Mount Rushmore National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial

"A monument's dimensions should be determined by the importance to civilization of the events commemorated. We are not here trying to carve an epic, portray a moonlight scene, or write a sonnet; neither are we dealing with mystery or tragedy, but rather the constructive and dramatic moments or crises in our amazing history." Gutzon Borglum

Washington, Jefferson, T. Roosevelt, Lincoln

Superintendent Gerard Baker visits with a park visitor.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN PARK PLANNING

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is beginning the process to create a new General Management Plan to guide the future plans for the memorial.

You have the opportunity to participate in this planning process and to share your thoughts on the future of the park. Please visit our General Management Plan website to learn more about the project and how you can get involved.

American flag flying at Mount Rushmore National Memorial

CLASSES AND EVENTS AT THE MEMORIAL

Please see our Calendar of Events to learn more about the latest special events occurring at the memorial. Please click here for information on the 2009 Independence Day Celebration.

2009 Sculpting Classes: If you are interested in attending this years 7 different week long classes please click here for word version or PDF version for class information. For registration form word version or PDF version.

For Scout Troops: If you are interested in having your scout troop participate in a flag lowering ceremony, please fill out an application form and submit it by mail, e-mail, or fax. The application process for the 2009 season begins on January 8, 2009.

To apply to have a special event at the memorial, please see our Special Use Permits website.

PETS

SERVICE ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED

Pets (except service animals) are not permitted in any part of the memorial, except in the pet exercise areas located at each end of the main parking facility. Pets are not allowed past these points.

The park superintendent established this policy for the safety of park visitors and the cleanliness of the memorial. Visitors are encouraged to use area kennels or pet services found in local communities if they are planning a lengthy stay.

		More Than a Mountain Carving Mount Rushmore is most famous for the faces of the four presidents carved on the mountain, but there is a lot more to Mount Rushmore than that! Did you know there are many different species of wildflowers that bloom along the walking paths in the park? Would you like to learn more about these flowers and how the Native Americans used them? more...

Write to

Mount Rushmore National Memorial
13000 Hwy 244 Bldg 31 Suite 1
Keystone, SD 57751

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(605) 574-2523

Fax

(605) 574-2307

Climate

January and February are usually the coldest months during the winter. Daytime temperatures average in the 30's but during windy conditions temperature inversions can occur warming the area into the 50's and 60's. March and April is usually the Black Hills snowy season. March is typically known as the snowiest month. Normal temps are in the 40's and low's in the 30's. The average temps in April are in the 50's with lows in the 30's. May and June are mild with some scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temps average in the 60's to 70's for highs and 40's for the lows. July and August are considered the warmest months temps can easily rise into the 90's with low humidity lows can dip down into the 50's. September and October temps begin to cool averaging in the 60's and 70's lows can drop into the 40's. November and December are the beginning winter months temps are in the 30's to 40's. Please check the weather forecast before you plan your visit by selecting 'Plan your Visit' and click on the NOAA forecast.