Visiting Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, with your family is an unforgettable adventure. The activities are filled with history, natural beauty, and genuine patriotic pride. To make the most of your trip to this remarkable American landmark, here’s a guide to the best way to experience Mount Rushmore with your family.
Summer and Fall
Plan your visit during the daytime to fully appreciate the grand sculptures and stunning surroundings. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open year-round, but summer months offer longer daylight hours. Fall offers the beautiful changes leaves and cooler weather for outdoor exploration. Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds and take advantage of cooler temperatures for comfortable sightseeing.
Tours
Start your Mount Rushmore experience at the Visitor Center, where you can learn about the history and significance of the monument through interactive exhibits, films, and ranger-led programs. Give yourself a full day (4-6 hours) to enjoy the tours and self-guided exhibits in the visitor’s center. The visitor center has seasonal hours, so plan your activities accordingly.
Family Activities
The family activities in the park include self-guided tours and a Sculptor’s Studio. Learn first-hand how artists created the mammoth sculpture. Find out about the tools and techniques to create one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Plan a picnic lunch to enjoy the beauty of the mountain at the “Carvers’ Café.”
The sculpture is lit up nightly to allow another nighttime view of this magnificent feat. May through September a 45-minute ranger led program is held discussing the history and importance of the structure to the Nation’s history. Even though the monument itself is open 24/7, please check the buildings and parking lot for seasonal hours.
Mount Rushmore is my travel list this year. I’m hoping to visit the Dakota Badlands as well during this trip. This would allow me to check off two National Parks in one trip. But, that’s a whole another story! Happy traveling!
Check out more travel tips at: KathyHusserTempe.com