Planning a trip to see Mount Rushmore and need help building your itinerary? I’ve got you covered. Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic spots to see in South Dakota. However, your visit to Mount Rushmore will likely not take more than 2 hours, so you will definitely have time to explore other spots nearby in the Black Hills and Badlands area of South Dakota. Keep reading to learn more about the best things to do near Mount Rushmore, as well as a guide on Mount Rushmore itself!
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Mount Rushmore Trip Overview:
- PTO/Vacation Days Needed: 0-1
- Cost: $
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate 3-Day Yellowstone Itinerary
Before I dive into the best things to do near Mount Rushmore, let’s go over some important logistical details first:
How to Get to Mount Rushmore
The closest airport to Mount Rushmore is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP). You can find direct flights here from a few major cities, but not from LAX (at the time of writing this). You will likely have to make a connection in either Denver, Salt Lake City, or Minneapolis.
From Rapid City Regional Airport, Mount Rushmore is just a 45 minute drive away.
I highly recommend renting a car for this trip, so you can be on your own schedule and have the freedom to see other sites. However, if you don’t want to drive yourself and are interested in taking a tour there are plenty of great options, like this Mount Rushmore & Black Hills Day Tour from Rapid City.
Best Time to Visit Mount Rushmore & Black Hills, South Dakota
Late June through September is the best time to visit Mount Rushmore and Black Hills. September is the best month to visit out of the ones listed, as it’s during shoulder season with less crowds. Avoid going November-April due to snow, cold temps, and closed roads.
Where to Stay Near Mount Rushmore & Black Hills, South Dakota
The small town of Keystone, SD is the closest to Mount Rushmore (only 10 minutes away), however I recommend staying in the nearby town of Custer, SD (30 min from Mount Rushmore) instead. Custer is must less touristy and less crowded than Keystone, and has better restaurant options.
Airbnbs/VRBOs in Custer
There are a few awesome vacation homes for rent in Custer, like this super scenic cabin up in the hills. Talk about hot tub with a view!
Best Hotels in Custer, South Dakota
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, consider staying at the Super 8 in Custer. This is where we stayed – it was affordable, comfortable, and just a 2-min drive from the bars and restaurants in town.
Another great option is the Comfort Inn & Suites in Custer. It has great reviews and is also conveniently-located.
Best Things to Do at Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is a must-see landmark in the United States. Carved in 1941, Mount Rushmore features 60-foot high faces of 4 US presidents in the granite mountainside. I thought it looked way cooler in person than in pictures!
Note that while there is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore, you do have to pay for parking (the annual national park pass does not do anything here).
Your visit to Mount Rushmore will likely not last more than 2 hours, but even though it is short – it’s memorable! Pro tip: get there right around sunrise for the best lighting for pictures, and to beat the crowds of people that start to show up around 9am. We got there around 8am and it was a very tranquil experience, however when we left just after 9am there were tons of people!
Walk Along the Avenue of the Flags
This walkway is the first view you will see of Mount Rushmore upon arrival. They have a flag for every state along the sides of the granite walkway in alphabetical order. If you get here early to beat the crowds, you can likely get an awesome picture here with barely any people in the background.
The Avenue of the Flags walkway leads you at the end to Grand View Terrace, which is a great spot for an unobstructed view of Mount Rushmore.
Walk the Presidential Trail
Definitely take the time to walk along the 0.5 mile Presidential Trail. This paved walkway is suitable for any skill level, and winds around the area for different vantage points and lookouts. There are many informative signs along the trail here as well, which makes you further appreciate what you are looking at!
Get Ice Cream at Carvers Marketplace
This isn’t just any ice cream – the recipe is based on the original ice cream recipe from Thomas Jefferson from 1941! And it’s sourced from a local dairy farm. Note that even though Carvers Marketplace opens at 8am for breakfast, they don’t start serving the famous ice cream until 11:00am.
