National memorial, exhibits, terrace, and Presidential Trail

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

About 11.2 miles by the checked driving route from the Hill City depot

Pair the 1880 Train with Mount Rushmore's terrace, visitor exhibits, Avenue of Flags, and an optional Presidential Trail loop about 11.2 road miles away.

The place

About Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial centers on the granite sculpture of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Grand View Terrace and the Avenue of Flags provide the principal developed view, while the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center interprets the project and its people.

Carving began in 1927 and ended in 1941. Nearly 400 men and women worked on the project, using drilling, dynamite, and hand finishing; the National Park Service records no worker fatalities during the carving period.

The 0.6-mile Presidential Trail provides changing views through ponderosa pine. Its first 0.2 mile is paved for wheelchair access; the remaining 0.4 mile is not mobility-accessible and includes 422 stairs.

The memorial does not charge admission, but its concession-operated parking facility charges $10 per noncommercial vehicle, $5 for seniors age 62 and older, and is free for active-duty military. The parking ticket permits unlimited reentry for one year.

What stands out

Start at Grand View Terrace

Use the principal developed viewpoint when the train schedule leaves a shorter window.

Add the visitor-center story

Pair the sculpture view with exhibits about the workers, carving process, design, and unfinished plans.

Choose only the accessible trail section when needed

The first 0.2 mile is paved; the rest of the loop adds 422 stairs and is not mobility-accessible.

Keep the parking receipt

The concession parking ticket allows unlimited noncommercial-vehicle reentry for one year.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a 1880 Train — Black Hills Central Railroad trip

The checked route from the Hill City depot to Mount Rushmore is about 11.2 miles and 19 minutes in ordinary routing. Allow the train's full 2.5-to-3-hour block first, then choose either a shorter terrace-and-exhibit visit or a longer trail visit based on daylight, weather, stairs, and crowding.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Grounds hoursMarch 10-September 30: 5 a.m.-11 p.m.; October: 5 a.m.-9 p.m.; November 1-March 9: 6 a.m.-9 p.m., weather permitting
  • Visitor facilitiesOpen daily except December 25; closing times vary by season, so check the current official hours
  • AdmissionNo entrance fee and no reservation required
  • Parking$10 per noncommercial vehicle, $5 age 62+, free active-duty military; the receipt is valid for one year
  • Presidential Trail0.6 mile, usually 20-45 minutes; first 0.2 mile accessible, remaining 0.4 mile has 422 stairs
  • AccessibilityGarage elevators, a level-six ramp, accessible terrace/visitor facilities, and an accessible first trail section
  • PetsPets are limited to the parking garages and adjacent areas; service animals follow ADA rules
  • Peak timingJune-August and midday are busiest; large RV and trailer parking is limited
  • Time zoneMountain Time

Return to the Hill City-Keystone rail guide

Add 1880 Train — Black Hills Central Railroad

Check the live departure depot, full round-trip block, parking, assigned seating, wheelchair capacity, and 2026 special events before pairing the day.

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Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Does Mount Rushmore charge admission?

No. There is no entrance fee or reservation, but the concession parking facility has a separate charge.

What is the current parking charge?

$10 per noncommercial vehicle, $5 for seniors age 62 and older, and free for active-duty military. The paid ticket is valid for unlimited reentry for one year.

How long does the Presidential Trail take?

The NPS suggests 20-45 minutes for the 0.6-mile loop, depending on pace and stops.

Is the Presidential Trail wheelchair accessible?

Only the first 0.2 mile from Grand View Terrace is surfaced for wheelchair access. The remaining 0.4 mile includes 422 stairs.

Can I bring a dog?

Pets are allowed only in the parking garages and areas next to them. ADA-defined service animals are permitted where visitors may go.

Is the memorial open year-round?

The grounds are open daily, weather permitting, with seasonal hours. Visitor buildings are closed on December 25 and otherwise follow separate seasonal schedules.

Is Mount Rushmore part of the train ticket?

No. It is an independent National Park Service destination with a separate drive, parking charge, hours, and visitor rules.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-25. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.