The primary resource at Mount Rushmore is the granite sculpture itself, but also of interest is the Sculptor's Studio built under the direction of Sculptor Gutzon Borglum in 1939. Unique plaster models and tools related to the sculpting process are displayed in the studio.

1999 marks the first full year of complete visitor facilities at the Memorial. During 1998, ten years of redevelopment work culminated with the opening of the site's new Visitor Center and Museum and the completion of the Presidential Trail, providing spectacular close-up views of the mountain.

Other resources at the memorial include flora and fauna representative of the Black Hills environment and the unique geological formation of the mountain and adjacent peaks.

VISITATION:

2.7 million visitors in 1998; Visitation highest in July and August; lowest in January and February.

LOCATION:

Keystone, SD

ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 268
Keystone, SD 57751

TELEPHONE:

(605) 574-2523

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily, summer: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; daily, winter: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hours vary spring and fall; closed December 25.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Warm days and cool nights are common in the summer, but July and August are typically hot. Moderate temperatures usually prevail in the winter months with some below zero temperatures. Afternoon thunderstorms in the summer may bring damaging hail and on occasion fog will obscure any view of the memorial. Snow may fall as early as September and may last until mid-May. Layered clothing is recommended along with comfortable walking shoes.

DIRECTIONS:

Visitors traveling on I-90 should exit at Rapid City and follow 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.

TRANSPORTATION:

Rapid City, SD, located 24 miles from the memorial has an airport and bus service. Rental cars or private tour bus companies can bring visitors to the memorial from Rapid City. Personal vehicles are most commonly used to come to the memorial.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

A parking fee is charged. This is not a Federal entrance fee, so Golden Age, Access and Eagle Passports are not accepted for parking. Limited free parking is available.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum opened on June 15, 1998. It features over 20 exhibits on the sculptor, the workers, the carving and the presidents. Two theaters show the site's orientation film. The Mount Rushmore History Association operates a large bookstore at this location. The Information Center, located near the fee parking lot, offers temporary exhibits and an information desk. The Sculptor's Studio houses models and tools used during the carving process.

Current Hours: Visitor Center and Information Center open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; Sculptor's Studio open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Trails, Roads:

The Presidential Trail takes visitors to and along the base of the mountain offering outstanding views of the sculpture. This trail is handicapped accessible from the Visitor Center to the base of the mountain. There are many hiking trails and biking trails outside of the memorial.

Programs/Activities:

Regularly scheduled guided walks and ranger programs during the summer months.

Current Daily Program Schedule:
Guided Walks at 10 and 11 a.m., 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m.
Sculptor's Studio Talks every hour on the half hour 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Presidential Trail Walks at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Children's Program at 2 p.m.
Evening Lighting Ceremony at 9 p.m.

School programs are offered by appointment during the spring and fall. To schedule school visits, please phone (605) 574-3115.

Lodging and camping facilities:

None in park. A variety of hotels, motels, and RV camping sites are available around the area.

Food/supplies:

Mount Rushmore's concessionaire, AMFAC Parks and Resorts, offers a restaurant and gift shop on site. For more information, call (605) 574-2515.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

A bookstore in the Visitor Center is operated by the Mount Rushmore History Association. For more information visit their web site through the link above or call (800) 699-3142. The parking facility is operated by Presidential Parking, Inc. For more information, call (605) 574-2643.

Accessibility:

All facilities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial are accessible.

Special Needs:

Handicapped parking areas are available.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Viewing the Memorial from the Grand View Terrace; learning about the history of the sculpture and the four presidents in the Visitor Center and Museum; hiking the Presidential Trail to the base of the mountain; visiting the Sculptor's Studio during the summer months; and viewing the natural beauty in the area.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for school groups or other educational groups should be made at least one month prior to the visit. At least one month's notice on application for Special Use Permits is required. Filming permits are arranged on an individual basis. For additional information concerning reservations, special use, or filming permits, call (605) 574-2523.

PARK REGULATIONS:

Pets are allowed on park trails as long as they are leashed and under control. Climbing Mount Rushmore is prohibited.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Stay from two to three hours at the Memorial; may require four to five days for leisurely visit to all sites in the area. Spring and fall are excellent times to visit both the Memorial and the Black Hills.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

Special events are scheduled throughout the summer months involving choirs, band concerts, and variety shows. Check at the Information Center upon arrival for events scheduled during your visit. The sculpture lighting ceremony is held each evening from May 9th through September.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

All new visitor facilities were completed in 1998. Now designed to handle large numbers of visitors, the park nevertheless is very busy from mid-June to mid-August, particularly during peak hours from approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Badlands National Park and Devils Tower National Monument are all located in the area surrounding Mount Rushmore. There are also many other private attractions in the area.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Internships are offered year-round in three areas at Mount Rushmore: Interpretation/Environmental Education; Resource Management/Visitor Protection; and Museum/Archives.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write Mount Rushmore National Memorial, P.O. Box 268, Keystone, SD 57751 or call (605) 574-2523.

Last Updated:Tuesday, 13-Jul-99 16:37:29
http://www.nps.gov/moru/

For questions, comments, or to request more information about Mount Rushmore email to:

Jim _Popovich@nps.gov