Sculpture Lighting Ceremony
If you find yourself with time to visit Mount Rushmore again in the evening, check out the lighting ceremony! It happens at 9pm from May-September. The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes. It starts with a short historical film, and then they light up the sculpture while the audience sings the National Anthem. It is free to attend and you do not need a reservation.
Best Things to do Near Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is an iconic American landmark, but it will only take you about 2 hours to visit. You will need to fill your itinerary with more South Dakota sights! There are quite a few other awesome stops to make on your South Dakota road trip. Keep reading for the best things to do near Mount Rushmore.
Custer State Park
Custer State Park is a must-see when you are in the Black Hills, SD area! Here you will see lots of wildlife, hiking trails and cool rock formations.
How to get to Custer State Park
- 20 miles from Mount Rushmore (45 minute drive) to the visitor center
- 14 miles from the town of Custer (20 minute drive) to the visitor center
Wildlife Loop Road
Start out with driving the Wildlife Loop Road through the park. Custer State Park is home to a famous herd of over 1,400 bison! On this 18-mile loop road, you’re almost guaranteed to see wild Bison, as well as the chance to see burros, prairie dogs, deer and elk. Make sure to drive slow when there are animals crossing!
Needles Highway
If you only have time for one thing at Custer State Park, this is it! This 14-mile drive winds its way through forests and tall & skinny rock formations that look like “needles”. You’ll even come across the Needles Highway Tunnel – a skinny rock tunnel that you can drive through!
*Note that this highway is closed from April-October.
Cathedral Spires Trail
If you are looking for a low-mileage hike that offers scenic views – this is it! Cathedral Spires Trail is 1.6 miles round trip and is an out-and-back trail, with an elevation gain of 488 feet. The views of the needles rock formation along this hike is epic!
Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake is absolutely beautiful! If you have time to spend half the day here – I recommend packing a little picnic and bringing your swimsuit! You will see a lot of locals swimming here and hanging on the shore.
I also highly recommend hiking the 1-mile Sylvan Lake Shore Trail that loops around the lake. It’s super scenic and is a great way to view the lake from different vantage points.
Crazy Horse Memorial
One of the most popular things to do near Mount Rushmore is to see the Crazy Horse Memorial. Crazy Horse is a mountain carving, still in progress, of the Lakota Native American war leader. It’s the world’s largest mountain carving, and is considered to be the 8th Wonder of the World in progress. It’s located about 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore.
Crazy Horse Memorial costs $30 to enter, but you can see it from the road without paying the entrance fee if you are on a budget. There are no hiking trails or anything at the memorial, since it is in progress/under construction, but there is a museum and information center at the site.
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is hands down the best thing to do near Mount Rushmore, in my opinion! It’s located about 1.5 hours from Mount Rushmore, but it is well worth the drive. The landscape at Badlands National Park looks like you are on a different planet!
The best time to visit Badlands National Park is at sunrise or sunset in order to get the best pictures with softer lighting.
Badlands Loop Road
Driving along Badlands Loop Road (highway 240) is the most popular thing to do in Badlands National Park. Cruising along this road is scenic in itself, but you will also find several epic lookout points to stop at as well for sweeping views of the Badlands. My favorite lookout points were Big Badlands Overlook and Panorama Point.
Notch Trail
If you only have time to do one hike in Badlands National Park, choose this one! Notch Trail is 1.5 miles out-and-back, and has a log ladder about halfway through that you have to climb up to continue on the trail, which makes it super fun and unique! After climbing up the ladder, the trail continues on for a bit before leading to a lookout point with an aerial view of the Badlands.
The Door Trail
The Door Trail trailhead is located in the same parking lot as the Notch Trail. It’s only 0.75 miles long, and starts off on a boardwalk heading closer up to the rock formations. I recommend checking this out for additional views of the Badlands after you complete the Notch Trail. We even saw a wild Big Horn Sheep hanging out up in the rocks while on this trail. So cool!
