tourist center mount

Mount Airy Visitors Center Downtown Mount Airy, Main Street

The Visitors Center is open 7 days a week with complete information on Mount Airy and Surry County and the Yadkin Valley Wine Region. The Visitors Center offers a step-on tour guide service for visiting group tours, can arrange Squad Car Tours , Trolley Tours and lodging. The Mount Airy Visitors Center is located in downtown Mount Airy with brochures located outside of the building during hours we are closed. We have staff to go over a map with you and tell you about everything to see and do in the area. Lodging, attractions, retail, directions, relocation/retirement information and restaurant information.

• Handicap Accessible
• Dog friendly
• Family friendly
• Group friendly

200 N. Main St. Mount Airy, NC 27030

(336) 786-6116 www.visitmayberry.com Jessica Roberts [email protected]

Local Information

Mount airy tourism.

Ends: 6/15/2024

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(336) 786-6116 - www.visitmayberry.com

Mount St Helens Visitor Center

3029 Spirit Lake Hwy, Castle Rock, WA 98611

Summer: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Winter: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (360) 274-0962

Map & visitor guide

46.294580628223, -122.82193932619, additional information, group tours.

Group tours should contact the Interpretive Center early with proposed tour dates for the year.  * All groups, both Educational and Non-education requesting a tour should register their visit with park staff by emailing [email protected] or calling Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at (360) 274-0962. This allows park staff to update our activity calendar and ensure all groups are provided a meaningful visit and accommodations/requests are met.

Educational group tours

Educational groups are encouraged to register in advance. To request a visit, please contact the park directly at (360) 274-0962 or complete the registration form and email to [email protected] .

Click here for the registration form (PDF, 124KB) .

Upon approval, a confirmation email will be sent. Preregistered educational groups are not subject to admission and Discover Pass fees. In order to receive the fee waiver, we request students complete an assignment during their visit. Site-specific assignments are available below, otherwise teachers are encouraged to bring their own activity. The Junior Ranger and Junior Geologist program is not intended for students, this is for paying patrons only.

Landscapes of Change Field Trip

We have partnered with the Mount St. Helens Institute to design a new opportunity for school groups, a self-guided excursion on our 0.6-mile accessible Wetland Haven Trail. Follow this link to learn more: Landscapes of Change: Free curriculum for the Washington State Parks Mount St. Helens Visitor Center .

Teachers are welcome to download the pre-trip activities, student journal pages, the facilitator activity guide and the post-trip activity. Please contact us directly if you have any questions or would like to check out supplies to support your field trip.

Educational materials

Pre-visit lesson, grades K-2 (PDF, 96KB)

Activity sheet, grades K-2 (PDF, 346KB)

Pre-visit lesson, grades 3-5 (PDF, 310KB)

Activity sheet, grades 3-5 (PDF, 223KB)

Pre-visit lesson, middle and high school (PDF, 82KB)

Activity sheet, middle school (PDF, 247KB)

Activity sheet, high school (PDF, 314KB)

Non-educational group tours

*All groups are asked to contact park staff to register their group for a visit.  *All non-educational tour groups must have a valid Commercial Use Permit to visit the center. The cost is $200 per bus load, not the number of people per bus. *A Commercial Use permit waives the per person and Discover Pass fees at this location.

For additional information and to apply, visit the Commercial Use Permit webpage . Please allow up to 30 days to process your permit.

Hours of Operation

Winter season.

Nov. 1 - Mar. 24, hours of operation 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 

Spring season

Mar. 25 - May 31, hours of operation 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Open seven days a week.

Summer season

June 1 - Oct. 31, hours of operation 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Open seven days a week.

Observed holidays:

The center is closed for the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents' Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day and Friday after
• Christmas Day

Additional Area (non- Washington State Park entity) Visitor Centers

The Forest Learning Center , operated by Weyerhaeuser is located at milepost 37. For additional information, visit Weyerhaeuser’s Mount St. Helens webpage .

The Science and Learning Center , operated by the Mount St. Helens Institute, is at milepost 43. For additional information, visit The Science and Learning Center’s webpage .

The Johnston Ridge Observatory , operated by the U.S. Forest Service, is at milepost 52. For more information about their facility please visit the  Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument site . For field trip planning, visit their  Teacher's Corner page .

**Due to a landslide in May 2023, the Johnston Ridge Observatory is CLOSED until further notice.

Overnight accommodations

Connected by a short pedestrian tunnel is Seaquest State Park . Reserve a campsite, group camp or yurt to enjoy more of the area. 

The park offers Wi-Fi service, in limited coverage areas. For more information, visit our  Wi-Fi in the Parks page . 

