It's smaller than you think! XD I kid, I kid, let me not take away from the awe that is the Rushmore monument. Mount Rushmore is nestled in the Black Hills, and is worth the visit while on your national tour. It's busy during the season (so I've been told). And it's epic in its own right... (If you don't want that up close and personal photo. There's a spot on the road up that has a cutout for your car and a picturesque photo.) Other than that, what modern day things might you find, you may ask yourself...? Well, an extensive parking structure, WC facilities, a gift shop, and a restaurant that serves President Jefferson's original vanilla ice cream recipe! You thought I'd actually make it through this review without mentioning food?! Let's be serious. It's worth the price to play, even if it's just to sey if it's your flavor or not. Mount Rushmore will hold it's place in my heart and mind due to my time spent in the Black Hills. It's grand in scale and effort, but just know it may be a little smaller than you were led to believe. read more

A couple of friends and I came here on a bus trip. If you visit South Dakota, this place is a must-see! Sculptor Gutzon Borglum created this famous mountainside carving of the visages of four Great American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. There is no entrance fee to enter the park, but there is a parking fee to park. They currently charges $11 per private vehicle at the entrance of the parking lot. This fee is valid for the calendar year issued. The walkway of flags, the museum and the grounds surrounding the monument are all immaculate. Take a walk to a path that takes you near the base of the mountain, there are benches for breaks as you walk along the way and things to read about its history. I would highly recommend a tour van. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

Everyone should come here at least once in their lifetime. It blew me away, while others said it was disappointing. You must go down to the museum and watch the quick movie of how they constructed these amazing faces in the granite! Find out how they're preserved.. have all of your questions answered and learn a little extra. Once you pay your $10 entry per car, it's good for the whole year! Might as well come again and bring some friends! The black hills are amazing and we enjoyed the ride up! read more

As I reached Rapid City a little over a week ago, the local weather alerts included watches/warnings for fire, flash floods, thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes. My apologies to Mother Nature, but I wasn't about to turn around. I reached Mount Rushmore in the evening as wind, rain and lightning entered the scene. It was a lousy night to take photos but it was an exciting experience to watch the presidential stone visages hold their own on such a wild night. read more

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This place is definitely a must see. It is amazing how the people can form sculptures on the rocks. All the president's face are so detail. As you walk in, there are flags before you see the four president's face. There is a easy president trail you can walk to view different angles of the presidents. I never knew President Thomas Jefferson was the first to create ice cream. read more

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The question often asked is why chose these four presidents to put on the face of Mount Rushmore. Borglum choose these four presidents because of what they symbolize. Washington symbolizes the struggle for independence & the birth of the Republic, Jefferson, the territorial expansion of the country, Lincoln, the permanent union of the states and equality for it's citizens, Roosevelt, the 20th century role of the United States in world affairs and the rights of the common man. When visiting try not to miss the 9 pm evening lighting ceremony. This is a majestic event as the four presidents carved in rock are transformed by the lighting into a emotional moment to remember. Even more emotional was the program that took place before the lighting. As a salute to all those that serviced the announcer asked all veterans in the audience to come forward and as they handled the flag their names and service were honored against the backdrop of Mount Rushmore. It was a moving gesture and reaffirming of our love of country and respect for those who gave so much to preserve our freedom. Other highlights included seeing the New Jersey flag and the plaque that stated it was the 3rd state to enter the union, the view from the mezzanine of the four Presidents, The Presidential walk which gives you a closer and different view of the sculptures, the Gutzon Borglum Museum which was his workshop, the Rushmore museum below the mezzanine which is an interesting history lesson and eating ice cream that was made from Thomas Jefferson's original recipe. For an $11 parking fee you get a lifetime of soul fulfilling memories. Tip: if you come out of the Mount Rushmore parking area and turn right there is a pullout about a 1000 feet down the road where you can see a side view of Washington. read more

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I am nearly 50 years old and this was my first time to mt rushmore! I cried! It is beautiful! My heart swelled with joy seeing the memorial- loved the museum and the ice cream! A must see for everyone! read more

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Beautiful monument, but it looks bigger in pictures than in real life. Facilities to and from the monument, including parking, were clean and efficient. read more

Amazing view, will say walk the trail. Crazy amazing thing! Thanks for reading this!!! read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

