The 10 best things to do with kids in Keystone (2024)

We planned our visit to be there just before dark to see the memorial and then stay for the lighting ceremony. It was an amazing experience. The ceremony does a nice job outlining the men memorialized on the mountain as well as gives nice detail and background to the undertaking of creating it. I would not change a thing about our visit, the weather was perfect, crowd size was great (busy but not packed) the drive up and down as well as parking was simple. Walking through the flags of all the states on the way to the amphitheater…just an amazing and moving experience. I recommend a visit to all.

I first visited here in 1992 and could just drive right up close without having to pay to get a view. $10 parking, $5 senior citizens discount price. I enjoyed the hiking trails and stayed past dark for the lightning ceremony that lasts about an hour. Arrive about an hour before dark for a good seat. I didn't mind standing at the back because I was 1st to exit ahead of hundreds of people.

An absolutely must see for any American! I would even say if you're a foreigner touring the U.S., you need to stop by and see Mount Rushmore. It's not too far of a drive if you're coming from Rapid City. I suggest bringing some snacks for the trip but there is a little town before you get into the main Mt. Rushmore area. It's an incredible monument and is definitely worth seeing.

My wife and I had visited in August of last year. It was crowded and hot and we had our pet with us. It was a nicel experience. This time we came with no pet and was able to take t he short .6 of a mile presidential trail. Believe the signs. It's definitely a workout but well worth it. You get a new perspective. It was a very enjoyable hike. Photos are all from the trail except one or two.

Loved loved it! You gotta visit this monument at least once in your life. Parking is good for 1 year as well which is great. My little family and I took a trip to see this beauty during spring break. The weather was wonderful even in March. It was not crazy busy like it's prime season so I recommend it even though most things are not open until April and May. I still loved the fact that it was not overly crowded. We all loved the trail hike and seeing it up closer. A great nature trail walk. We also loved seeing all the flags of each state which was really cool.

This was one of our stops along the way on our cross-country road trip, and it did not disappoint. To be able to check this off my bucket list was great. Pictures do not do this justice. If you are road tripping and plan on visiting more than a couple national monuments or parks, I highly suggest getting yourself the America the beautiful park pass. It's good for a year, and well worth it. There's a bit of a walk up to it from the parking, and you have to pay for parking. There's a small cafe/restaurant that you can eat at while there, as well as the obligatory gift shop. Extremely glad we got to see this in person.

This is a memorial to American icons. Plain and simple. It is big and impressive and patriotic and all the things we are good at here in America. Seeing it in person is a moving experience, but it is crowded and hot in the summer. It is a must-see for anyone traveling through the Black Hills.

From the time i was very young, this place has been on my bucket list to visit. I finally made it to this national treasure/ wonders of the world.I came during the off-season and the evening time. No one was there but two people from Tennessee were two hours away from my house.I so enjoyed this moment and well cherish it for ever.I highly recommend coming November time less busy.

This is a MUST visit, and I'm not even American. After the disappointment at Crazy horse we visited this National memorial and it was awesome. We had the place for ourselves, it was freezing cold tho but a great experience. This is something you have to add to your bucket list. Don't forget if you are in the area to visit Badlands and Wind cave national park.

We visited the park as part of a group one year in October. It was windy and cold. But the park was easy to navigate and we had a lot of fun.It's amazing how close you can get. There's a lot of history, and you can even see right up their noses!

What can I say about this historic monument that hasn't already been said yet? Mount Rushmore is a fantastic place to visit. The place is beautiful, clean, full of interesting information and family friendly for all ages.You only pay for parking, which is 10 dollars. The place built around it is very well done. It has a restaurant with several food options, restrooms scattered around the place, trails to see the monument up close, theaters showing a short but informative film about the place, etc. There is a huge gift shop with many interesting items too.Masks were not mandatory when I went (March 2022).