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• Where Nature Erupts
• (360) 577-3137
• [email protected]

Mt St Helens Visitor Center

Mt St Helens Visitor Center is a world-class facility located on the western shore of Silver Lake. With its high ceilings and massive windows, the outdoors becomes a part of the architecture. Your senses will come alive as you enjoy the interactive exhibits, a step-in model of the volcano and theater programs that are offered twice an hour. Outside, a mile-long trail takes you into marshy plains surrounding Silver Lake where you can see waterfowl and a picture-perfect view of the mountain.

Make sure to take in one of the comprehensive presentations on the historical and cultural significance of the area. View exhibits showing the chronology of events leading up to the eruption and see the working seismograph. On your trip to Mount St. Helens, Silver Lake Visitor Center is the closest to I-5.

The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center opened its doors to the public a few years after the monumental eruption of Mount St. Helens. Functioning as a gateway to the mountain, over 30 miles away, our goal is to educate visitors on the historical significance of the landscape before and during the eruption. We also focus on the resulting impact on nearby ecosystems. Our vantage point offers a view of the Western slope of the mountain, visible from both our center and walking trail.

This unique building features expansive windows providing a glimpse of towering second-growth forest all around. A high archway and elaborately carved wooden columns contribute to the feeling of magnificence. Inside, visitors can enjoy a variety of interpretive displays that include comprehensive information on local history, geology, and re-growth and recovery of the land in the years immediately after the eruption.

Displays include:

Large, step-in model of the volcano functioning seismograph and live feed of current Mount St. Helens volcano seismicity Chronological timeline of events leading up to the volcanic blast on May 18, 1980 Theater program offered twice an hour; at :05 and :35 after.

Outdoors, visitors can explore Silver Lake along the 0.6 mile-long trail, including boardwalks over the wetland where a variety of aquatic plants and migratory waterfowl can be viewed at different times of the year.

Summer Hours: Open daily - 9 am to 4 pm

Check out Washington State Parks Virtual Tours https://waparks.org/virtual-tours/

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Downtown Visitors Center Jim Thorpe 3 PoconoMtns

Visitors centers, ​whether you're in town for business or pleasure, make your first stop at one of the three pocono mountains visitors bureau's visitors centers..

For help with finding your way around the Pocono Mountains, chat with one of the Brand Ambassadors and they will help you get the most out of your Pocono experience by providing immediate tourism information including referrals, directions and brochures . A complete collection of current information on a variety of activities, attractions , dining and lodging options is available and more. Locate a Pocono Visitors Center using the map below .

List of Pocono Visitors Centers

Map of visitors centers by location, lake wallenpaupack virtual tour.

Jim Thorpe Visitors Center Route 209, Jim Thorpe Railroad Station Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 570.325.3673 GPS Coordinates: 40.863131, -75.737618 Hours: Open daily: 9:30am - 5:30pm

Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center 2512 Route 6 Hawley, PA 18428 570.226.2141 GPS Coordinates: 41.44852, -75.17893 Hours: Open daily: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center at the Milford Community House 201 Broad Street Milford, PA 18337 570.296.8700 GPS Coordinates: 41.322252, -74.802869 Hours: Open daily: 9:30am - 4:30pm

Wayne County Visitors Center 32 Commercial Street Honesdale, PA 18431 570.253.1960 GPS Coordinates: 41.572376, -75.255938 Hours: Open daily: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Please call ahead to businesses before traveling to your destination.

Find information about Pennsylvania Welcome Centers  including: 

Delaware Water Gap, I-80 West I-80 Exit 310, Delaware Water Gap, PA 570.234.1180 Hours: Open daily: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Matamoras, I-84 I-84, Exit 53, Matamoras, PA 570.491.4703 Hours: Open daily: 7:00am - 7:00pm

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VISITOR CENTERS

Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center

Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center

Johnston Ridge Observatory Visitor Center

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Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Mount St. Helens Visitor Center

Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is on the west side of Mount St. Helens just five Miles east of the town of Castle Rock on State Highway 504 near Silver Lake.

A walk-through volcano model is popular with children of all ages. And a bookstore provides an opportunity to pick up more information on the St. Helens National Monument as well as books on flora and fauna local to the area and the Washington Cascades.

Nearby, a one-mile nature trail and the Silver Lake wetlands provide opportunities to observe waterfowl, wildlife and native vegetation against the backdrop of Mount St. Helens.

Contact Information

Mount St. Helens Visitor Center . 3029 Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock, WA 98611. Phone: 360-274-0962. (Operated by Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission in partnership with the USDA Forest Service.)

Open daily 9 AM to 5 PM from May 16th through September 30th. Open daily 9 AM to 4 PM from October 1st through May 15th. (The center is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays from January 1st through March 31st.) The center is closed: New Year's Day (Jan. 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19), Presidents' Day (Feb. 16), Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Thanksgiving (Nov. 26-27), and Christmas (Dec. 25).

