6 must-do’s when visiting Mt. Rushmore with kids
Visiting Mt. Rushmore with kids
This may be an unpopular opinion, but Mt. Rushmore is an amazing place to visit with your kids! Seriously, it was by far one of my favorite stops we made on our 6 day South Dakota road trip, and in my opinion, is a must see for everyone at least once in their lifetime.
If you are planning a trip to South Dakota or Mt. Rushmore and are worried your kids will be bored, I have the perfect plan for how to spend your time here to keep your kids entertained. Plus, they might even learn something along the way 🙂
Walk the 1-mile Presidential Trail
This is the absolute, number 1 must do for any visit to Mt. Rushmore. On this easy, 0.6 mile trail, you will get amazing, up close views of the iconic monument while enjoying an easy, kid-friendly hike. This loop takes you through scenic viewpoints, offering unique angles of the four presidents carved into the granite. Along the way, keep your eyes open for wildlife like chipmunks and mountain goats. The trail includes 422 stairs, but there are plenty of rest areas to take breaks and soak in the views. It’s a great way to add some adventure to your visit while making the experience more interactive for kids.
Visit the Sculptor’s Studio
A visit to the Sculptor’s Studio at Mount Rushmore offers a behind-the-scenes look at how this monumental sculpture was designed and created. This small but engaging space showcases the original scale model used by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, along with tools and exhibits detailing the carving process. Learn about the crew that helped to bring the vision to life, using dynamite and precise hand tools to shape the granite. Park rangers give short talks throughout the day, sharing interesting facts and answering questions, making it an educational and interactive stop. There is also a small bookstore inside with some cool items to check out.
Explore the Visitor’s Center
The Mount Rushmore Visitor Center is a must stop spot when visiting Mt. Rushmore, offering an informative and engaging introduction to the monument’s history. Located near the entrance, the center features interactive exhibits, historical displays, and a short film that details the carving process and the significance of the four presidents. There are several hands-on activities and the chance to see real tools used by the workers who sculpted the monument to keep kids engaged.
Earn your Jr. Ranger badge
One of my kids favorite things about visiting National Parks or Monuments is earning their Jr. Ranger badges. This is a free program offered at almost every NPS site, and can be completed by kids of any age, and even adults. We stopped by the information desk right as we entered the Monument and grabbed our booklets, then worked on the questions as we wandered around, finding answers in different areas of the park.
After you are finished, make sure to turn them into a Park Ranger (we turned ours in at the Visitor’s Center) so you can be sworn in as an official Jr. Ranger and receive your badge. This is a great way to keep kids engaged, and they actually learn some interesting facts about the National Park or Monument they are visiting. Plus it makes for a fun {and free} souvenir!
Search for your state along the Avenue of Flags
Take a stroll along the avenue of flags and search for your state! This is also one of the best photo opportunities in the whole park, so don’t miss a family photo here.
Grab a scoop of Thomas Jefferson’s famous vanilla ice cream
After exploring this amazing National Monument, don’t miss a stop by Carvers’ Café for a scoop of ice cream, especially the famous Thomas Jefferson Vanilla Ice Cream. They use Jefferson’s original 1780s recipe, and trust me when I say that it is incredible! Don’t be tempted by more daring flavors- the vanilla is so good!
Take in the stunning views of Mount Rushmore from the café’s indoor or outdoor seating area while enjoying your treat. In addition to ice cream, the café offers a variety of family-friendly meals.
Things to know:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds (we arrived at 8:30 and got great parking and got lots of pics with minimal people in them at this time)
- It is free to visit, but parking costs $10
- There is an onsite restaurant for dining
- Extra time? Hike the 4-mile Blackberry Trail to experience the beauty of the Black Hills surrounding Mt. Rushmore
Is Mt. Rushmore on your bucket list? If not, it should be!