Drive Sage Creek Rim Road
If you’re looking to enter the lesser-known, more remote area of Badlands National Park with the potential to see more wildlife, head along Sage Creek Rim Road. It begins on Badlands Loop Road, near the Pinnacles Overlook. The road is 25 miles long, ending in the town of Scenic, South Dakota. If you don’t have time to go the full way, you can just go partially-in, and you’ll likely see some wild Bison and Prairie Dogs!
Wall Drug
Wall Drug is a famous road side stop right near the Badlands National Park entrance. It became famous from back in the 1930s when they advertised their “free ice water” and “5-cent coffee” on billboards as a way to get business from road trippers. You’ll still see MANY billboards for Wall Drug on your way to Badlands, and they still do offer free ice water and 5-cent coffee! Honestly, it’s a super touristy stop, but it is right on your way to/from Badlands, so you might as well check it out. Especially if you are hungry, thirsty, or looking for a souvenir!
Wind Cave National Park
Located about 45 minutes from Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park is another popular thing to do while in the area! This is one of the longest and most complex caves in the world, and is also known for its unique boxwork throughout the cave. It’s definitely worth a visit if you have the time!
Hang out in Custer, SD
As I mentioned earlier, I recommend staying in the town of Custer, SD. It’s centrally-located and has quite a few restaurants and bars to choose from! Spend some time walking around the main street, popping into the local shops and enjoying a meal and some drinks!
Mount Rushmore Brewery & Pounding Fathers Restaurant
Definitely check out Mount Rushmore Brewery while you are in Custer! they have a nice outdoor patio with live music. We only tried one appetizer off the food menu (Pounding Fathers is such a great name, we had to try!) but it wasn’t that great so I can’t recommend food. But it’s definitely worth a stop for the beers! They have wine and liquor too.
Baker’s Bakery & Cafe
this is the best place for breakfast in Custer! They pride themselves on their homemade bread and buns. I had a breakfast sandwich and it was delicious! They also sell baked goods/desserts. There might be a wait to get a table, but it moves pretty quickly.
Gold Pan Saloon
Check out Gold Pan Saloon for a quintessential South Dakota bar experience. This divey bar on the main street is. dimly lit and has taxidermy on the walls, but it’s exactly what you would expect from a bar in the middle of South Dakota! We loved it. The bartenders were super friendly and the drinks were strong.
Devils Tower
One of the best things to do near Mount Rushmore is to visit Devil’s Tower! This spot is actually in Wyoming, but it is only about 2 hours from Mount Rushmore.
This iconic towering rock structure is super unique. You can view it from afar, or take one of the nearby hiking trails to view it closer-up or from a different angle. I didn’t have the time to see this on my trip, but I definitely want to make it back someday to check it out!
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Enjoy!!
FAQs
What is next to Mt Rushmore? ›
Keystone is located north of Custer State Park, near Mount Rushmore. It is located near the end of Iron Mountain Road.
How much time do you need to spend at Mount Rushmore? ›How Long Should I Plan to Stay at Mount Rushmore? Most people spend one to two hours at Mount Rushmore, but you could easily spend more time there if you took it slow.
How much time should I spend at Crazy Horse Memorial? ›I would plan for three to four hours at this site. You start with a free movie about the history of the memorial, and then plan on taking a tour up the mountain to see it up close and personal. They have live entertainment a few times a day, which varies.
What is there to do on Mount Rushmore on a road trip? ›- Jewel Cave National Monument. The third-largest cave system in the world and South Dakota's premier caving destination. ...
- Wind Cave National Park. ...
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. ...
- Crazy Horse Memorial. ...
- Custer Wildlife Loop.
- Landscape of unforgiving beauty. Badlands National Park.
- America's first national monument. Devils Tower National Monument.
- An underground frontier. Jewel Cave National Monument.
- Visit the Front Line of the Cold War. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.
- One park, two worlds. Wind Cave National Park.
The direct drive from Mount Rushmore to Devils Tower is around 2.5 hours long. So being a 2.5 hour drive, this means that you can drive from Mount Rushmore to Devils Tower in one day no problem.