Admission prices are: Ages 6 and younger: Free Ages 7 to 17: $1 Ages 18 and older: $3 Family: $8 (Two adults plus accompanying children) Tour groups: $100 per bus

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Traveling Mooses

Mt Charleston Visitor Center (Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway)

The Mt. Charleston Visitor Center (aka Springs Mountains Visitor Gateway) is the doorway to the famed Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and the 11,916’ tall Mt. Charleston.

It boasts a gift shop, education building, outdoor amphitheater and several hiking trails at the base of the Spring Mountains.  Learn about the area, plan your visit, and enjoy the expansive views the center has to offer before exploring the rest of the Spring Mountains area.

Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway Fast Facts

Things to do at the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway

• Experience informational exhibits both indoors and outdoors
• Visit the gift shop for a local keepsake
• Visit the information desk to help plan your visit to the park
• Take a short hike around the area on the Acastus, Kunav Huveap, Packrat or Escarpment trails
• Attend a special event at the outdoor amphitheater
• Attend an education experience at the onsite education building
• Learn about the Silent Heroes of the Cold War Memorial
• Celebrate the Seven Stones Plaza in honor of the Nuwuvi
• Enjoy a picnic at the Pinion & Ponderosa Group Picnic Area

Our experience at the Mt. Charleston Visitor Center

After getting some misleading information online on when exactly the visitor center is open, we were able to visit on our second attempt at seeing the facility.

Insider tip – be sure to check the “ weekly update ” on the Go Mt. Charleston website for current information.

We arrived on a Friday around 10 a.m. to find an overly large parking lot that was 98% empty.  It was pretty windy, but the sun was out and we were excited to check out the visitor center.

We started with the inside of the venue and found a number of exhibits inside the building that spoke about the local wildlife in the area including the famed Mt. Charleston blue butterfly. 

Many of the species found here have been isolated from other similar mountain environments for eons.  These plant and animal populations are now completely unique and can only be found here at the Spring Mountains.  This is called endemism. Spring Mountain Visitor Gateway Exhibit

If you’re lucky when you visit the area during the right time of year, you might spy one of the blue butterflies.  They have a short life span (1 – 2 weeks), and can been seen as early as mid-June and as late as mid-September. 

Related : We finally got to see one of the butterflies along the Fletcher Canyon Trail !

After checking out the exhibits (there weren’t many), we wandered over to the gift shop to check out the offerings.  They had a variety of t-shirts, books, and other mountain themed keepsakes.  They also had some newspaper clippings of the plane crash that happened in 1955.

The visitor center is pretty small, so we finished perusing and went outside to check out the outdoor exhibits. 

Silent Heroes of the Cold War National Memorial

Erected on May 29, 2015, this national memorial was built to honor those who served during the cold war and recognize the 14 men who lost their lives nearby while flying on a top-secret mission.

On November 17, 1955 at 6:58 a.m., a Douglas C-54 departed from Lockheed’s air terminal in Burbank, CA. Onboard were 14 individuals, including Air Force personnel, engineers, scientists and CIA officials.  Their destination was top-secret “Area 51” where the United States housed one of its most secret Cold War projects – the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. Silent Heroes Memorial

The memorial continues to describe how the aircraft encountered an early winter storm and crashed near the peak of Mt. Charleston. 

There were no survivors. 

The mission was so secret, it took over 4 decades before families of the serviceman were informed of the details. 

The memorial also includes the propellor from the plane crash. 

There is still wreckage at the original crash site that can be viewable today if you hike up near the top of Mt. Charleston. However, much of it was destroyed as the military blew up the plane to preserve its secrets.

As an alternative to hiking up Mt. Charleston, there is a looking glass on the Packrat trail near the visitor center that shows viewers the area where the wreck occurred. 

Seven Stones Plaza

The Seven Stones Plaza is also viewable at the visitor center.  It celebrates the seven Southern Pauite Tribes, known as the Nuwuvi, and their long-standing ties to the Spring Mountains. 

The plaza consists of a rock formation with 7 stones representing each of the individual tribes and an additional large stone in the center symbolizing Mt. Charleston. 

Mt. Charleston is considered to be the birthplace of the Pauite people and the design of the Seven Stones Plaza was created with tribal input.

You can learn more about this sacred monument here .

Packrat Trail

After seeing the visitor center and outside exhibits, we wanted to try and find the viewing area of the plane crash site on the Packrat Trail.

The trail starts directly in front of the visitor center on the Kunav Huveap trail before turning left to start on the official Pack Rat trail. 

We noticed the first part of the trail was well-marked, but the signs quickly become non-existent.  It’s not an area you’re likely to get lost as we could always see the visitor center from the trail, but finding the exhibit was a little harder than we expected. 

Pro-tip:  Before you head off down the Kunav Huveap trail, look off across the valley and picture being able to walk in a straight line.  If you could, you’d end up at the exhibit. 

