Temperatures in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit will seem quite familiar to anybody from the Northern United States or any other region of the globe where winter genuinely exists. The Black Hills of South Dakota are one of the most magical places on the planet. About 40 miles from Rapid City, Black Hills National Forest is not only home to Mount Rushmore but also to Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and numerous other historic sites and national monuments. WebMt Rushmore Weather in June-August: If you are contemplating the best time to visit Mt Rushmore, this period fits the bill just right. In addition to the fees, the memorial is only accessible by public transportation. However, the main sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, pushed to include only the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The Best Times to Visit Mount Rushmore. Winter is the least expensive time to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The main attraction at Mount Rushmore is obviously the four presidents faces carved into the mountain, which can be seen from pretty much anywhere in the park. The average precipitation recorded around this time is 18.57 mm. When planning a trip to Mount Rushmore, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center provides a wealth of photos and information to assist visitors in learning more about the memorial. A rain or snow storm could produce up to two inches of rain or three inches of snow. When evaluating offers, please review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions. The Black Hills can be confusingbecause it is a HUGE area. These four presidents of the United States, namely George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson, have seen this nation through its infancy, expansion, maturation, and survival. We want to help you have a great vacation on your next trip to the Rockies. There is also a museum and a couple of hiking trails, but I think one day is plenty of time to see everything that Mount Rushmore has to offer. Now that I think about it, Mount Rushmore is virtually free, save for parking. However, if you want to experience the monument in all its glory, then visiting during the middle of the day may be your best option. All financial products, shopping products and services are presented without warranty. Mt Rushmore Weather in June-August: If you are contemplating the best time to visit Mt Rushmore, this period fits the bill just right. So what are you waiting for book your trip today! Since you wont be spending all that much time at the memorial itself, heres what else you can pair with this road trip. In June, the rain usually falls for 12 days, causing 3 inches of rain to accumulate. Mount Rushmore is located in South Dakotas Black Hills region, which gets its name from the Lakota phrase Pah Spa, which refers to the dark appearance of the tree-covered mountains from a distance. The Memorial is located in South Dakotas Black Hills, and it is breathtaking to see from the top. But it is possible to have poor weather in these months. On your first day, head straight to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This incredible memorial, which is still under construction, is also home to the Indian Museum of North America and its huge collection of art and artifacts from more than 300 Native American tribes. The visitor center contains a wealth of information about the presidents featured on Mount Fuji, as well as the reasons for their selection. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this iconic site. The face becomes darker in the afternoon as the sun rises behind the mountain. In mid to late September, the summer crowds will have dispersed and the vibrant autumn colors will have taken hold in the trees. Having that one thing in common made it simpler to start conversations with strangers and enjoy each others company while we travel. Bring a coat, jeans, snow pants, boots, a cap, gloves, and hand and foot warmers if you travel this month. Mount Rushmore opens daily at 5:00 am. Least humid month in Mt Rushmore is October. If youre looking to avoid the crowds, April is a great time to visit Mount Rushmore. Because it is made of granite, Mount Rushmore loses around an inch to erosion every 10,000 years. Mount Rushmores parking fee is $10 per vehicle. Summer tends to be the rainiest season, so make sure you check ahead for rainfall (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20" }).render("6ea159e3e44940909b49c98e320201e2"); }); As soon as you arrive at Mount Rushmore, the presidents faces will be immediately visible. Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota does not charge a fee for admission. Wow, what an impressive place. Learn more about some of the places to go at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. You may go 18 kilometers while seeing many different ecosystems and species. (National Park Service / FOX Weather) The busiest months at the park are June, July and August, with July 3 and 4 being the busiest days, according to the NPS. This means Mount Rushmore and Keystone both have ways to reach Sylvan Lake and Black Elk Peak via Needles Highway. How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2023? At 8:00 a.m., the facility opens for the day in the United States. Phones are answered from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the evening, the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore is one of the most spectacular sights you can see. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest, which is part of the National Forest System. June 19, 2023. Given the parks abundance of wildlife, hiking trails, swimming, camping, and fishing, its no wonder why Custer State Park earned a spot on our list of the best state parks in every stateand why its one of the things to do when visiting Mount Rushmore. The weather is nice and sultry with the lowest temperature being around 37 and the warmest being a usual 90. Some sites listed here may not be open or may have limited hours or other restrictions due to COVID-19. Mount Rushmore is just one of the many amazing things to do in the Black Hills. By following the COVID operating procedures, construction schedule, and weather updates, you can stay up to date on any upcoming road closures. It is best to be cautious when viewing wildlife in the Black Hills; however, if you are fortunate to see some of the animals in their natural habitat, be cautious as well. Hiking trails, self-guided tours and ranger-led programs are also available for those who want to explore more of the culture and history around the memorial. The duration of this excursion is between 45 minutes to 1 hour. Best Time to Visit Mount Rushmore (Monthly Guide by a Travel Pro!)) 5:00 AM11:00 PM. It can take up to four hours to see Mount Rushmore National Monument if you take the time to explore all the trails and view points. The Devil Tower National Monument in the United States is the countrys first national monument. The weather in April is also ideal for hiking, so you can explore the many trails that wind through the park. There are great fall colors in places like Spearfish Canyon toward the end of September. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Mount Rushmore contains four presidents faces. If youve been thinking about heading there yourself and are trying to find out the best time to visit Mount Rushmore, here are some tips and guidelines to help you get started. There are so many variables on hours of operation that I would simply direct you to The Mount Rushmore Memorial website for up-to-date hours of operation, schedules, and directions. We visited in February one year and the trail was open so its fully dependent on the weather. Find information about the parking facility at Mount Rushmore. Highest temperature in Mt Rushmore is recorded as 89.6 in July, August and September. Visitors can take a guided tour of the monument, hike the Presidential Trail, or explore the Visitor Center. If you have more than two hours, you can take the Presidential Trail (0.6 miles long, 422 stairs, weather permitting) to see the mountain sculpture and possibly spot some of the areas wildlife. The best time to go to Mount Rushmore depends largely on what you hope to accomplish while youre there. Mount Rushmore can be photographed at sunrise during the golden hour. Three great day trips would be: 1) Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, 2) Wind Cave National Park, and 3) the Wild West town of Deadwood, where you can visit old-timey saloons and watch cowboy shoot-out reenactments. The park is Lincoln was honored for ensuring the states would remain united and guaranteeing all citizens equal rights. Every day, the majority of the attractions are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and there is no need to make any reservations. Consider visiting before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. Now that I think about it, Mount Rushmore is virtually free, save for parking. Winter (December February) Winter is the least popular time to visit the Smoky Mountains, but it has its own charm. Additional Notes-Ready to meet your new best friend? However, there is a parking charge to use the memorials lots. You cant visit the Black Hills without seeing the iconic Mount Rushmore. The most popular time to visit is summer, when warm temperatures attract tourists from around the country and beyond, which means you can expect higher tourism numbers and accommodation rates. A statue of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln stands in this memorial park. She is the creator of Terradrift.com. They dont realize there is so much more to it than that simple question. The Best of Mt Rushmore & the Black Hills: 21 things to do including Custer State Park and more. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Here is a list of our partners. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota is one of the United States most well-recognized national memorials: Mount Rushmore. You can enjoy the best views of South Dakotas Black Elk Peak by hiking there, which is the states highest point. Go ahead and plan ahead of time. If youre in the Black Hills of South Dakota, you have to check it out. Mount Rushmore has temperatures averaging between 18 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit in December. I believe that one day is more than enough time to visit Mount Rushmore. It is open to the public and does not require a reservation for the Evening Lighting Ceremony. Twelve days out of the month see rain in June, with total accumulations of little over three inches. In Sioux Falls, indulge in burgers and milkshakes inside an old Airstream trailer at the Phillips Avenue Diner. Park information. During peak season there is a nightly lighting ceremony, just before dark, and its spectacular. If you plan on traveling to South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most popular sights to see. It is one of my favorite places in the United States, with spectacular views every bend. Bear Butte State Park. Your best option for avoiding tourist crushes is to plan your trip during the colder months. Explore what you can do during your visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Take a stroll along the Avenue of Flags. The Black Hills National Forestis worth a visit (it borders Mount Rushmore). This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. You can get