Mount Rushmore Spring Break
Planning on visiting Mount Rushmore and considering a Mount Rushmore Spring Break trip? Discover everything you need to know about visiting at Spring Break, including what weather to expect, the opening hours, top activities to do at Mount Rushmore during spring break, where to stay near Mount Rushmore, and what to wear.
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Weather at Mount Rushmore during Spring Break
Spring break normally falls between late February and late March and we can see temperatures at Mount Rushmore vary widely, ranging from daytime highs of 66°F (19°C) to nighttime lows of -14°F (-26°C). So you will need to be prepared for all weather conditions.
Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday in March, so if your spring break is after this you will have more daylight to explore the National Memorial.
Expect around four snowy days and approximately 10 inches of snowfall during the month, which can lead to the closure of the Presidential Trail due to snow or ice, especially with freezing temperatures common at night.
Is Mount Rushmore open at Spring Break
Yes, Mount Rushmore is open during spring break. The memorial is only closed on December 25th. Even then, the parking and grounds remain accessible; only the buildings are closed.
Opening Hours of Mount Rushmore during Spring Break
On March 10, Mount Rushmore’s opening hours adjust with the arrival of Daylight Saving Time, offering longer visiting hours starting the second week of the month, so if you are visiting from March 10, the memorial is open for longer hours..
- Operating Hours
- Memorial Grounds and Parking: Open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM until March 9, then extended to 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM from March 10 onward.
- Information Center & Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center: Open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Gift Shop: Open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Carver’s Café: Open 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, then extended to 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM from March 10
- Lighting and Events:
- The Sculptor’s Studio remains closed in March, and the Evening Lighting Ceremony does not start until May, but you can still see the faces of the memorial illuminated:
- From February to March 9: Lit from sunset to 9:00 PM.
- From March 10 onward: Lit until 11:00 PM.
- The Sculptor’s Studio remains closed in March, and the Evening Lighting Ceremony does not start until May, but you can still see the faces of the memorial illuminated:
Is Spring Break a good time to visit Mount Rushmore
Spring Break is a great time to visit as it is very quiet and you are likely to have the monument more or less to yourself, especially compared to summer. In February only 29,000 people visit, in March that does slightly more than double to 62,000, but if you were to visit in July you can expect around 592,000 visitors that month!!!
It might be cold, and there isn’t the evening ceremony and the sculptors studio is closed, but you can still see the monument lit up from sunset and you get to experience it without the crowds of summer which is much more enjoyable.
How long do I need to visit Mount Rushmore at Spring Break
The time you’ll need at Mount Rushmore depends on your plans. If you want to explore everything, visit the museum, watch the film, hike the presidential trail, have something to eat at carvers cafe and then see the monument lit up at sunset, I would recommend around 3-4 hours.
If though you just want a quick look at the memorial, visit the visitor center, walk the presidential trail, then it is possible to do as this in 1-2 hours. As the memorial will be quiet at this time of year, if you are short of time, then you will be able to see everything much quicker.
Is the Presidential Trail open at Spring Break?
The Presidential Trail is typically open in February and March, but its closure depends on the weather. Snowfall or ice may lead to temporary closures. If you’re visiting for Spring Break, be prepared for the possibility that the trail might not be accessible.
Where to stay when visiting Mount Rushmore during Spring Break
Rapid City, just a 30-minute drive from Mount Rushmore, has the closest airport to the Black Hills and a popular base for exploring nearby attractions.
If you have a car, consider staying in one of the charming towns within the Black Hills. Keystone is a top choice, located just 3 miles from the entrance to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, offering convenient access and lots of restaurants and hotels to choose from.
What to wear when visiting Mount Rushmore at Spring Break
If you’re visiting Mount Rushmore at Spring Break, be sure to pack plenty of layers, a heavy winter jacket, gloves, and a warm hat. February and March temperatures can fluctuate significantly, with pleasant daytime weather but very cold evenings, so it’s best to be prepared for both extremes.
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