The trail alternates between a paved walk-way and hard packed-gravel.  There are plenty of benches along the trail to stop and rest but there was very little shade.

There is some elevation loss and gain over the course of the trail, and we found one of the paved sections of the trail to be pretty steep. 

We eventually found the exhibit and the viewing glass to see where the crash occurred.  There is a sign explaining exactly where to look on the mountain.  We couldn’t see any of the wreckage from the looking glass, but imagined what it would have been like for the rescuers trying to get to the plane in the dead of winter.  The remoteness of the area and steep mountain side would have been incredibly difficult to get to.

After you’re done with the exhibit, be sure to look around at the canyon walls and keep your eyes open for potential climbers.  There are many fixed climbing anchors embedded in the steep walls.

Head back the way you came to the visitor center, or continue to follow the trail around in a circle.  Be aware you may end up in a wash like we did to get back to the main trail, as the paths were somewhat confusing on the way back.

Should you visit the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway Center?

Rating: 3.0 Mooses

What we liked

• The gift shop was well stocked with local keepsakes and reasonable prices. 
• We enjoyed learning about the history of the area, including the Silent Heroes of the Cold War Memorial.
• The scenery in the Mt. Charleston area never disappoints.

What we didn’t like

• After having visited the Red Rock Visitor Center a few days prior, we were a little disappointed in the size and scope of the indoor exhibits at the Spring Mountain Visitor Gateway center. 
• The trails around the visitor center weren’t marked incredibly well.  We ended up having to guess which way to go next.  Cell service was also incredibly spotty in the area and our favorite Alltrails app didn’t have the Packrat trail listed.

Verdict:  It’s a good launch pad to become acquainted with the area, but if you’re short on time, we recommend heading straight to some of the nearby trails such as the Desert View Overlook or Cathedral Rock . 

More to do while you’re in the Spring Mountains / Mt. Charleston area:

• Hike one of the numerous trails in the area
• Play a round of disc golf at Lee Canyon
• Go skiing at Lee Canyon in the winter
• Enjoy one of the scenic drives in the area
• Take a ride on the scenic chair lift at the Lee Canyon Resort
• Go mountain biking
• Catch a glimpse of wild horses or burros
• Stay at a local campground in the area
• Visit the Desert View Overlook

You might also like

• Guide: 15 Best things to do around Mt. Charleston
• Hiking: Upper Bristlecone Trail, a magical day of mountains and wild horses
• Hiking: Explore the Cathedral Rock trail
• Nearby: Explore hikes in Red Rock Canyon
• Nearby: Explore the Valley of Fire
• Hiking: Robber’s Roost
• Hiking: Explore slot canyons on the Fletcher Canyon Trail

Credit: Natalie Allen

Mount Lemmon

Explore Southern Arizona’s sky islands in Coronado National Forest.

Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains, topping out at more than 9,000 feet. Visit this mountain retreat to cool off in the warmer months and to enjoy a snowy playground in winter. Download the Mt. Lemmon Science Tour app for a narrated guide to the top of 26-mile Sky Island Scenic Byway, with suggested vista stops along the way. Top cyclists from around the world come here to train on one of the best tests of climbing and descending in the country. Take the drive slowly, especially in areas with tight switchbacks, to give cyclists plenty of room.

Hiking & Mountain Biking

At the base of the Santa Catalinas, hiking trails lead through the lush Sonoran Desert. As the elevation increases up the mountain, trails climb through rocky outcroppings and ultimately dense pine forests. On the Aspen Trail, a 4-mile loop accessed at the Marshall Gulch Picnic Area, enjoy a gentle climb with many scenic viewpoints. For a short and easy hike for families, the Meadow Trail is just under two miles out and back from Ski Valley. Longer, quad-busting mountain biking trails include the swift and flowy Aspen Draw that ends in Summerhaven and the white-knuckle Kellog/Incinerator Ridge trails that navigates rocky terrain and tight switchbacks.

Rock Climbing

With more than 2,500 established routes, Mount Lemmon is one of the most developed and popular rock-climbing areas in Arizona. Visitors find crags to climb at elevations from 2,500 feet in the foothills to more than 9,000 feet at the highest summits, making this a year-round destination for traditional crack climbs, bolted sport climbs and bouldering. Beginners can join an expedition with local outfitters while experienced climbers can test their mettle on gravity-defying granite slabs. The pinnacles at Windy Point, located directly off Catalina Highway, attract onlookers who admire the climbers’ skill and bravery.

Summerhaven & Ski Valley

Visitors are surprised to find a city atop Mount Lemmon, a charmer shaded by pines at 8,000 feet. Summerhaven offers rental cabins plus a general store and a handful of places to eat and mingle with locals. Ski Valley, the southernmost ski resort in the continental U.S., is another of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. Skiers play on more than 20 trails that range from green circle to black diamond. During the warmer months, the ski lift carries nature lovers to some of the best viewpoints in Arizona.