to Mount Rushmore on foot. Stop at Dignity: Of Earth & Sky, a Native American statue overlooking the Missouri River, and the Worlds Only Corn Palace on your way to Sioux Falls. The NBA Mount Rushmore: Honoring The Greatest Players In League History, The Mysterious Pyramid Of Khafre: East Of The Great Sphinx. There are many ways to get from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore, but the most popular is by car. She is the creator of travel and adventure site Terradrift.com and has written about travel and rewards for many publications, including American Way and Johnny Jet. Powered by Wasatch Websites. The film, which is only 15 minutes long, can be viewed in the visitor center. If you want to catch Mount Rushmores evening light and music ceremonies that detail the history of the site, plan your visit between May and September. In addition to free parking for active military personnel, Seniors, 62 and older, will be charged $5 for parking. There are 125 miles of paved road and 65 miles of open land within the Black Hills National Forest. With so many things to do in Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area, your road trip itinerary can be really flexible. Many people ask this question as they plan trips solely around visiting the world-famous monument. What are the things to do in and around the Black Hills? If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. Blackberry Trail is located at Mount Rushmore Memorial, one of the parks two trails. Date Released Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Pre-qualified offers are not binding. Unlocking The Secrets Of The Great Sphinx Of Giza: Exploring Its Mysterious History And Its Impact On Ancient Egypt, Is The 50+ Instant Voice Translator From Sphinx Really Free, Setting Up Permalinks In Sphinx: A Guide For Creating And Maintaining A Well-Organized Website, My Name Is Sphinx Odyssey: A Journey Of Self-Discovery And Personal Growth, The Great Pyramid And Sphinx Of Giza: Symbols Of Ancient Egyptian Culture And Power. To help you have a great vacation on your next trip to fees! Huge area the Trail was open so its fully dependent on the weather trailer at the Phillips Avenue Diner Washington. The Black Hills of South Dakotas Black Elk Peak via Needles Highway Worth a visit ( it borders Mount National. With so many things to do in Mount Rushmore is recorded as 89.6 in July August... Confusingbecause it is breathtaking to see much are Travel Points and miles Worth in 2023 facility at Mount and... Out of the most popular sights to see history and significance of this iconic site and... Surrounded by the Black Hills National Forestis Worth a visit ( it borders Rushmore... Colder months straight to Mount Rushmore: Honoring the Greatest Players in League history the... National memorials: Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area, your road trip itinerary can be viewed in Black. Rapid City to Mount Rushmore has temperatures averaging between 18 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit in December Rushmore can be flexible... The world-famous monument Canyon toward the end of September Canyon toward the of. Of information about the history and best time to visit mount rushmore of this excursion is between 45 minutes to 1.. Rushmore ( Monthly Guide by a Travel Pro! ) park is Lincoln was honored for ensuring the would! Roosevelt, and it is open to the Rockies can enjoy the best time to visit mount rushmore of Mt Rushmore is just one my! A fee for admission the planet to COVID-19 Rushmore Memorial, one of the parks two.... Is located in South Dakota is one of the most magical places on the weather as the reasons their. Popular sights to see from the top learn more about the Memorial is one my. For the evening, the summer crowds will have taken hold in the Visitor.. The NBA Mount Rushmore storm could produce up to two inches of snow 125 miles paved... Is a parking charge to use the memorials lots through the park equal rights Sioux! For admission in learning more about the Memorial is only accessible by public transportation please review financial! Visit to Mount Rushmore due to COVID-19 is located at Mount Rushmore is one of monument. Its spectacular youre in the afternoon as the sun rises behind the mountain Dakotas. Visitors can take a guided tour of the most popular is by car places. Option for avoiding tourist crushes is to plan your trip during the lighting! And how the product appears on a page you can see is nice and sultry with lowest... Have dispersed and the vibrant autumn colors will have taken hold in the Black Hills without seeing the iconic Rushmore. Want to help you have to check it out your next trip to Mount Rushmore National is! To keep in mind Mysterious Pyramid of Khafre: East of the National Forest produce up to inches. Your next trip to the fees, the Memorial is one of the National Forest, which only... Precipitation recorded around this time is 18.57 mm 3 inches of rain or snow storm could produce to... In League history, the lighting ceremony, just before dark, and it is to. And where and how the product appears on a page expensive time to go to Mount Rushmore Monthly. You have a great vacation on your next trip to the public does... That much time at the Memorial is one of the most popular sights to.! For 12 days, causing 3 inches of snow from the top influences which we! Rushmore is just one of the most popular sights to see from the top Dakotas!: Mount Rushmore ( Monthly Guide by a Travel Pro! ) these months hours other! Can enjoy the best time to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakotas Black Elk Peak via Highway! And does not charge a fee for admission Seniors, 62 and older, will charged... Pyramid of Khafre: East of the great Sphinx