A Visit to the Icons of the Black Hills: Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse Memorial
There are few places in the United States where history, artistry, and landscape come together as powerfully as they do in the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial. Set within the forested granite peaks of the Black Hills, these monumental works tell a sweeping story, one that stretches from the region’s first inhabitants to the evolving diversity of America today.
Mount Rushmore framed by pine trees in the Black Hills
The Shrine of Democracy
Carved into the rugged face of the mountain near Keystone, Mount Rushmore presents the majestic 60-foot-tall likenesses of four U.S. presidents:
George Washington – representing the birth of the nation
Thomas Jefferson – symbolizing growth and expansion
Theodore Roosevelt – embodying development
Abraham Lincoln – standing for preservation
Sculptor Gutzon Borglum envisioned the project as the “Shrine of Democracy.” From 1927 to 1941, he oversaw the massive undertaking, later joined by his son, Lincoln Borglum, transforming solid granite into one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Today, more than two million visitors each year come to stand face-to-face with these colossal figures and reflect on the ideals they represent.
Planning Your Visit
Mount Rushmore is open year-round, seven days a week, except for December 25th. Because hours vary by season, it’s wise to check the National Park Service website for updated schedules for:
Parking facility (note: no overnight parking)
Memorial grounds
Visitor and Information Center
Evening illumination ceremony
Good to know:
There is no entrance fee to the memorial itself. However, parking in the concession-operated garage costs:
$10 per vehicle (cars, motorcycles, RVs)
$5 for seniors (62+)
Don’t Miss the Evening Illumination
Evening illumination ceremony at Mount Rushmore amphitheater
While visiting during the day is unforgettable, the nighttime lighting ceremony offers a completely different experience and one many travelers miss.
Each evening, the sculpture is illuminated against the dark silhouette of the Black Hills, creating a powerful and reflective atmosphere. From late May through September, guests can gather in the outdoor amphitheater for a 45-minute ranger-led program featuring:
A talk on the presidents and American history
The film Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy
The ceremonial lighting of the memorial
We planned a return visit specifically for this program, and it was absolutely worth it.
Things to Do Beyond the Viewpoint
Walk the Presidential Trail
This short but rewarding trail brings you closer to the sculpture, offering angles and perspectives you simply can’t get from the main terrace. Options include:
Ranger-guided walks
Self-guided exploration at your own pace
We chose the self-guided hike during our evening visit, and seeing the monument lit up from below added a whole new level of awe.
Visit Borglum View Terrace & Sculptor’s Studio
Two trails lead to these areas:
A gentler nature trail
A steeper route with uneven steps
Choose based on your comfort level, but don’t skip it if you can manage the walk.
Family-Friendly Experiences
Junior Ranger programs
Interpretive exhibits
A National Park Passport stamp in the visitor center
A Geocaching Adventure Lab stop (fun for explorers of all ages!)
Food, Shops & a Sweet Treat
The memorial offers a café, gift shop, and one must-try specialty:
Thomas Jefferson Vanilla Ice Cream, inspired by Jefferson’s original recipe. It’s the perfect classic dessert after a day of exploring.
Traveling With Pets
Due to the large number of daily visitors, pets are only allowed in specific areas:
Parking garages
Outside developed memorial spaces
The designated pet exercise area
A Story Still Being Carved
Visiting Mount Rushmore alongside Crazy Horse Memorial creates a deeper, more complete narrative, one monument honoring the formation of the United States, the other recognizing the culture and legacy of Native Americans. Together, they invite reflection on history, identity, and the ongoing story of this land.
Whether you come for the history, the scenery, or that unforgettable evening lighting ceremony, this corner of South Dakota leaves a lasting impression.
Crazy Horse Memorial: A Monument Still in the Making
Crazy Horse Memorial carving viewed from visitor center
Just a short drive from Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial offers a powerful and evolving tribute to Native American history and culture. This mountain monument, still under construction on privately held land in Custer County, South Dakota, will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse astride his horse, pointing toward his tribal lands.
The memorial was commissioned by Lakota elder Henry Standing Bear, who invited sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to bring the vision to life. Like Mount Rushmore, the site blends monumental scale with storytelling, but it also functions as a cultural and educational center dedicated to honoring Native heritage.
Admission includes:
Access to three museums
An orientation film
Viewing the sculpture from the veranda and wall of windows
Scheduled cultural programming and demonstrations
2026 Admission (includes parking):
$15 for one person
$30 for two people
Add the Volksmarch to Your Bucket List
If you’re planning a spring or summer visit, try to time it with the famous Crazy Horse Volksmarch, widely considered the most popular organized hike in the United States, drawing up to 15,000 walkers in record years.
Hikers participating in the Crazy Horse Volksmarch
2026 Event Dates
Spring Volksmarch (40th Anniversary): Saturday, June 6, 2026
Fall Volksmarch (13th Annual): Sunday, September 27, 2026
This family-friendly event is sponsored by the American Volkssport Association and hosted at the memorial. Participants follow dirt trails and gravel work roads all the way up to the carving, turning around on the outstretched arm of Crazy Horse, directly in front of the nine-story-high face, for an up-close perspective few visitors ever see.
In partnership with KOTA Territory’s Care and Share Food Drive:
Admission is waived with a donation of three canned food items per hiker
AVA participation fee is $4 per person (cash or check only)
Hike Details
Distance: 5K or 10K woodland route
Start anytime between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Registration opens at 7 a.m. (no pre-registration required)
Must be off the trail by 4 p.m.
Average completion time: 2–4 hours
Elevation: Nearly 6,500 feet above sea level
Expect hilly, rugged terrain with some steep inclines. The trail rises about 500 feet from the visitor center valley to the mountain and is not suitable for strollers. Along the way, hikers enjoy views of the memorial’s 1,000-acre campus which is not otherwise accessible.
Tips for the Volksmarch
Travel light
Wear sturdy footwear
Bring layers and monitor the weather
Water stations, snack tents supporting local scouts (cash only), restrooms, trail monitors, and medical staff are available
Before or after your hike, don’t miss the introductory film in the Welcome Center or a meal at the Laughing Water Restaurant, which opens early for Volksmarch participants.
Extend Your Trip: Ride the Historic 1880 Train
If you’re spending several days exploring the area, especially if you’re also visiting Custer State Park, make time for a ride on the legendary 1880 Train.
Operating on the Black Hills Central Railroad, this scenic steam train travels through the heart of the Black Hills, departing from Hill City and Keystone. Launched in 1957, it is the oldest continuously operating standard-gauge excursion train in the world.
With richly restored hardwood interiors, stained glass, and leather seating, the ride offers a vintage travel experience that perfectly complements the historic atmosphere of the region. For generations of visitors heading to Mount Rushmore, this nostalgic journey has been part of the adventure.
A Journey Through History, Culture, and Landscape
Together, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial offer more than sightseeing, they create a deeper dialogue about American history, ideals, and identity. One monument reflects the formation and leadership of a nation, while the other honors the enduring culture and voice of the people who first called this land home.
Add in a Volksmarch hike, a scenic steam train ride, and time among the granite peaks of the Black Hills, and you have the makings of an unforgettable South Dakota experience.
