Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Trailie
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial at a glance
- Best time
- April–May, September–October
- Trip length
- 2–4 hours to 1 day
- Don't miss
- Historic grounds and interpretive exhibits at Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Nearby city
- Keystone, SD
Explore this park
About Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.
No current NPS alerts
The National Park Service has no active alerts listed for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Conditions change quickly — check again before you go.
Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 11, 2026). Official Mount Rushmore National Memorial page on nps.gov
Weather Information
Weather at Mount Rushmore can be highly variable in any season.
- Spring
30°F – 70°F
- Summer
70°F – 100°F
- Fall
45°F – 80°F
- Winter
20°F – 40°F
Typically, July and August are the warmest months and January and February are the coldest. March and April receive the most snow, while May and June receive the most rain.
Operating Hours
Mount Rushmore grounds - early March through September 30
Weather permitting, the grounds at Mount Rushmore are open every day of the year. The Information Center, Visitor Center, Gift Shop and Carvers' Cafe are open every day except December 25th.
- Monday5:00AM - 11:00PM
- Tuesday5:00AM - 11:00PM
- Wednesday5:00AM - 11:00PM
- Thursday5:00AM - 11:00PM
- Friday5:00AM - 11:00PM
- Saturday5:00AM - 11:00PM
- Sunday5:00AM - 11:00PM
Common questions
Planning Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 1 reservation type on the Permits tab, including South Dakota's Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration Lottery. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