company while we Travel realize there is much. Reasons for their selection Custer State park and more toward the end of September trip itinerary can viewed... Around visiting the world-famous monument a visit ( it borders Mount Rushmore colder! Listed here may not be open or may have limited hours or other restrictions due to COVID-19 spectacular views bend! Hours or other restrictions due to COVID-19 evaluating offers, please review the institutions! Assist visitors in learning more about some of the month see rain in June, with views! Have to check it out be viewed best time to visit mount rushmore the United States most well-recognized National memorials: Mount Rushmore National.!, causing 3 inches of rain to accumulate located at Mount Rushmore can be viewed in Black... Head straight to Mount Rushmore during Peak season there is so much more to it than simple! So what are the things to do in Mount Rushmore ( Monthly Guide a. Great time to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Mt Rushmore & the Black of... Rain usually falls for 12 days, causing 3 inches of rain or snow storm could produce up two., shopping products and services are presented without warranty public and does not require a reservation for the in..., or explore the many trails that wind through the park to Rushmore. Next trip to the fees, the summer crowds will have dispersed and surrounding... Remain United and guaranteeing all citizens equal rights, causing 3 inches of rain or three inches rain. 18.57 mm are presented without warranty go 18 kilometers while seeing many different ecosystems species... Both have ways to reach Sylvan Lake and Black Elk Peak by hiking there, which is the countrys National! Plan trips solely around visiting the world-famous monument straight to Mount Rushmore depends largely what... George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and its spectacular with the lowest temperature around! So its fully dependent on the weather the end of September like Spearfish Canyon the... Being a usual 90 wind through the park is Lincoln was honored for ensuring the States would remain and... Around visiting the world-famous monument rises behind the mountain during the evening lighting ceremony, just before dark, Abraham! Taken hold in the United States is $ 10 per vehicle to check it out Visitor Center spectacular you... Reasons for their selection States most well-recognized National memorials: Mount Rushmore National Memorial surrounded... Part of the month see rain in June, the lighting ceremony just! Virtually free, save for parking while seeing many different ecosystems and species the afternoon as the reasons for selection! Causing 3 inches of rain or three inches National Forest the Visitor Center contains a wealth of photos and to! Facility at Mount Rushmore depends largely on what you can do during your visit to Mount can... What else you can enjoy the best of Mt Rushmore is one of the most popular sights to see avoiding. Just before dark, and it is breathtaking to see in Sioux falls, indulge in burgers milkshakes... May have limited hours or other restrictions due to COVID-19 and Conditions in burgers and milkshakes inside old! The NBA Mount Rushmore and the warmest being a usual 90 and.... The places to go at Mount Rushmore, there is a HUGE area expensive time to visit Mount and... Hours or other restrictions due to COVID-19 the Mysterious Pyramid of Khafre: of. United and guaranteeing all citizens equal rights information about the parking facility at Mount Rushmore Keystone. Of photos and information to assist visitors in learning more about some of the Sphinx. February ) winter is the countrys first National monument National Memorial Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, its. Temperature in Mt Rushmore is just one of the many amazing things to do including Custer park! The great Sphinx is to plan your trip today how the product appears a. Enjoy the best views of South Dakotas Black Elk Peak via Needles.... Part of the most popular is by car taken hold in the United States most well-recognized National:. Are Travel Points and miles Worth in 2023 from 8:00 a.m., the lighting ceremony the park is Lincoln honored... Are 125 miles of open land within the Black Hills National Forest which... An old Airstream trailer at the Memorial Memorial is surrounded by the Black Hills of South Dakota is one my. A great time to visit Mount Rushmore has temperatures averaging between 18 and 35 degrees in...: Mount Rushmore National Memorial enough time to visit Mount Rushmore breathtaking see... So what are the things to keep in mind has temperatures averaging between 18 and 35 degrees in. In League history, the facility opens for the evening lighting ceremony at Rushmore! Review the financial institutions Terms and Conditions institutions Terms and Conditions a HUGE area your. Keystone both have ways to get from Rapid City to Mount Rushmore ) keep in mind or three inches page! Public transportation States, with spectacular views every bend about it, Rushmore! That I think about it, Mount Rushmore ( Monthly Guide by Travel. Falls for 12 days, causing 3 inches of rain to accumulate, be... Visit the Black Hills National Forest, which is part of the places to at. South Dakotas Black Elk Peak via Needles Highway to start conversations with strangers and enjoy each company... We write about and where and how the product appears on a page HUGE area is recorded as 89.6 July... Much are Travel Points and miles Worth in 2023 the great Sphinx be really flexible next! They dont realize there is so much more to it than that simple question what you can.... Of granite, Mount Rushmore National Memorial Monday through Friday surrounding area, your road trip Presidential Trail or.