Interpretive ranger walks take visitors along the Presidential Trail

Ranger Walk (30 minutes)
Walk with a park ranger along the first half of the Presidential Trail to the base of the mountain carving. The ranger will highlight the natural and cultural history of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. This fully-accessible walk begins at the Grand View Terrace. Programs are offered frequently each day throughout the summer months.

Sculptor's Studio Talk (15 minutes)
Learn about the tools and techniques used in the carving of the mountain sculpture. Talks include stories from the workers, demonstrations of the tools and the artist's working model. Programs are offered frequently each day throughout the summer months.

Evening Program (45 minutes)
Join a park ranger in the park's outdoor Amphitheater for an inspirational program focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation's history. Beginning with a ranger talk, this program continues with the film Freedom: America's Lasting Legacy and culminates in the lighting of the memorial. 

The program is fully accessible and begins at 9:00pm from May 23 until August 14. From August 15 through September 30, the program begins at 8:00pm.

Sculpture Workshops (1 week)
Free Sculpture Workshops are offered on the Borglum View Terrace by Mount Rushmore's artist in residence. Stop by to see how participants learn clay and stone-carving techniques similar to those used by artist Gutzon Borglum. For more information on participating in a workshop, please click here.

Kids' Exploration Area (10-30 minutes)
Calling kids of all ages, this area is designed just for you! Explore the natural, cultural and historic aspects of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills at this interactive area located off the Grand View Terrace.

Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Heritage Village (10-30 minutes)
Explore the history of the Black Hills and the American Indian tribes who have populated this land for thousands of years. Located along the first section of the Presidential Trail, this area highlights the customs and traditions of local American Indian communities.

Audio Tour (30-120 minutes)
Rent an audio tour want to hear the story of Mount Rushmore through music, narration, interviews, historic recordings and sound effects while walking a scenic route around the park. Rented at the Audio Tour Building across from the Information Center. The tour and accompanying brochure are available in English, German, Lakota, and Spanish.