Always a great time visiting one of our countries monuments. We brought our Dog and Mount Rushmore is not so much Dog friendly. That being said it was still worth the stop. Me and my wife took turns in the gift shop and viewing area. Dog is only allowed right before the gates . There is a spot you can take your dog to the right of the park and you are able to view from there. Parking is only five bucks if you are senior, ten for everyone else. First picture is from pet viewing area.

We had a wonderful time, seeing the monument and learning about all the history together as a family. The parking was insanely affordable and also extremely accessible. It was an easy walk, and the crowds were minimal, allowing us to take a lot of cool pictures together. The staff were all very knowledgeable and extremely friendly.

It’s worth the trip, but it can’t be your only reason for going to South Dakota. I’d strongly recommend adding some other places to your trip, since really the most time I think you can really enjoy yourself here is like 6 hours max. And that includes the hikes and the tours. See some of the nearby caves or go a little further out of the way for some local foods. The whole area is gorgeous.

Mount Rushmore, a symbol of American history and ingenuity, evokes a mix of emotions for visitors, from awe at its grandeur to discomfort over its controversial past.Set amidst the rugged beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore stands as a monumental tribute to some of America's most influential presidents. Carved into the granite face of the mountain, the larger-than-life sculptures of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln are a testament to the ideals and aspirations of the nation.For many, the historical significance of Mount Rushmore is reason enough to visit. Walking the Presidential Trail and gazing up at these iconic figures, one can't help but feel a sense of reverence for the leaders who shaped the course of American history. The accompanying exhibits and visitor center offer valuable insights into the creation of the monument and its place in the national consciousness.However, it's impossible to ignore the darker side of Mount Rushmore's history. The monument sits on land that is sacred to Native American tribes, and its creation involved the desecration of a site held sacred by the Lakota Sioux. For some visitors, this knowledge casts a shadow over the experience, prompting reflection on the complex and often painful relationship between indigenous peoples and the United States government.Practical considerations, such as parking, also merit mention. While the parking facilities at Mount Rushmore are adequate, the cost of parking can be a disappointment for budget-conscious travelers, adding an unexpected expense to the visit.Mount Rushmore is a site of undeniable historical significance, offering visitors a glimpse into America's past and the ideals it holds dear. However, its troubled origins and practical drawbacks may give pause to some, reminding us that even the most iconic landmarks are not without their complexities and controversies.

Even though weather didn't allow us to see the monument, we still had a great time. The trails were closed and too much fog, we couldn't see much. Walking through the indoor museum and shopping at their gift shop was fun! Will have to return another time to see the monument.

Wasn’t sure about the weather and how good we would be able to see the faces; beautiful, albeit cold, experience. Theater show and educational center were fantastic! Google says people spend an average of 30 minutes here…… plan 6x that!! Just breath taking and affordable for all to access ($10 per car).

The video was very informative. I was there Sunday, Feb 25, 2024, and there were very few people there. It cost $10 to park, and admission was free since it's a national monument. As you can see from one of my pictures I was literally the only person on the entire observation deck.

Finally dream from childhood achieved. When I was young, and watched TV, most of that time was Cartoon Network, and few time I saw that sculpture in few cartoons. Finally I can see them in my own eyes. I’m polish so most of American things is nice for me. Anyway, that possible to see 4 presidents of USA on a big mountain, something big. Catch some pics from that trip ✌️P.S. was cold 🥶

Beautifull. We parked the car there for 10 usd (ticket valid for 1 year after purchase) and then we walk for 3 - 4 minutes to the scenic area. The view is amazing. There is a museum downstairs and gift shops. In April was not busy at all and most shops in town were closed.

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum created this famous mountainside carving of the visages of four great American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.The carving is awesome and it looks more beautiful in person. The memorial is well maintained. There is paid parking service,they are charging for National park pass holders as well, which we didn’t liked.The gift shop is nice. The staff and park service officials are well knowledgeable and always help others and answers their queries nicely.