Mount Rushmore is one of those classic American road trip stops that you almost have to see at least once. It’s been on our list forever, and last year, while we were traveling through South Dakota, we finally made it happen.
We visited at the beginning of April, and honestly… it ended up being the perfect time to go.
Seeing Mount Rushmore in Person
Even though you’ve seen a million photos of it, standing there in front of the actual monument is a totally different experience.
The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are massive, carved right into the Black Hills, and it’s pretty amazing to think about how much work went into creating something like that.
The monument was sculpted starting in the 1920s and took about 14 years to complete.
It was designed to represent the first 150 years of American history, and whether you’re a huge history person or not, it’s hard not to appreciate the scale and significance of it all.
The $10 Parking Fee Surprise
One thing we didn’t realize before visiting was how simple it is to get into the park. There’s no entrance fee — you only pay for parking.
And we were honestly surprised at how reasonable it was. The parking fee was just $10, and that was it. For such a famous national memorial, we expected it to cost more, so that was a nice little bonus.
Once you’re parked, you can take your time walking around the grounds, visiting the viewing areas, and soaking it all in without feeling rushed.
Off Season = Peace and Quiet
Because we were there in early April, it was still considered the off season. Keystone, the little town right near Mount Rushmore, was basically empty.
Most of the shops and restaurants weren’t even open yet, so the whole area felt super quiet. At first it was kind of surprising, but it actually made the visit so much better.
There weren’t huge crowds, no long lines, and we could actually stop and enjoy everything without feeling like we were being shuffled along.
What There Is to Do at the Park
Mount Rushmore isn’t just about the famous faces (though those are incredible to see). There are a bunch of activities and experiences that give you a deeper look at the site and the surrounding area:
🌲 Trails & Views
Take a walk along the Presidential Trail — a short loop that gives you closer angles of the sculpture and great photo opportunities. You can also explore other nature paths and viewpoints throughout the park.
Sculptor’s Studio & Visitor Centers
The Sculptor’s Studio and Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center are both worth a stop. Inside, you can learn about how the monument was carved, see tools and models, and deepen your appreciation for the artistry and engineering involved.
Avenue of Flags
This walkway of national flags leads you toward the monument and is a beautiful, symbolic way to approach the presidents.
Junior Ranger & Ranger Programs
If you’re visiting in the summer months, there are optional Junior Ranger activities and ranger-led talks that bring the history and stories to life.
Even though it was early in the season and a lot of structured programming wasn’t running yet, it’s good to know what’s normally available — and something we’d love to try next time!
Food Option: Carvers Cafe
Even though we didn’t eat while we were there (it was kind of that awkward middle-of-the-afternoon time between meals), Mount Rushmore does have a restaurant inside the park called Carvers Cafe.
We’ve heard really good things about it, and it seems like a convenient spot if you’re visiting around lunchtime or want to grab a snack while you’re there.
They even serve ice cream inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s historic recipe — a fun fact for history and food lovers alike! Definitely something we’d consider trying next time.
Don’t Skip the Gift Shop
Of course, we had to stop in the gift shop before leaving. It’s one of those classic national park gift shops with everything you’d expect — postcards, magnets, shirts, and all kinds of Mount Rushmore souvenirs.
Even if you don’t buy much, it’s still fun to browse, especially after walking around outside.
Staying Nearby in Rapid City
For this part of the trip, we stayed in Rapid City, which ended up being such a great place to base ourselves. It’s only about a half hour drive from Mount Rushmore, so it was super easy to get there without having to stay right in Keystone.
Rapid City also has a lot more open year-round, especially in the early spring when some of the smaller tourist towns are still pretty quiet.
Final Thoughts
Mount Rushmore totally lived up to the hype, and visiting during the quiet off-season made it even better. The weather was still cool, the area was peaceful, and we got to experience the memorial without the usual crowds.
If you ever find yourself road-tripping through South Dakota, it’s absolutely worth the stop — and if you can swing it in early spring before everything gets busy, you might have the place almost to yourself.
