I visited Mount Rushmore on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. The day started off overcast, and I was hopeful the rain would hold until I wrapped up my visit. It did not. The drive up the winding road should have been pleasant, but instead I found myself clenching the steering wheel and squinting through a rain-covered windshield.

When I arrived, I pulled a parking ticket and found a spot under a very leaky section of the garage. Umbrella in one hand and camera in the other, I made my way toward the gift shop to grab my passport stamp. Most of the crowd had the same idea—people huddled under overhangs or clustered inside the shop, waiting for a break in the weather.

Even with the steady rain, the monument was still striking. The faces emerged through the mist, and while I’m sure the view is beautiful on a clear day, the rain made them look like they were sweating, which honestly made me laugh.

About the Monument

Mount Rushmore is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. Set in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the 60-foot granite carvings of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln symbolize leadership and the American story. For many, it’s a bucket-list stop on a Great Plains or Dakotas road trip.

History

The monument was conceived in the 1920s to boost tourism in the region and was sculpted by Gutzon Borglum between 1927 and 1941. Its creation has always been controversial, particularly because it was carved into land sacred to the Lakota Sioux. Despite this, it remains one of the most visited memorials managed by the National Park Service.

Visitor Center & Facilities

The main visitor center sits just beyond the Avenue of Flags, with exhibits about the carving process, the sculptor, and the workers who spent years blasting granite from the mountain. The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center also includes a short film and museum. A gift shop, café, and covered walkways round out the facilities—on rainy days, they become the main gathering spots.

Fees & Passes

There’s no admission fee, but there is a parking fee (currently $10 for cars, $5 for seniors, and free for active-duty military). Parking is managed by a concessionaire, so the America the Beautiful Pass does not apply here.

Best Views & Trails

The Grand View Terrace gives the classic head-on perspective of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. If the weather cooperates, the Presidential Trail offers a closer look and different angles framed by the surrounding pines. On my visit, the rain made lingering outdoors a quick exercise in patience, but on a clear day the views would be worth the walk.

Best Photo Spots

Grand View Terrace – the iconic full view of all four presidents.
Presidential Trail – closer angles of Washington and Jefferson in particular, with trees framing the faces.
Avenue of Flags – frames the monument with the 50 state flags for a patriotic shot.
Evening Lighting Ceremony – during summer months, the illuminated faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln create a dramatic nighttime photo.

Accessibility

The Avenue of Flags, main terrace, visitor center, and most facilities are wheelchair accessible. Elevators connect the parking areas to the terrace level, and accessible restrooms and seating are available throughout the site.

Mt. Rushmore National Monument