What is the best month to visit Mt Rushmore? ›The busiest months are June, July and August. May, September and October are less busy and popular months to visit as well. Use the links below to plan your visit to Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills.
Is it better to see Mount Rushmore during the day or night? ›The best time of day to visit Mount Rushmore is in the morning to beat the daily crowds. Try to get there early! The facility opens at 8:00 am U.S. mountain time. If you would like to see the lighting ceremony, then a visit later in the day is for you.
Is there a lot of walking at Mount Rushmore? ›There is a lot of walking. Depending on the person's ability and age. All areas are accessible by wheelchair except for some of the trails. Keep in mind this is on the side of a mountain.
Can you see Crazy Horse without paying? ›Crazy Horse Memorial is only sustained by admission and private contributions. Your admission dollars support Crazy Horse Memorial's mission to protect and preserve the culture, tradition, and living heritage of the indigenous people of North America.
Can you do Crazy Horse and Mt Rushmore in one day? ›
Yes, you can easily visit Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial in one day. They are only 30 minutes apart and each one typically requires a few hours to visit. You can spend the morning at one memorial, eat lunch, and spend the afternoon or evening at the other memorial.
Which is better Needles Highway or Iron Mountain Road? ›The scenery is beautiful, the high granite "needles" were cool, but it's not out of this world -- I would recommend Iron Mountain road instead--- somewhat easier, more guard rails and with a bigger payoff at the end.
What is there to see between here and Mt Rushmore? ›- Black Hills National Forest.
- Wind Cave National Park.
- Jewel Cave National Monument.
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.
- Badlands National Park.
- Wall Drug Roadside Attraction.
- Devils Tower National Monument.
- Crazy Horse Memorial.
Carved into the solid granite wall of a small canyon running right behind the presidential lineup is an 18-foot-tall doorway that resembles the entrance to an ancient tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh. Anyone crossing the threshold would discover an empty room approximately 75 feet in length with a 35-foot-tall ceiling.
How long is the walk around Mt Rushmore? ›Explore this 0.9-mile loop trail near Keystone, South Dakota. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 23 min to complete. This is a very popular area for walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Where is Mount Rushmore secret room? ›Positioned just behind Abraham Lincoln's hairline, he envisioned this chamber housing all the information about the mountain and the country anyone would ever need, including historical artifacts such as the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Are there bears in Custer State Park? ›If it keeps approaching, use bear spray. And always stay in your group. Custer State Park's Facebook post also states that the Conservation Officers are aware of the bear and expect that it will move on and won't stay in the area.
Is it worth paying to see Devils Tower? ›Yes, Devils Tower is certainly worth a visit either on your South Dakota itinerary or on your Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip. Okay, you will lose a bit of time from your itinerary but we can assure you Devils Tower National Monument is worth visiting.
How far is Yellowstone to Mount Rushmore? ›The approximate distance from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone is 500 miles, depending on the route you take (more on that below). You have a couple of options for making this trip, all offering beautiful sights, sounds, and also experiences as well.
Do you have to pay to see Devils Tower? ›As of April 1st 2022, Devils Tower National Monument will be accepting entrance fee payments via card and digital payments only. Visitors can purchase Devils Tower National Monument entrance passes in advance by going to Recreation.gov or through the Recreation.gov application.
Is Mt Rushmore lit every night? ›
From May through early August, the ceremony starts nightly at 9 p.m., and from early August through September 30, it starts nightly at 8 p.m. From October through May, there is no ceremony, but the sculpture is illuminated nightly at sunset.
Is Mount Rushmore lit all night? ›No evening lighting ceremony, sculpture illuminated nightly at sunset.
How much does Mount Rushmore cost to get in? ›There is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. However, fees are required to park at the memorial. 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.
What do I need to know before going to Mount Rushmore? ›- Tip #1: Mount Rushmore is not just a 'pass through' destination. ...
- Tip #2: Visit early or later in the summer to avoid the crowds. ...
- Tip #3: Attend the Evening Lighting Ceremony first. ...