There was plenty of parking. The layout was very nice. I expected it to be really crowded but it was actually really nice and my family and I were able to get nice pictures! The Thomas Jefferson Vanilla ice cream was also really good. Highly recommend going! read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Thomas Jefferson Ice Cream Original Recipe - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

The same old guys hanging out on the mountain! Good to see they haven't moved since last time! Parts were closed due to construction but it's still a cool site to see. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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Truly awesome and awe inspiring! I've seen the memorial so many times in my life on TV and in books. Finally seeing it in person is just epic! South Dakota in general is beautiful! Lot's of national parks to explore and so much to do if you like the outdoors. Just stay away in the Winter! Locals told us it goes to 40 below zero! I'll pass on that! read more

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Mount Rushmore is breathtaking, and the memorial is beautiful! The view looking out from Mt. Rushmore is also breathtaking (see my photos on this page). *Pro tip - show up before 7:30 AM and you get free parking. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Looking out from Mt. Rushmore at the sunrise - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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One of the best things I have ever done, a spectacular visit to a place that has long been on my Bucket List. Bitter cold winter day, but cannot say enough about the phenomenal staff, highlighted by NPS staffer Jared Wicks. Amazing history here. Incredible to see it in person. Interior museum exceptional. Views are amazing, day or night. So glad I did this, one of my most memorable days. Easy half-hour ride from Rapid City, SD. read more

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Driving up it was fun to the heads at a distance. Great covered parking! Nice easy walk around to get closer and some photo ops. Good for kids and elderly with handicap ramps on one side. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Some heads - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

Yes def a bucket list item! It's open year round, with the exception of the visitor center being closed on major holidays The lighting ceremony is at 9pm Parking is $10 but allows reentry for the YEAR, so save your parking ticket Entrance to the park is FREE and covered by the parking It took 14 years for the monument to be completed and though you can't get super close, it's still such an amazing sight! The black hills forest/Custer park area is a pretty nice drive -recommend the whole loop! Flights are available in/out of Rapid city on allegiant for cheap read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Sign - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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Love Rount Mushmore (as I kept calling it). A super historic site in a setting that can take your breath away. The surrounding black hills are glorious. The grounds are well cared for and kept nice and tidy. There is enough room for the crowd that gathers to view the carved presidents. I also enjoyed learning more about the process and the original design. It definitely looks a bit "unfinished," but the details are incredible. I did think that it looks like Thomas Jefferson has a runny nose. read more

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I think there is a lot you could do here if you put in the time. We managed to check out the monument and then walk the presidents trail so we could see the monument up closer. There are some really beautiful views both from the main viewing deck and also as you walk along the path. The path itself is relatively strenuous on the way back. There are a couple little museum areas where you can check out some of the equipment they used during the building of the monument. While we were walking through the little gift store there was a ranger presenting about the building of the monument and the politics and materials that went into making it. It was really interesting and I wish we'd had more time to listen to it. There is also a great museum down near the open auditorium that I just barely got a chance to run through. You can also mail postcards directly from here if you have your own stamps. The cafeteria area has a beautiful view of Mt. Rushmore and great food including several gluten free options. I reviewed this more in detail separately. Overall, very affordable as its only 11.00 to park and no entrance fee. Food was also reasonably priced if you're planning on eating here. I definitely recommend stopping by and taking plenty of time to see everything, I wish I had read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - View from the trail - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

A must see for anyone wanting to learn about America This is one of the main reasons that we chose to vacation in this area. Mount Rushmore is a "must see" for anyone wanting to understand America. There are at least 2 ways to get here. We drove here through the mountains. That drive takes a little longer but allows some beautiful glimpses through tunnels as you approach. We left by a larger more direct route. There is a parking fee and appears to be ample parking. Once you arrive and park the site offers several items to see: a walkway closer to the mountain, a visitors center, an ice cream shop and an entire building and displays. We viewed the display building, did the presidents walk, shopped, and ate Benjamin Franklins original formula ice cream. The story of the building of the park is as interesting as the park itself. It brings you back to a time of larger than life dreams and ideas of grand scale. A tribute to the American Spirit. We went when they were doing construction but we could still see all the sites. Well worth the time to see the site. read more

