A Day at Mount Rushmore: Explore South Dakota's Iconic Landmark

Day 1: Discover Mount Rushmore

Keystone, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Alpine Inn

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at the charming Alpine Inn, known for its delicious breakfast burritos and homemade cinnamon rolls.
Located just a 5-minute drive from the Mount Rushmore Visitor Center.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Spend the morning exploring the iconic carved faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln at this remarkable national monument.
A 2-minute drive from the Alpine Inn to the Visitor Center parking.
USD10 (parking fee), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Carvers' Cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch with a view at Carvers' Cafe, where you can savor American comfort food while admiring the mountain sculptures.
Located within the Mount Rushmore complex.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Presidential Trail Hike

Take a short hike on the Presidential Trail to experience the monument from different vantage points and get close to the historical carvings.
Trailhead starts near the Visitor Center.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Sculptor’s Studio

Visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn about the artistic process behind those monumental faces and see original plaster models.
Next to the Visitor Center and a short walk from the trail.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Avenue of Flags

Stroll along the Avenue of Flags featuring 56 state and territorial flags, soaking in the patriotic atmosphere.
Accessible from the Visitor Center.
Free, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Visit the Visitor Center Museum

Learn about the history of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills region through interactive exhibits in the Visitor Center museum.
Located adjacent to the parking area.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at the Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.

Indulge in a gourmet burger and local craft brews at this popular spot, renowned for their tasty burgers and fresh ingredients.
A short 10-minute drive from Mount Rushmore.
USD25, 1 hour

6:30PM

Nighttime Lighting Ceremony

End your day with the spectacular lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore, where the faces of the Presidents are illuminated against the night sky.
Head back to the memorial; it’s easily accessible.
Free, 1 hour
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