Nestled in South Dakota’s rugged Black Hills, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial offer a compelling mix of American history, cultural storytelling, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re road-tripping through the Midwest or flying in for a long weekend, this travel guide will help you plan a memorable visit to two of the country’s most iconic monuments. From insider tips and best times to visit to historical context and nearby attractions, here’s everything you need to know.

🗿 Mount Rushmore National Memorial

What It Is

Mount Rushmore is one of the most recognizable monuments in the United States. It features the 60-foot granite faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and completed between 1927 and 1941, the site draws over 2 million visitors annually.

When to Visit

• Best Time: Late May through September, when the weather is mild and park services are fully open.
• To avoid the Crowds, visit early in the morning or late afternoon. The sunset is breathtaking, especially during the summer evening lighting ceremony.

Entry & Hours

• Entrance Fee: Free. However, parking is $10 per vehicle (valid for the calendar year).
• Hours: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM (lighting ceremony begins around dusk from late May to late September).

What to Do

• Presidential Trail: A 0.6-mile loop with 422 steps that brings you closer to the monument.
• Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center: Learn about the monument’s creation and view historical footage.
• Sculptor’s Studio: See original models and hear ranger talks about the carving process.
• Evening Lighting Ceremony: Held nightly during peak season, it’s a patriotic, moving event.

🪨 Crazy Horse Memorial

What It Is

Just under 20 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial is a work-in-progress sculpture of Lakota leader Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing into the distance. When completed, it will be the most prominent mountain carving in the world. Unlike Mount Rushmore, it’s privately funded and deeply rooted in Indigenous history.

Why It Matters

While Mount Rushmore is iconic, its creation on sacred Lakota land remains controversial. Crazy Horse Memorial, begun in 1948 by Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear, aims to honor Native American heritage and leadership.

Entry & Hours

• Entrance Fee: $12 per person or $30 per vehicle (prices vary based on special events).
• Hours: It is open daily year-round, with longer hours during the summer (8:00 AM to 9:00 PM in peak season).

What to Do

• Viewing Decks: See the massive face of Crazy Horse, which is already carved, with ongoing work on the horse.
• Indian Museum of North America: A vast collection of artifacts and contemporary Native art.
• Cultural Programs: Enjoy traditional dance performances, storytelling, and artist demonstrations.
• Laser Light Show (summer only): A vibrant tribute to Native history displayed across the mountain.

🎒 What to Pack

South Dakota weather can be unpredictable, especially in the Black Hills. Here’s a quick packing checklist:

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals
• Light jacket or hoodie (even in summer)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (high elevation = stronger UV rays)
• Water bottle (refill stations available)
• Snacks or a picnic lunch
• Binoculars for wildlife spotting

🛌 Where to Stay

Keystone (Closest to Mount Rushmore)

• Best for: Quick access to the memorial, family-friendly hotels, and budget options.
• Top Picks: K Bar S Lodge, Roosevelt Inn, or Rushmore Express Inn.

Custer (Closest to Crazy Horse)

• Best for: Access to Custer State Park and more relaxed, small-town vibes.
• Top Picks: Bavarian Inn, Rocket Motel, or cabins at Custer State Park.

Rapid City (Regional Hub)

• Best for: Urban comforts, restaurants, and airport access.
• Top Picks: Hotel Alex Johnson, Courtyard by Marriott, or The Rushmore Hotel.

🛣️ How to Get There

• By Car: The most convenient option. Mount Rushmore is about 35 minutes from Rapid City Regional Airport.
• By Air: Fly into Rapid City (RAP), which offers car rental services on-site.
• By RV: Both monuments accommodate RVs, and plenty of nearby campgrounds exist.

Scenic Drive Tip: Take Iron Mountain Road from Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore. Its winding pigtail bridges and scenic tunnels frame perfect views of the monument.

📸 Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots

• Mount Rushmore: Stand beneath the Avenue of Flags for a perfectly symmetrical view.
• Crazy Horse: Use a zoom lens from the viewing deck or book the bus tour to the base.
• Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park): Bison, burros, and stunning open prairie scenes.
• Needles Highway: Dramatic granite spires and tight rock tunnels (perfect for drone footage if permitted).

⛺ Add-On Adventures in the Black Hills

While Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse are the headliners, the Black Hills offer an incredible lineup of nearby attractions:

• Custer State Park: One of the nation’s best state parks—drive the Wildlife Loop, hike to Sylvan Lake, or see the buffalo roundup.
• Wind Cave National Park: Underground tours of the world’s longest and most intricate caverns.
• Badlands National Park: About 1.5 hours away—otherworldly rock formations and rich fossil beds.
• Deadwood: A historic gold rush town with Old West charm, casinos, and Wild Bill Hickok stories.
• Spearfish Canyon: Ideal for waterfalls, scenic byways, and fall foliage.

✨ Cultural Considerations & Responsible Travel

• Acknowledge the Land: The Black Hills (Paha Sapa) are sacred to the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota peoples. Respect the significance of this land beyond its tourist appeal.
• Support Local Artists: Both memorial gift shops feature authentic Native-made jewelry, art, and crafts—purchase directly from Indigenous creators when possible.
• Leave No Trace: Respect natural and cultural areas, clean up all trash, and stick to designated trails.

💬 Bottom Line

Whether inspired by the symbolism of American democracy or drawn to the spiritual stories of Native resistance and identity, visiting Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial offers a layered, eye-opening experience. Come for the epic views, but stay for the history, cultural education, and the profound power of these mountains to tell many sides of America’s story.

If you plan a trip to South Dakota, the Black Hills deserve more than just a pit stop. Give yourself time to explore, reflect, and appreciate the complexities behind these colossal carvings—and leave with more than just snapshots.

🧳 Ready to go? Save this guide, share it with your road trip crew, and start planning your route through one of America’s most meaningful landscapes.