For More Information

Visit Destination Website

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Coronado National Memorial

Walk in the footsteps of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in this magnificent natural area just north of Mexico.

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From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.

Visitor’s Guide to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

Our hearts leaped in excitement as we saw the legendary faces carved in stone exactly opposite us from the last tunnel on Iron Mountain Road. 

We had been looking forward to this moment since our South Dakota Road Trip started and finally here it was. 

As everyone had told us, the tunnel perfectly framed Mount Rushmore and it was a beautiful first look at the holy shrine of American Democracy.

Where Is Mount Rushmore Located?

Located among the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is the state’s premier tourist attraction. 

In fact, South Dakota is popularly called the Mt. Rushmore State and the Memorial is visited by over 2 million visitors every year. 

The Memorial is located in the western part of the state near Custer State Park and Rapid City. 

The official address for the Memorial is 13000 SD-244, Keystone, South Dakota.

How To Reach Mount Rushmore?

The easiest way to reach Mt. Rushmore National Memorial is to fly to Rapid City and then rent a car. 

The Memorial is just half an hour away (about 30 miles) from Rapid City. 

However, we recommend driving along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway which passes through Custer State Park and taking the Iron Mountain Road towards Mt. Rushmore. 

Iron Mountain Road (Highway 16A) is an incredibly scenic part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and has 3 pigtail bridges and 3 tight tunnels along the way. 

The road is an engineering marvel and through its last two tunnels offers beautiful views of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial located in South Dakota is managed by the National Parks Service (NPS)

When To Visit Mount Rushmore?

The best season to visit Mount Rushmore is from late Spring to early Fall. 

Summer is the peak season and the Memorial is visited by many tourists on long weekends and the week of 4th of July. 

In fact, the week of 4th July is the busiest time to visit the Memorial. 

We recommend skipping summer if possible and visiting in April-May or September for lesser crowds. 

An alternative is to go on weekdays during the summer to have the Memorial to yourself. 

However, if you are in the area during winter – you can still go and visit the Memorial. 

The Memorial and most of its amenities except the Sculptor’s Studio are open throughout the year, though the timings may vary.

Where To Stay Near Mount Rushmore?

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is basically day use only and does not allow any kind of camping, RVing, backpacking, or Lodging. 

The nearest city to use as a base for exploring Mt. Rushmore is Rapid City. 

There are many hotels, lodgings, and AirBnBs located in or around Rapid City to cater to Mt. Rushmore tourists. 

Alternatively, you can also stay in Keystone, a small touristy town with limited accommodation facilities. 

Keystone is hardly 10 minutes away from Mt. Rushmore Memorial and makes a perfect base if you want to explore the nearby attractions. 

Another option that will appeal to outdoorsy people and RVers is camping at Custer State Park. 

You can easily see the Memorial as a day trip while camping at the park’s many campgrounds. 

Wherever you decide to stay, don’t forget to drive the Iron Mountain Road and Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, included among America’s Top 10 scenic drives. 

To know more about South Dakota’s Scenic Drives read here.

History Of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial has a fascinating history. 

It was planned and executed with the specific purpose of boosting tourism in the Black Hills region of South Dakota and the sculpture was originally conceived with faces of popular Wild West heroes. 

However, the US Presidents were chosen instead to attract a broader section of visitors and work began on the mountain face in 1927. 

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln Borglum worked tirelessly on the project till work was deemed complete in 1941. 

Each president was originally intended to be carved from head to waist but the project was stopped with the completion of sculpture heads due to lack of funds in 1941.

Which Presidents Are Carved On The Memorial? Why These 4 Presidents?

Visitors are often curious about the Presidents that are carved on Mt. Rushmore. 

The 4 Presidents heads which are carved are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln from left to right. 

The heads are about 60 feet high and the Presidents were selected based on their role and leadership towards the country’s progress. 

These 4 Presidents represent iconic eras in American history and played an instrumental role in creating and preserving the nation and for expanding its territories. 

Today, the memorial has become an iconic symbol of democracy and, akin to the Statue of Liberty, symbolizes hope and freedom for people worldwide. 

Today along with the National Mall in Washington DC, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the Alamo in San Antonio and Statue of Liberty in New York, Mt. Rushmore National Memorial is one of the popular sites to learn about the nation’s history and celebrate its birth on the 4th of July.

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are the 4 US Presidents carved on Mt. Rushmore

How Does It Feel To See Mt. Rushmore In Person?

Seeing the Memorial in person is an inspiring experience. 

The Memorial has come to symbolize the American Spirit and rightly so! 

The sculptures are gigantic against the vast blue sky and incredibly skilled works of art. 

All the President’s eyes are intricately and skillfully carved. Even tiny wrinkles and small marks are perfectly recreated to give the statues a lifelike appearance. 

