Getting Into and Around Mt. Rushmore

When traveling around the Greater Mt. Rushmore Area, it is best to either have your own vehicle or at least a rental car. Public transportation is not available to many of the area attractions. North-south highways are US 85, US 385 and SD 79. East and west highways are US 16, US 18, US 212, SD 34 or SD 40.

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS...

Highway 244 will take you right up to Mt. Rushmore. Then take US Highway 16A (Iron Mountain Road) through the pigtail bridges and the Iron Mountain Tunnels to get to the top of Iron Mountain. Continue along 16A and that will take you to Custer State Park.

Highway 87 turns into the Needles Highway. This route will take you past the Cathedral Spires and into the Needles.

Highway 16 is a major highway with many attractions and shops located along the route.

FOR A SCENIC DRIVE...

Take Highway 14's loop from Sturgis past Deadwood, Spearfish (plan to stop for a while and take in the gorgeous views at Spearfish Canyon), Whitewood, and back into Sturgis. Or take Interstate 90 towards Rapid City and catch Highway 79 to 385 (around Hot Springs). Take 385 up past Custer to Highway 16, through Keystone (city closest to Mt. Rushmore), to Highway 44 and back up to Interstate 90.

AIRPORT...

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the commercial airline hub for the Black Hills area. Northwest Airlines, Skywest Delta Connection and United Express all fly into the airport. Many hotels offer shuttle service to and from the airport. Car rentals, shuttles, taxicabs and limousines are available at the airport. From Interstate 90, take Exit 61 (Elk Vale Road) south to SD 44. Turn right (east) on SD 44. Rapid City Regional Airport is approximately eight miles on the left (north), about two miles before you reach the village of Caputa. The airport is located eight miles east of Rapid City.