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Came here on a weekday afternoon, was surprised that parking is paid ($10). More people than I expected for the time we came but not super crowded. Went to the visitor center which had a film playing that talked about the creation of the memorial - didn't really like that explosives were used to ruin nature and build art, but okay. Definitely appreciated the difficulty of carving this out but avidly against blowing up nature for art. Visitor center had quite a bit of information which was nice (and typical for a NPS park). Actual memorial was pretty cool, could see the four faces clearly. Avenue of flags leading up to it was unique too, each flag was attached to a plaque with the state, when it became part of the union, and which number out of 50 it was to join the union. Presidential Trail was closed due to snow though - they're typically open in May and closed by early Nov according to the visitor center employee. Gift shop employees were really friendly, had a lot of options there too. Well made area for sure! read more

Awesome place to visit whether by day or night, although I recommend both. The park is open late just be careful of deers at night on your drive in. Spend at least an hour or two here. Walk around, take pictures, visit the gift shop. They have a presidential trail that you can do which is less than mile and lots of stops along the way. The great thing is that it loops around back to the entrance of Mt Rushmore. Best part is once you for parking you can visit year round at no extra cost! Enjoy making memories here. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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Our family of seven (4 generations) from Texas visited Mount Rushmore while in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Our grandsons are homeschooling for the first time this year and this was the Best history lesson!! We watched the Park Film and completed the Junior Ranger Books. We also walked the Presidential Trail. It was very neat to see the Memorial from the different angles and to be right underneath it. We attended the Evening show and I would recommend that to anyone!! I absolutely love that they recognize the Veterans, Active Military Members and Gold Star Family Members and have them come on stage to be honored by the attendees of the program!! The Memorial itself is Very Impressive..it does not matter how many times you see it..still Impressive!! Every American needs to visit Mount Rushmore at least once in their lifetime!! read more

Loved my 2021 road trip, thank you South Dakota for keeping this state a true American state, love how well you honor and respect our American flag, and what our founding fathers have fought for! Love that everywhere we go only the American flag stands alone!!! Most of all how your conservative and moral values are still practiced and respected here! PROUD to be an American and stand by God and my constitution! read more

All I can say is everyone needs to go here. Wow what a great thing to do and see. you can walk up about 250 stairs to get close to it. Its a hike but way worth it. You could spend a lot of time just looking and talking about all that went into making this treasure. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Wow - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

We traveled far to get here, we left our home at 3 in the morning from Denver to Keystone, South Dakota, only to find out how many other eager road-trippers came to enjoy the many wonders of Mount Rushmore! I loved how so much parking was accessible, the sky was crystal blue, and no cloud in sight. The monument view was actually a lot farther than I would've imagined, and thought I could physically touch it. Like in most movies show of. We saw a ravishing gift shop after viewing the monument. I recommend bringing lots and lots and lots of water. It is sooooo HOT! Especially in the year of 2014, the month of July. There are also long trails you go and follow and climb underneath rocks and plants, and trees to view Mount Rushmore. They allow you to take professional photo shots and also make the best out of the trip. There are many nearby attractions, such as Crazy Horse Memorial and also lots of wilderness and gift shops. Best road trip ever. read more

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Missed the nightly lighting ceremonies by a week as they started the following week of visit. Impressive park and clean. Parking has become a nightmare especially if trying to use a pass from my visit in October ( passes are good for one year). The new system doesn't read the barcode on ok'd pass and trying to get done one on the phone to override it took longer than it should have.... read more

Great visit to Mount Rushmore. There is no admission but you pay to park. Definitely leave time for the gift shop and walk Presidential Trail. But my advice is do the trail backwards so you go down the steps instead of having to walk up them. There is a nightly program at 8pm and a program for veterans at 830pm. Monument is lit at night until 11pm. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

To see Mount Rushmore with my own eyes just made me that much more proud to be an American. This site is amazing to behold. Some tips to those who wish to visit. 1) Be aware parking is $10 but you get to come back. Also, if you're active military you get in for FREE. 2) Go on the President's Trail. As you're waking from the front entrance you'll head left. The trail has an amazing view underneath the President's heads and must be done at least once. 3) Come back in the evening but get there early for seats. At 9pm, they play a movie about the monument, they light the monument up, recognize military veterans on the stage, and retire the colors. As a veteran myself, I was really proud to stand with such a great group of men and women. 4) The monument opens at 5am. It is almost empty and a much different experience. The sight of the monument during the dawn is great too. read more

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Best trip I've taken with my kids thus far. Not only was it absolutely fantastic to see such a wonderful monument with such a rich history. My kids loved walking around the park and seeing all of the sights and loved seeing the monument and the videos about its history. If you go once, you can keep the parking ticket and go as many times as you want for a year. Beautiful city as well! read more

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We visited in summer of 2019 during the construction that enabled us to approach closer from the main building), so we went straight ahead and took 0.5 mile trail to the right from the entrance for the closer view. Somehow I believed we will be able to come really close but that is not the case, you are still substantially far from the monument but that doesn't make it less spectacular. Be prepared for the big crowds, since this is very popular place to visit during summer months. read more

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Great faces. Great place! Awesome monument to four great Americans! We just returned from an awesome family vacation in and around Wyoming. The first full day enjoyed a beautiful drive from Cheyenne to Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore, and to Devil's Tower. Awesome ice cream! We won't spoil it for you here, but do know that... when you get there you can discover for yourself which American President had his own ice cream recipe. We will confirm that this Presidential flavor tastes awesome! Nice history of Mt. Rushmore and its creator - Gutzon Borglum. Great flag corridor leading up to the lookout porch. Friendly staff. Good family experience celebrating four of America's great leaders... in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota! Thank you, NPS / National Park Service read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a national treasure. There is no doubt that the stop is worth it. It is simply iconic.

Definitely worthwhile seeing this awe inspiring carving of granite. We viewed it in the evening and stayed to watch the lighting ceremony. Very moving and patriotic, the entire assembly of people stood and sang our national anthem. Then applauded those who have served our nation to protect our freedoms. Must experience! read more

I'm not sure what I expected. After seeing four other spectacular National Parks and Monuments on a long-distance motorcycle trip, I had pretty high expectations. We hit this park at mile 3091 on our trip. The area is beautiful, but I was surprised to find the villages and towns around it were a little underwhelming. You can see the carving from the road, but we took time to go in since we have a lifetime National Parks Pass, which makes all National Parks and Monuments inclusive. We were again let down to find out that the pass doesn't cover the parking fee, which makes no sense because if you want to enter you must park in their lot. Should be covered in my opinion. It's much smaller than I thought, but still interesting to view something you usually only see in movies like North by Northwest. Alas, Cary Grant was no where to be found. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - The man in Lincoln's Nose...Cary Grant was no where to be found. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

One of the most inspiring sites you will ever see in your life. The idea that something so beautiful could be created to honor our greatest presidents and the story are amazing. If you ever have an opportunity to go don't miss Mount Rushmore. It's even free you just pay for parking. read more

Even with the current construction, the Mount Rushmore National Monument is a must-see when in the gorgeous Black Hills Forest of South Dakota. We were so fortunate to be there on a cool day in October with crisp, clear, vivid blue sky surrounding our forefathers. Knowing the faces are carved from Granite, I was still amazed at the smoothness of each one. And, don't forget to look for the other photo opportunities to catch a glimpse of the monument during your drive on the scenic byways. One of my favorites is the profile of George Washington! Love our national parks and this one does not disappoint. Also, check out the gift shop; fun and full of lovely items for gifts or just to remember the time when you were at Mt. Rushmore. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Mt. Rushmore National Monument; Keystone, SD - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

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A fabulous piece of history totally worth seeing. Go for the evening ceremony if possible. Parking is $10 or $5 for 62 and up. Everything else is free to see. read more

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Mount Rushmore monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Keystone, South Dakota

Seems like the nay sayers have no clue what went into creating this monument, but you probably don't care anyway! The Black Hills area is perfect for seeing what America is about, Innovative engineering, and Vision.....And back to the negative reviewers.....Either do your research or stay home! read more

Absolutely gorgeous ! One of the main attractions of the United States, which patriotic Americans are very proud of and for good reason. The project is really striking in its monumentality and the complexity of implementation. I recommend visiting in the morning, when there are still no crowds of people, and in the evening, when a certain show is arranged, during which a film about the creation of the monument and 4 presidents is shown. Everything ends with a beautiful illumination of the monument and the performance of the anthem (everyone, of course, gets up) read more

Such was such a majestic site. There was still some construction occurring, but most everything was accessible. We were told the skies were a little hazy from wildfire smoke but the visibility was still great. Don't skip the short videos inside; they were super informative. read more

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