The Memorial itself is beautifully planned with the Avenue of Flags proudly framing the carved heads. 

Flags of all the 50 states proudly flutter in the wind and the year in which each state was admitted into the Union is marked below the flags. 

Impressive posters provide information about each President, his contributions towards the country’s development and lists his accomplishments. 

To get up close to the sculpture and enjoy unique views, visitors can hike the Presidential trail which goes around the base of Mount Rushmore. 

Visiting Mount Rushmore is a rewarding experience. 

We recommend making the most of it by exploring everything in and around the Memorial.

Ultimate South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary: When to Go and What to See

Top 5 South Dakota Scenic Drives: Road tripping with a view

Things To Do At Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial offers several things to do apart from taking a photo with the sculpture. 

The Memorial has audio tours in several languages in case you are interested in renting one. 

Alternatively, you can just follow our recommendations and do below things to explore the Memorial.

Tourists walking across the Grand View Terrace towards the Avenue of Flags 

Walk Around The Avenue Of Flags And Find Your State On It

Located on the Grand View Terrace, a wide plaza located at the center of the Memorial is the Avenue of Flags – pillars with flags of all 50 states, territories, commonwealths, and one district of the United States. 

The dates on which each state was admitted to the Union are inscribed on the pillars. 

We had fun searching for the first admitted state (Delaware), last admitted state (Hawaii), and our then home state of Illinois. 

The flags fluttered proudly in the wind and gave me the thrills!

Hike The Presidential Trail And See Incredible Black Hills Wildlife

If you have wanted to see the carving from up close and examine the details, then the Presidential Trail is for you. 

This 0.6 miles long (one way) trail has 422 steps, goes around the base of the monument, and takes you near the carved broken granite pile below the sculptures. 

The views from this trail are pretty unique and detailed; the trail also offers opportunities for wildlife encounters including deer, sheep, and goat. 

In spite of the steps, the trail is easy n nature and can be done by anyone in decent physical condition.

The Presidential Trail offers unique and close-up views of the Memorial

Participate In The Junior Ranger Program

Mt. Rushmore also has the Junior Rangers program and we saw several activity books for rangers of all ages. 

The activity books had a lot of information about the nature, wildlife, and history of the Black Hills and surrounding area. 

I can’t wait to take our son on his first-ever South Dakota Road Trip and get him a Junior Rangers book and a badge on completing the activities.

Understand The Work Involved In Creating The Sculpture At Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center & Museum

The Visitor Center area has maps and interactive exhibits on the carving process. There are also many exhibits providing information about the 4 Presidents and the sculptor. 

The museum area has two theatres which show about 10-12 mins film about the execution of the project. 

The process of sculpture carving is very interesting. The entire process followed Borglum’s 1/12th scale model and workers suspended from harnesses dynamited and drilled the mountainsides under Gutzon’s direct supervision. 

The granite was chipped away and removed until the facial resemblance was visible and then further tools were used to fine carve the features and smoothen the appearance. 

You will know a lot more about this and other techniques used during the years during the short video.

Visit The Sculptor’s Studio

Open only during the summer hours, the Sculptor’s Studio is where sculptor Gutzon Borglum worked to create Mt. Rushmore. 

Today, you can see the 1/12th scale model of the originally envisioned sculpture of Mt. Rushmore. 

The Studio also has worker tools and plastic models on display along with a short lecture on the mountain carving process.

Side views of the monument and George Washington’s face

Attend The Evening Sculpture Lighting Ceremony

The Evening Sculpture Lighting Ceremony held during summer at Mt. Rushmore is a patriotic and thrilling experience. 

It starts with a brief ranger talk about Mt. Rushmore, which shows a video film on “Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy” and is followed by the lighting ceremony accompanied by the National Anthem. 

The nightly lighting ceremony is held in the Amphitheatre located below the Grand View Terrace.

Understand The Hidden Secrets Of Mt. Rushmore

Mt. Rushmore has many hidden secrets and little know facts. 

Some of these facts are hidden in plain sight in exhibits detailing the lives of the 4 Presidents and the sculptor while others are out in the open for all to see. 

One of the least known facts is that Mt. Rushmore was initially conceived with Wild West heroes including Lewis & Clark who explored the state in the 1800s. 

The sculptor Borglum instead suggested 4 US Presidents for wider appeal. 

Also, there’s a hidden chamber behind Lincoln’s head called the Hall of Records which has copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Eat Delicious Ice Cream At The Carver’s Cafe

While the Carver’s Cafe also serves local bison burgers and bison chili, the most popular item here is the Thomas Jefferson Ice cream. 

The story goes that Thomas Jefferson tasted and loved ice cream in Europe and on coming back to America, he developed his own recipe for vanilla ice cream. 

He is also credited for popularizing ice cream in America during his presidency. 

