The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your own pace. 
Looking for an audio tour on your Mount Rushmore vacation? Mount Rushmore welcomes three million visitors from around the world every single year. It has come to represent American freedom and hope for people of all backgrounds and cultures. Learn about the people who put in hard work making this monument, the stories behind the presidents chosen, and the ways that the National Park Service preserves this beautiful landmark today.
Each tour lets you explore and learn at your own pace. It is a leisurely walk and you'll have many opportunities for photos along the way. You'll know a lot more about the area and its history than the person next to you who isn't doing one of these awesome tours! These are a great addition to any vacation getaway to Mount Rushmore! Be sure to check out similar activities in the area.
Brief History of Mt. Rushmore
This history dates back to the 1920s when Doane Robinson, a South Dakota historian, wished to draw more tourists to the Black Hills. At first, he wanted to carve some of the nation's most famous heroes into 'The Needles', a couple of granite pillars in the area. Robinson contacted Gutzon Borglum for the task and ultimately, they chose the current site for the sculpture after searching for a while. They chose the four men: Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and Roosevelt to draw national attention to the site.Raising money for the project was not an easy task; many people did not like that they would be desecrating the natural landscape. Finally, a bill was passed to give $250,000 to the project. 400 workers helped with the sculpting, including Native Americans. The project took many years due to lack of funding over time. It was finished on October 31, 1941.
Options:
| Mt. Rushmore Audio Tour | |
| Available Now until 12/31/2023 View Detailed Schedule | |
| This tour is a great option for those who want to learn information about the monument. It includes interviews, music, sound effects, and historic recordings of Lincoln Borglum, Gutzon Borglum, and American Indians and workers. You won't get any of this information by just walking around the park on your own. You will be given a wand-like device with numbers on it and you can enter the stop number that you are at and hear the narration. |
| Mt. Rushmore Multimedia Tour | |
| Available Now until 12/31/2023 View Detailed Schedule | |
| This tour is a great option for those wanting to get the most out of their Mount Rushmore experience. You will be given a device that works somewhat like an iPhone or Android. You're able to select the information that you want to learn about or just walk around and let the GPS figure out where you are and learn that way. There are 29 stops in total. Unlike the audio tour, you will also be able to see historic videos and photos. This tour is offered in English, German, Spanish, French, and Lakota. |
Reviews
3 reviews
Lance West
Pounding Mill, VA
✓ Verified TravelerPounding Mill, VA
"THIS IS A LESURELY WALK,"
This offers a real close up, with even more in-depth analysis then the rushmore-black hills tour. This is a lesurely walk, great photo ops. If you've got kids, they'll sleep well at days end.
Michelene Pease
Yucaipa, CA
✓ Verified TravelerYucaipa, CA
"Clear and very informative."
Clear and very informative. Often didn't find the markers to match the talk and were either ahead or behind but it worked out ok.
Gigi
✓ Verified Traveler"This is the greatest way for people who are slowing down in life"
This is the greatest way for people who are slowing down in life, to enjoy a tour at their own pace. And the headphone feature lets one decide just how loud to experience all the facts and fun about the area.
Antoni Ghigliotti
Wichita, KS
✓ Verified TravelerWichita, KS
"Easy to use"
Easy to use and most ticketed areas knew the tickets. We were not delayed getting the walking tour of rushmore but the ticket agent had no idea what the printed ticket was.
Frequently Asked Questions for Mount Rushmore Audio Walking Tour:
- Does the Mount Rushmore Audio Tour accommodate languages other than English?
The Multimedia Tour also offers Spanish, French, German, and Lakota.
- What amenities are available?
There is an amazing gift shop!
- Is it handicap accessible?
Yes!
- Is photography & video recording allowed?
Of course! Don't forget your cameras.
- For what ages are the tours appropriate?
They are great for all ages.
- Is parking available at Mount Rushmore Audio Tour?
There is a paid parking garage.
- Approximately how long could a customer plan to spend at the Mount Rushmore Audio Tour?
Most people spend 90 minutes to 2 hours here. It will all depend on how quickly you go through the tour. You're able to do it at your own pace.
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