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QUICKLINKS:

National Park Service Organic Act

“…the fundamental purpose of said parks, monuments, and reservations, which purpose is to convey the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such a manner and by such means will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” August 25, 1916 

 
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.

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 2010 season begins on January 8, 2010. Season runs from May 9th through September 30.
"You don't get to keep the flag"
Scout Troops only.

 

For Special Events:

To apply for a special event at the memorial, please click here or on the Quicklink above Special Use Permits.

 
Pets are not allowed at the memorial except for service animals.

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.

 
Image of a yellow or prairie cone flower and a purple cone flower behind it.

Black Hills Pine Beetle Infestation

For decades, the Black Hills have been experiencing outbreaks of the mountain pine beetle which currently are killing large swaths of forests on private and public lands. The National Park Service has been working with Black Hills partners and developing strategies on how to slow the spread of the infestation by working with the USDA Forest Service, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, and various local government agencies. more

 

Write to

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

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.
Communities Surrounding Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Keystone, SD (2 min. ) Pop. 311
Custer, SD (25 min. ) Pop. 1,860
Rapid City, SD (27 min. ) Pop. 59,607
Hermosa, SD (28 min. ) Pop. 315
Box Elder, SD (37 min. ) Pop. 2,841
Piedmont, SD (40 min. )
Pringle, SD (42 min. ) Pop. 125
Fairburn, SD (44 min. ) Pop. 80
Caputa, SD (45 min. )
 Nemo, SD (45 min. )
Fairview, SD (47 min. ) Pop. 94
New Underwood, SD (49 min. ) Pop. 616
Buffalo Gap, SD (58 min. ) Pop. 164
Gregory, SD (59 min. ) Pop. 1,342
Florence, SD (1 hr.  2 min. ) Pop. 299
Hot Springs, SD (1 hr.  5 min. ) Pop. 4,129
Oral, SD (1 hr.  10 min. )