George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are waiting to meet you.

When to Visit Mount Rushmore

Weather permitting, the grounds of Mount Rushmore are open every day of the year except Christmas Day. No surprise, the busiest months are June through August, when the park is open from 5am-11pm. If you want to avoid crowds, try arriving before 9am or after 3pm. Rangers also recommend visiting in September or October when the climate is still pleasant but the area is less busy.

Note: There is no entrance fee at Mount Rushmore, only a $10 parking charge. This gives you unlimited access to the memorial for one year from the date of purchase, should you want to return.

All in all, our family spent about three hours at Mount Rushmore, taking our time and hitting most of the sights.

How to Get to Mount Rushmore

If you're traveling by airplane, the closest airport to Mount Rushmore is in Rapid City, about a 35-minute drive from the park. Many visitors also hit the site as part of an all-American road trip. It's a day's drive from Yellowstone National Park, FYI.

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Learn more about the four presidents pictured on Mount Rushmore during a hike along the Presidential Trail.

Things To Do at Mount Rushmore

Presidential Trail

Our family really enjoyed walking the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore, an easy half-mile hike that spans the periphery of the monument and provides spectacular views of the sculpted presidents. There's information along the way about their individual accomplishments and why they were chosen to be part of Mount Rushmore. (Fun fact: Planners originally wanted the sculpture to feature American West heroes like Lewis and Clark, but decided US presidents would probably attract more visitors.)

Note: The Presidential Trail is only partially paved, and there are over 400 small steps. The most popular spot for taking photos is at the Grand View Terrace, an unobstructed viewing area at the start of the trek.

Blackberry Trail

If you are up for a longer hike, there is a trail head across from the Mount Rushmore parking lot. The Blackberry Trail is a one-mile gravel walk that joins with the stunning Black Hills National Forest.

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See the original plaster scale model of Mount Rushmore at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.

Sculptor's Studio and Visitor Center

If you want to learn about Mount Rushmore's creation, I highly recommend checking out the exhibits inside the Sculptor's Studio and the Visitor Center. We got a kick out of seeing the original plaster scale model of Mount Rushmore in the Sculptor's Studio, where a park ranger also gave a short talk on Gutzon Borglum, the artist behind it. Don't worry if your kids get antsy: the presentation is somewhat informal, and guests can come and go as they please.

The Visitor Center features cool photos and artifacts from Mount Rushmore's construction, which began in 1927 and was completed in 1941. There's also a 14-minute film with incredible video of the endeavor. Our family was blown away to discover that no fatalities occurred during the construction, particularly because it involved so much dynamite.

Junior Ranger Program

Like other US national parks, Mount Rushmore offers a Junior Ranger program for children ages 3 and up. It's a fun way for kids to earn a free souvenir pin. Participants are given a workbook to fill out with educational and age-appropriate material (think coloring pages for the little ones and more writing and games for older kids). After completing the book, kids are "sworn in" as junior rangers and given their one-of-a-kind badge pin.

Where to Eat at Mount Rushmore

Carver's Cafe is the only on-site restaurant at Mount Rushmore. Known for its ice cream (including Thomas Jefferson's original vanilla recipe), Carver's also serves up American fare like burgers, soups, and salads. The cafe is huge, with lots of seating.

We opted to bring lunch with us, and loved eating at an outdoor table surrounded by the presidents. Note that food is not allowed in the indoor spaces at Mount Rushmore.

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Feed, pet, and even hold adorable animals at Old MacDonald's Farm.

Things To Do Near Mount Rushmore with Kids

The greater Mount Rushmore area is becoming a family fun center, with tons of attractions for families. Here are some of the top things to do in Keystone and Rapid City, SD with kids. Note: Some of these attractions are only open seasonally, so be sure to check their websites before visiting.

Old MacDonald's Farm — Keystone

If you have an animal lover in the family, be sure to visit this farm just outside Rapid City. It offers petting zoos, pony rides, and opportunities to bottle feed baby animals (so cute!).

Rushmore Tramway Adventures — Keystone

We had a blast sliding down the alpine slide, riding the chairlift, and going down the tubing hill at Rushmore Tramway Adventures, about five minutes away from Mount Rushmore.

Big Thunder Gold Mine — Keystone

This mining museum offers lots of family fun, from touring a historic gold mine to panning for gold. The mine is smooth and flat, making it easy for kids to tackle.

National Presidential Wax Museum — Keystone

This wax museum features some uncanny recreations of all 46 American leaders. History-loving kids will really enjoy it!

Rush Mountain Adventure Park — Keystone

Five miles east of Keystone is this adventure park known for its mountain roller coaster and zip line. Other fun activities include high ropes courses, 7-D interactive rides, and gem mining.

Reptile Gardens — Rapid City

Reptile Gardens has one of the largest collections of reptiles on display in the world, including giant tortoises, snakes, a giant crocodile, and more. Kids can also enjoy a playground, virtual-reality adventures, gold panning, and other activities.

Storybook Island — Rapid City

For a must-see free activity, Storybook Island is a charming outdoor park with playground equipment modeled after beloved children's books. There are over 50 play sets and interactive exhibits, a carousel, and a train ride.

Dahl Arts Center — Rapid City

The Dahl Arts Center in downtown Rapid City has a terrific family room with activities and books for kids, plus free admission. There are also free family art classes on Saturday afternoons.

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Satisfy your sweet tooth at Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe.

Places to Eat Near Mount Rushmore

Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe — Rapid City

For that sweet tooth fix, hit this ice cream shop in Rapid City. Known for its "sherbet of the day," this old-school spot has terrific soft-serve, as well as some lunch items.

Grapes & Grinds — Keystone

Grab a coffee, bagel, or panini at Grapes & Grinds, which also offers free wine tasting. Families love playing corn hole and giant chess in the large yard and patio.

Bokujo — Rapid City

We were impressed with the delicious ramen at celebrity chef Justin Warner's joint in downtown Rapid City. The decor inside the small restaurant is kitschy and fun, and it offers simple ramen as well as plain noodles for the kids. FYI: Wait times can be long on weekends, so go early if possible.

Family-Friendly Hotels Near Mount Rushmore

K Bar S Lodge — Keystone

This lodge gets high marks for its luxurious rustic vibe and proximity to Mount Rushmore. Some rooms even have scenic views of the monument. K Bar S Lodge also has an outdoor picnic area and a hot tub, but note that the hotel is only open April through October.

Residence Inn Rapid City

This pet-friendly hotel offers spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, as well as a complimentary breakfast each morning. Plus, it connects to the WaTiki Indoor Water Park.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Rapid City

Also connected to the WaTiki Indoor Water Park, this hotel has suites with in-room kitchens as well as connecting rooms. Plus, breakfast is free!

Hotel Alex Johnson — Rapid City

Our family stayed at this historic hotel and really liked its wall of notable guests, including several US presidents. We also enjoyed walking to many downtown shops and restaurants.

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All photos by author Jackie Jones