You can taste the ice cream which is reportedly still made as per his recipe at the Carver’s Cafe. 

Don’t you love hearing such interesting anecdotes about famous men? I would say, even as a President, he definitely had his priorities right!

Special: Attend The 4th Of July Celebrations At Mt. Rushmore

The 4th of July weekend is one of the busiest times at Mt. Rushmore. 

Several visitors come to attend the Independence Day celebrations at Mt. Rushmore. Many special events are held to celebrate the day including historical reenactments, Junior Ranger ceremonies, band performances, Lakota songs and stories narration, and much more. 

While the celebrations do not include fireworks, you can attend the fireworks show in many nearby locations including Rapid City.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO SEE MT. RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL

If you are in a rush, you can see Mt. Rushmore in under an hour but that is no way to see this monument of vast proportions. 

You need to take your time at the Memorial, understand its location, and the challenges the workers must have faced during the carving process to truly appreciate the artistry of the Monument. 

You must also understand why the 4 Presidents were chosen and their contribution towards the development of the country to realize why the Memorial represents the American Spirit and why it is on par with the Statue of Liberty and Hall of Independence in the annals of history. 

That’s why we recommend spending a minimum of 2-4 hrs at the Mt. Rushmore Memorial. 

You will easily need that much time to hike the Presidential Trail and watch the film at the Visitor Center.

Mt. Rushmore from a distance while traveling to the Memorial

Facts And Figures About Mt. Rushmore

Memorial Timings – Mount Rushmore National Memorial is open every day from 5 am to 11:30 pm during the peak summer season of mid-May to mid-August. 

During the rest of the year, it is open from 5 am to 9:30 pm daily. 

The Evening Sculpture Lighting Ceremony is held only during the summer season and begins at 9 pm daily.

Visitor Center and Sculptor’s Studio Timings – Mount Rushmore Information Center is open from 8 am to 10 pm for summer hours and closes at 5 pm in other months. 

The Sculptor’s Studio is open from 8 am to 7 pm for summer hours and remains completely closed from mid-October to mid-May.

Entrance Fee –  While Mount Rushmore Memorial area is free to enter for all visitors, you will need to use the Memorial garage to park your car which costs about $10. 

The parking pass is valid for a year, so further trips are free.

Nearly 400 men and women worked on the Memorial for over 14 years at the rate of $8 per day to complete the monument. 

They worked through snow, blizzards, and blistering heat to carve the granite. Not a single construction fatality was recorded in all that time.

Things To Do Around Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

While Mt. Rushmore is the premier tourist attraction in South Dakota, it is not the area’s only thing of interest. 

South Dakota has many spectacular tourist attractions, you can easily cover them in a 4 day to week-long South Dakota road trip. 

Here are some of our recommendations for other things to do in the area.

Also Read: 38 Amazing Things to do in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is consistently included among America’s Outstanding Scenic Byways and is a delight to drive. 

Best among the South Dakota scenic drives, this byway is a work of engineering marvel and goes through and around the Black Hills of South Dakota in the form of spiraling bridges, continuously looping hairpin turns, tightly cut granite tunnels and winding sections. 

This scenic byway is comprised of 3 sections of the Black Hills roads: Iron Mountain Road, Wildlife Loop Road at Custer State Park, and Needles Highway which is highly spectacular.

Custer State Park

Custer State Park located among the Black Hills is a haven for camping, wildlife viewing, and fishing. 

We camped at Custer for two nights and enjoyed exploring the area by driving and hiking. 

Custer has many campgrounds and 4 large mountain lakes and is perfect for spending lazy summer days. 

Read our guide on things to do at Custer State Park for families here.

Crazy Horse Memorial

On your way to Mount Rushmore from Custer State Park, you will come across this Colossal Monument dedicated to the popular Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. 

The sculpture is still under completion and if completed it will be the largest sculpture in the world. 

The Memorial is open to tourists and is a great place to learn about the Lakota people and their way of life.

Read More: Visitor’s Guide to Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota

Nearby Crazy Horse Memorial is a great way to understand about the Native American heritage and culture

Badlands National Park

Mysterious and remote, the Badlands cast a spell of enchantment on anyone who visits them. 

While Mt. Rushmore is South Dakota’s most famous attraction, Badlands is the most beloved one. 

Driving the loop road in Badlands National Park is the easiest way to explore this park though we recommend hiking a few trails and camping amidst the mixed-grass prairies to truly understand Badland’s otherworldly beauty and isolation.

Also Read: 9 Awesome Badlands Trails: Guide to Hiking in Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park features stunning geological formations and is a must-visit destination in South Dakota 

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

Another scenic byway located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic drive follows the natural contours of the deep but narrow canyon carved by the small, tumbling Spearfish Creek. 

The route passes through dense forests and is especially spectacular in fall after the leaves change colors.