- Tip #5: Avoid the gift shops if rampant consumerism is not your thing.
It lasts about an hour and usually starts at dusk. It's well worth seeing. over a year ago. It was 9:15 when we got to the car park then another 20 mins to get out.
Can you see badlands in a day? ›One day in Badlands National Park is just enough time to visit the overlooks, hike the short but sweet trails, and see how many bison you can count. If you get your timing right, you can also watch the sunrise and/or the sunset, when this park is its most beautiful.
Can you take rocks from Mt Rushmore? ›Protection of Park Resources
The natural and cultural resources are protected. Picking up rocks, collecting plants or feeding wildlife are prohibited. Please do not litter.
The Crazy Horse Memorial is the world's Largest Mountain Carving in Progress. It makes an impression. Moreover, it's only 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore, so it's worth adding it to your South Dakota road trip itinerary. This non-profit project is dedicated to North American Indians and presents their stories.
Can you go in the cave behind Mount Rushmore? ›Mount Rushmore has a secret room that no one can enter. Located behind the facade of Abraham Lincoln, sculptor Gutzon Borglum designed the chamber to hold information for visitors about the monument and information of America's history from 1776 to 1906.
How much does it cost to walk at Crazy Horse Memorial? ›The hike averages two to four hours to complete. Hikers should pace themselves due to the terrain and peak elevation (nearly 6,500 feet above sea level).
How long does it take to drive the Needles Highway? ›
Winding drives throughout the park are most enjoyable at a slower pace. When making plans, please allow ample time to travel at a safe speed—generally 25 miles per hour or slower. Expect travel time of about 45 to 60 minutes to enjoy Needles Highway.
Why did Crazy Horse refuse to be photographed? ›It is a well-known fact that Crazy Horse refused to have his picture or likeness taken. Crazy Horse lived under the assumption that by taking a picture a part of his soul would be taken and his life would be shortened.
How long does it take to drive the Wildlife Loop Custer State Park? ›Take it easy
For your safety and the safety of the animals, please allow ample time to travel at a safe speed—generally 25 miles per hour or slower. When making plans, expect a travel time of anywhere between one and two hours to complete the loop.
| Mileage | 159 miles (257 km) |
|---|---|
| Roadways | South Dakota Highways 240, 40, 44, 79, 87, and 89, US Highway 16, Iron Mountain Road, Reed Street, and Sage Creek Road |
| Gravel Roads | Yes |
| Passes Please read the drive description for more information. | America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass |
Keystone
Just three miles from Mount Rushmore, the closest town in the Black Hills to the iconic sculptures, Keystone is a former gold-mining town that offers a ton of activities and 32 restaurants.
The approximate distance from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone is 500 miles, depending on the route you take (more on that below). You have a couple of options for making this trip, all offering beautiful sights, sounds, and also experiences as well.
What year will Crazy Horse Monument be finished? ›As of 2022, there was no timeline for when the monument would be completed; however, the hand, arm, shoulder, hairline, and top of the horse's head were anticipated to be finished by 2037.
Does it cost to get into Crazy Horse? ›The Crazy Horse Memorial is open all year. Winter hours are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Entrance fees are: $10 for Adults.
How far is the Badlands from Rushmore? ›| Mileage | 159 miles (257 km) |
|---|---|
| Roadways | South Dakota Highways 240, 40, 44, 79, 87, and 89, US Highway 16, Iron Mountain Road, Reed Street, and Sage Creek Road |
| Gravel Roads | Yes |
| Passes Please read the drive description for more information. | America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass |
Both Keystone and Hill City are great options for where to stay near Mt Rushmore National Memorial. You can't go wrong here. Mount Rushmore hotels in Hill City don't sit as near the national monument as the hotels in Keystone but the city's side attractions are unique and at least as good.
What is the best month to visit Mount Rushmore? ›
The busiest months are June, July and August. May, September and October are less busy and popular months to visit as well. Use the links below to plan your visit to Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills.