Temirlan T.

Mount Rushmore genuinely surprised me -- and I don't say that easily. Growing up, I watched Richie Rich (1994) and saw Mount Rushmore on screen for the first time as a kid. From that moment, I told myself I had to visit it someday. Fast forward to 2026 -- I finally made it happen, standing right there with my own kid. That full-circle moment alone made the trip unforgettable. The Presidential Trail loop is 0.6 miles but don't underestimate it -- 425 stairs and a strenuous path that takes you right up close under the monument. It's a real hike, but every step is worth it. The Sculptor's Studio is just 0.2 miles in if you need a shorter option. Entry to the monument itself is free -- just $10 for parking, valid for a full year. If you're passing through South Dakota, this is non-negotiable. Stop. Walk the trail. Read the history. Take the photos. You won't regret it.

Dale S.

So, Mount Rushmore has achieved it's purpose, to attract people to the region. But on our way here, we have seen much greater and much more purposeful art and sculpture, which makes it pale in comparison. I've paid more than the $10 parking fee it will cost you here but art for the sake of tourism is as eroded as this piece will someday be. They also say it's pet friendly, but just on the stairs out front. As soon as you reach the entry arch they are no longer welcome and if you're interested you cannot see the mountain from there so, it is not dog friendly. If it's on your bucket list, see it. The state flags seem to inspire more interest and delight from what I witnessed. Even during the government shutdown they made sure to keep the gift shop staffed though, in the true spirit of this entire place.

Jade M.

What a treat to see Mt. Rushmore! It's about a 30 min drive from rapid city- the drive up was gorgeous. Seeing the monument itself is free but you do have to pay $10 for parking- the cool thing is though is that your parking ticket is valid for 1 year. I thought that was pretty awesome and convenient. The monument itself is beautiful. It's pretty mesmerizing to actually see it in person. If you're ever in the area it's a must see!

Donn D.

It's is touristy as you'll expect, but on a motorcycle trip through S.D. you know I just had to stop. The ride up here was beautiful, with plenty of deer and even a bison that I stopped to watch cross the road about fifty feet away from me. I rolled the bike back another twenty feet from that one having seen all the videos on the internet of people trying to pet the big fuzzy cows ending poorly. There are plenty of places to stop for pictures and lots of tunnels through the mountains to drive through. The monument was just as impressive, and I had to wonder just how and why they picked this particular mountain to carve into and how they knew when to call it quits. I'ld have constantly been trying to make it just a little more detailed and would never have been finished. Of course I hit the gift shop, which was extensive, and dropped some cash for stuff I don't need but couldn't live without. The weather all week has been hit and miss with rain but fortunately it held off long enough for me to get some good pictures while I was here. The cost to get in on a bike was ten bucks which was well worth it.

Andrea U.

My third time here. This time 45 of us arrived for lunch with our tour. We did a mile hike up & down steps viewing the monument from all different angles. The smell of the Ponderosa pines was invigorating.

Jen W.

This is a very pretty area of the country. A big museum in the park tells all about the artist, the process, changes made along the way. But nothing about 'why' it was even done! So I asked a Ranger. Seems a local businessman wanted to attract touristst to the area. He envisioned a mountain monument of wild west figures along the highway to entice travelers to stop. He raised money, hired the artist, gave him full power to 'have at it' and the artist switched everything up. No wild west personalities and a different location. If we had more time I would definitely hike this area. It's beautiful. Although there is no entry fee, parking is $10/car. Seniors and active military pay $5. There is an information desk and gift shop up a set of steps and through an archway. You can stamp your National Park passport here. Through another archway is another gift shop and a row of state and territory flags. Through another archway you see the mountain, unimpeded by structures, from a viewing platform. Down a set of steps from the viewing platform is an ampitheatre, museum, another information desk and gift shop. A pathway from the upper viewing platform leads to the artists studio. This is really a quick side trip. If you want to see the mountain without paying to park or seekng the museum there is a good view from the road just before the park entrance. There is a 'lay-by' or 'pull-off' area there for a few vehicles.

Marie S.

4.5 stars We came to SD just to see Mt Rushmore! Well worth the drive. Parking is easy. We didn't visit the visitor's center, the gift shop, or the ice cream shop, but did spend about half hour there. The craftsmanship is amazing. 2024 #59

Mimi W.

Iconic Americana - crossing off a bucket list item! Parking is $10 and ticket is valid for one year, so if you go in the morning, you can go back at night for the lighting and night views. I suggest going in the morning when they first open so that it's less crowded and you get some good photos without too much crowd. Come with the right expectations and you won't be disappointed - mostly a photo op of the most iconic American landmark! Take an easy stroll along the Presidential Trail for different angles of the monument and various viewing points that highlight each president, visit the Sculptor's Studio and see the model and some tools used in sculpting the monument, and mid-morning you might even find some dancers from the Sioux and Dakota tribes at the Grand View Terrace area!

Elizabeth S.

It is a must in South Dakota . So much history in building the monument. The Presidential trail was good. Less than a mile hike. The sculptor museum the theater were very educational. The weather was great today blue sky and breezy. Don't forget to have the Thomas Jefferson vanilla ice cream to die for

Gabriel S.

This is one of my favorite places to visit time and time again. We usually go every year when we're out in the Black hills and they always add new and amazing things at each year. Does your mistake for the speech and even presentation and I have to say the order was amazing starting at 9:00 p.m. A booming speech that echoes off the mountains and the faces of the presidents reminded me of something that you might see an ancient Rome before a battle or something it was amazing. Spend some time to take the trail walk around the base of the mountain and learn all about the history of how this was created and all the men who created this amazing piece of History.

Tim L.

What an amazing place. So very cool together to see this national landmark in person. Iconic andthe history wasvery cool to learn

Tom G.

This monument was as awe-inspiring as I expected. The size is incredible and the information about how it was created, was very well presented. I recommend going early to beat the crowds.

Tiffiny H.

I got here around 7:40 a.m. in early April (4/5/24) and sent about an hour here. I saw about 15 other people while there, that did not work there. It was EMPTY, which was great. I didn't have to fight for a good view, because when I was on the Presidential trail, I was the only one there. I never thought that I would ever be able to see Mt. Rushmore in person. I am so glad that I was able to do so. It is so massive. Sometimes, I wonder what it would look like if they hadn't run out of money. Though, I love it as it is. I was hoping to have some of Thomas Jefferson's ice cream, even early in the morning and while it was cold out side (44 degrees and windy!), but the cafe was not open, even though it was supposed to be. I didn't get to see any of the museums either, because I didn't know where they were. I still enjoyed my time!