Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Mount Rushmore National Memorial, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, United States of America by month

January

January in Mount Rushmore National Memorial is frigid. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C). It snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in this region is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

March

If you are traveling to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in March, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you vacation in Mount Rushmore National Memorial during April, you may notice that it can be brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to snow sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. Most adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you are traveling to Mount Rushmore National Memorial in May, you will notice that it is crisp. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

June

If you vacation in Mount Rushmore National Memorial during June, you may find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

July

July here is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

August

August in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

September

September in Mount Rushmore National Memorial is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

October

October in this region is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

November

November for Mount Rushmore National Memorial can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

December

December in this region is frosty. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right type. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, United States of America

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States of America. Located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, the monument showcases the faces of four of America's greatest presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The memorial is visited by millions of people every year, both from the United States and around the world, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the country. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top tourist attractions in Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

1. The Mount Rushmore Sculpture

The main attraction of Mount Rushmore National Memorial is the Mount Rushmore Sculpture. It is a massive rock carving that depicts the faces of four of America's greatest presidents. The sculpture took 14 years to complete, from 1927 to 1941, and cost around $1 million. The carving is 60 feet high and features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The sculpture is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and an engineering marvel.

2. Presidential Trail

Presidential Trail is a 0.6-mile trail that takes visitors up close to the Mount Rushmore Sculpture. The trail starts at the Sculptor's Studio, where visitors can see the tools and techniques that were used to carve the monument. The trail also features a series of stairs that lead visitors to a viewing platform where they can enjoy an incredible view of the monument.

3. Avenue of Flags

Avenue of Flags is a majestic display of the flags of all 50 states of the United States, as well as the six territories of the country. The flags are arranged in alphabetical order, and each flag is displayed with its corresponding state or territory. The Avenue of Flags is a beautiful sight and a tribute to the unity of the United States.

4. Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center & Museum

The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The museum features exhibits that tell the story of how the monument was created, the challenges that faced the workers, and the impact that the sculpture has had on the country. Visitors can also watch a short film that provides insights into the carving process and the history of the monument.

5. Wildlife and Nature

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, which is known for its abundant wildlife and natural scenery. Visitors can expect to see deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats while hiking on the trails that dot the area. The Black Hills National Forest, which surrounds the monument, offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region.

In conclusion, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the top tourist attractions in the United States of America. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking and wildlife spotting to learning about the history of the monument and the country. The Mount Rushmore Sculpture, Presidential Trail, Avenue of Flags, Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, and the natural beauty of the region are some of the top tourist attractions in the area. A visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an excellent way to experience the history and natural beauty of the United States.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: El Médano, Spain, Flint, Wales, United Kingdom, Marousi, Greece, Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States of America, Maha Sarakham, Thailand, Korolyov, Russia, Weston, Missouri, United States of America, Angoulême, France, Zunyi, China, Dispur, India, and Băile Tuşnad, Romania.