We hope you enjoy the time spent at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial and the surrounding area. 

This part of the state is truly beautiful and filled with dramatic landscapes. 

The open roads provide all the right ingredients for an epic road trip and are the best way to experience Mt. Rushmore. 

If you are looking to explore the area at a leisurely pace, then you will surely enjoy our article on planning the perfect South Dakota Road Trip itinerary. 

You can also check out our South Dakota Travel Resources page and let us know about your trip in the comments.

Helena Visitor Center

The Visitor Center has activity brochures, street maps, city guides, regional guides, Montana information including State Parks, Montana state maps, as well as Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park guides. You can find information on local biking and hiking trails, tours, gardens, golf courses, dining, history, and so much more. Stop in to pick up a State Park, Rockhounding, Ghost Town, or Guided Tour map!

If you have a few minutes to relax and look through Helena and Montana brochures while at the Visitor Center, you can also view incredible Ultra HD footage of things to do and see in Southwest Montana with the stunning display in the lounging area of the visitor center.

Don’t worry if you arrive at the visitor center after hours, we have Helena Guides and Food/Beverage Guides available outside the building in a protected stand at any time.

Visit Helena

Visit Helena and get to know the colorful Queen City of the Rockies! Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, immersing yourself in the arts and culture of the area, or retracing the history of the Capital City, Helena has something for you. We’ll catch you on the trails, in the theaters, at a community event, or maybe at a local hotspot.

Helena Visitor Guide

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For the public, mt. lemmon skycenter ranks #1 in the 2024 space tourism guide.

Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter earns a 9.9 ranking for excellence in this year’s Space Tourism Guide

Congratulations to Mount Lemmon SkyCenter on being ranked #1 by the “Space Tourism Guide” in their 2024 list of  “The 10 Best Observatories in the U.S. to Visit in 2024.”

The article reads:

For those of you who know and love astronomy, it should come as no surprise that the  Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter  outside Tucson – one of the nation’s best cities for limiting light pollution –, Arizona – one of the nation’s best states for protecting dark skies – tops the list.

Operated by the University of Arizona, the SkyCenter is a real gem for astronomy enthusiasts. It’s home to two of the largest telescopes available to the public anywhere in the Southwest: the Schulman 32″ and the Phillips 24″ telescopes – and during the  five-hour   SkyNights  programs they offer, you’ll have plenty of time to learn about and gaze through both.

Read the full article here.

Congratulations to everyone connected to SkyCenter —

Vannessa Gressieux, Travis Deyoe, Alessandro Cavallaro, Michael Cox, Gustavo Rahmer, Tracie Beuden, Jesús González, William Clodfelder, Jerónimo Cruz, Vanessa Thomas, Thomas Salanski, Robert Bovill, Justin Klingele, Roswell Roberts, Karla Aguilar Paredes, Megan Stanely Myers, Ulisses Valenzuela, Amy C. Oliver, Aaron McCray, Chase McMahon, Savannah Smith, Catherine Snyder, and Ava Mohr.  Congratulations as well to former Director of the SkyCenter, Alan Strauss.

Congratulations to our entire Mountain Operations Team, as well (they keep all our operations on Mount Lemmon, Bigelow, Kitt Peak, and Graham safe and working well).  Barbara Abril, Alex Abernathey, Chipper Beiner, Steven Bland II, Adam Block, Phil Daly, Moises Diaz Lau, Angelica Ortega, Summer Franks, Michael Franz, Gary Gray, Prue Hammond, Bruce Hille, Joe Hoscheidt, Carolina Sborja, Chris Johnson, John Morris III, Omar Navarro, Jeffrey Rill, Gary Rosenbaum, Greg Stafford, Tom Reeve, Joe Wood, Paul Smith, and Alyson Ford.

Mount Pleasant Visitor Center

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Tsunami alert issued after volcano erupts in Indonesia, with thousands told to evacuate

Indonesian authorities issued a tsunami alert Wednesday after eruptions at Ruang mountain sent ash thousands of feet high. Officials ordered more than 11,000 people to leave the area.

The volcano on the northern side of Sulawesi island had at least five large eruptions in the past 24 hours, Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation said. Authorities raised their volcano alert to its highest level.

At least 800 residents left the area earlier Wednesday.

Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, has 120 active volcanoes. It is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.

Authorities urged tourists and others to stay at least 3.7 miles from the 2,378-foot Ruang volcano.

Officials worry that part of the volcano could collapse into the sea and cause a tsunami, as in a 1871 eruption there.

Tagulandang island, to the volcano’s northeast, is again at risk, and its residents are among those being told to evacuate.

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said residents will be relocated to Manado, the nearest city, on Sulawesi island, a journey of six hours by boat.

In 2018, the eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano caused a tsunami along the coasts of Sumatra and Java after parts of the mountain fell into the ocean, killing 430 people.