Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, United States

5SneakinDeacon 5:00 PM Mar 27, 2022

MUST SEE - WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE
Mount Rushmore was a bucket list site for me and I must say it exceeded my expectations. Admission to Mount Rushmore is technically free but there is a charge for parking that is administered by a private vendor. Upon arrival employees will direct you to available parking lots or garage. Once parked you can immediately pay for parking at one of several kiosks. Parking is a set fee no matter how long you stay, so I would strongly recommend that you pay for parking upon arrival before beginning your visit. Later in the day when people are leaving there is often lines at the kiosks. Hang on to your paid receipt as you will need to scan the bar code to exit the lot or garage. Once I paid for parking, I began my visit. I arrived shortly after 9 a.m. in the morning and plaza was already crowded. As you make your way up the central plaza you are treated with an Iconic view of the presidents. It is truly a spectacular site. One both sides of the central plaza are various shops that sell concession and souvenirs. These shops can be quite crowded so be patient. Are several spots around the monument I encountered Rangers and Volunteers conducting programs. I managed to catch a couple of these programs and found that they were very informative. I would highly recommend that if you have the time to take in some of these free presentations. All the rangers and volunteers were very polite and helpful and more than willing to answer any questions you may have. Once you get past the first awe inspiring views, be sure to visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitors Center and The Sculptures Studio. Finally, if you have the time, I highly recommend taking the Presidential Trail along the base of the monument. It is an easy walk along a paved path with on a could of small hills to climb. It is about a half mile loop and affords you some awesome view of the Presidents. Mount Rushmore should be on everyone’s bucket list. It definitely exceeded my expectations

5PJQ18 5:00 PM Sep 8, 2022

Amazing evening show and monument in person is very memorable
Amazing monument which was wonderful to see in person. We arrived about 730pm to see the evening talk and light show which I highly recommend. When you arrive you stop at a gate to take a parking ticket which you pay for inside at kiosks before entering the Bridge of Flags. $5 for seniors. Enjoyed the massive entrance and impressive State flags. There were bookstores and information centers plus ice cream shop. We went straight to the amphitheater which can fill up to a capacity of 7500. Ranger shared trivia and history interacting with the audience. Movie showed history of Mt Rushmore and it’s creation plus patriotic support. Note: Masks are required indoors when that county is on high status due to Federal guidelines.