive in Stone…

Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this 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.

Directions

Visitors traveling by car from the East use Exit 61 off I-90 follow signs. Coming from the West use exit 57 exit at Rapid City and follow U.S. Highway 16 southwest to Keystone and then Highway 244 to Mount Rushmore. Visitors coming from the south should follow Highway 385 north to Highway 244, which is the road leading to the memorial.

Visitor Centers

Information Center

Find basic information about the memorial as well as information about the local area. Opens at 8:00 a.m. daily (closed December 25th). Closes at 5:00 p.m. October through late May, 10:00 p.m. late May through mid August, and 9:00 p.m. mid August through the end of September. Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

Park information, film, museum exhibits and a bookstore. Opens at 8:00 a.m. daily (closed December 25th). Closes at 5:00 p.m. October through late May, 10:00 p.m. late May through mid August, and 9:00 p.m. mid August through the end of September.

Weather

Weather at Mount Rushmore can be highly variable in any season. Summer high temperatures range from 70 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall high temperatures range from 45 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter high temperatures range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring high temperatures range from 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. July and August are the warmest months, December and January the coldest. March and April receive the most snow, while May and June receive the most rain.

Permits and Reservations Information