Mount Rushmore in Fall
Planning a visit to Mount Rushmore in fall, get all the information here to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Fall at Mount Rushmore offers crisp weather, beautiful autumn foliage, and smaller crowds, making it an ideal time for visiting Mount Rushmore.
Discover the best times to visit to enjoy the changing leaves, what to wear for the cool temperatures, and tips on must-see sights and activities at Mount Rushmore. This guide will help you make the most of your fall trip to Mount Rushmore, one of South Dakota’s most unforgettable attractions.
Don’t Miss a Thing at Mount Rushmore! Get Your FREE Checklist and Make the Most of Your Visit!
* This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. *
Mount Rushmore Fall Hours
Here’s everything you need to know about Mount Rushmore’s fall hours to ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the memorial.
Still to update the info below with correct times etc.
In early fall until the end of September, the grounds and parking structure are open daily from 5 am to 11pm, in October it is 5am to 9pm and in November it changes to 6am to 9pm. The Information Center and the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center is open from 8am to 9pm until the end of September when the hours reduce to 6pm for October and then 5pm in November.
The Sculptor’s Studio is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., allowing you to learn more about the monument’s history but from October 1, it is closed until next year. The Mount Rushmore evening ceremony is running at 8pm and lit until 11pm until the end of September when the evening ceremony stops until the following year. The mountain though from October 1 is lit up at sunset until 9pm.
The Gift Shop is open from 8 a.m. to 9:30pm before slowly reducing its hours during fall to 6pm, and Carver’s Cafe operates from 8am to 8pm and slowly reduing its hours during Fall until 4.30pm, offering a comfortable spot for a meal as you explore Mount Rushmore in the cooler fall weather.
Weather in Mt Rushmore in Fall
In the fall, Mount Rushmore experiences cooler, crisp weather. Temperatures in September and October typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s °F during the day, with cooler nights dipping into the 30s and 40s. By the end of the season the evenings are cold, so make sure to wrap up warm.
Autumn in the Black Hills is marked by clear, sunny days and vibrant foliage as the leaves start to change color at the end of September, making it an excellent time to explore. While rain showers are less frequent than in summer, occasional rain adds to the fresh autumn atmosphere, enhancing the beauty of the landscape.
Do many people visit Mt Rushmore in Fall?
Fall at Mount Rushmore is quieter than summer but still the second busiest season, with around 478,000 people visiting in Fall. Visitor numbers reduce after Labor Day, making September and October an ideal time to explore with shorter lines and more relaxed surroundings.
Although fall hours may be slightly reduced, popular attractions like the Sculptor’s Studio and the evening lighting ceremony are still open until the end of September. From October there are fewer visitors due to no evening ceremony and the sculptors studio being closed, but with fewer visitors it can be a more enjoyable time to visit.
What to do in Mount Rushmore in Fall
Begin your trip at Mount Rushmore with a walk along the Avenue of Flags, where each state is proudly represented. Stroll through to find your state’s flag and continue to the amphitheater at the end of the avenue, where you’ll be greeted with a spectacular view of the monument.
From the amphitheater, set out on the Presidential Trail, a half-mile loop that brings you close to the presidents’ faces with beautiful fall foliage enhancing the views. The cooler weather makes this hike especially enjoyable as you take in the breathtaking scenery.
After your hike, visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn about Mount Rushmore’s history and Gutzon Borglum’s artistic vision, though this is only open until the end of September. The ranger-led talks are both engaging and informative, giving deeper insight into the effort behind this iconic work.
Next, explore the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, featuring interactive exhibits that delve into the monument’s history, geology, and cultural significance. Don’t miss the documentary video for a richer understanding of Mount Rushmore’s story.
As evening falls, relax in the open-air amphitheater and watch the nightly lighting ceremony, which begins around 8pm, illuminating the monument at 8.30pm, though this is only until the end of September. From October you can still see the monument lit up without a ceremony at sunset.
Where to stay in Fall when visiting Mount Rushmore
Several towns near Mount Rushmore make excellent bases for a fall visit, with Keystone being the closest at just 3.2 miles away and Hill City only 12 miles from the monument.
These towns offer a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets, from cozy inns and family-friendly lodges to upscale hotels with stunning views of the Black Hills.
What to wear in Fall in Mount Rushmore
In the fall at Mount Rushmore, temperatures are cooler and can vary throughout the day, so dressing in layers is essential. Mornings and evenings tend to be cooler, so a warm jacket or sweatshirt is needed, while mid-day hours can be comfortable with lighter layers, especially in September.
As the autumn sun can still be strong, bringing a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is recommended, especially if you plan to be outdoors for extended periods. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must, as the trails and surrounding areas are perfect for exploring the fall foliage.
Save for later
