Mount Rushmore National Memorial - General Park Information

"A monument's dimensions should be determined by the importance to civilization of the events commemorated. We are not here trying to carve an epic, portray a moonlight scene, or write a sonnet; neither are we dealing with mystery or tragedy, but rather the constructive and dramatic moments or crises in our amazing history." Gutzon Borglum

Did you know that the figure of Thomas Jefferson was started on Washington's right? after 18 months of carving the figure of Jefferson had to be dynamited off the mountain and restarted on the left of Washington.

January and February are usually the coldest months during the winter. Daytime temperatures average in the 30's but during windy conditions temperature inversions can occur warming the area into the 50's and 60's. March and April is usually the Black Hills snowy season. March is typically known as the snowiest month. Normal temps are in the 40's and low's in the 30's. The average temps in April are in the 50's with lows in the 30's. May and June are mild with some scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temps average in the 60's to 70's for highs and 40's for the lows. July and August are considered the warmest months temps can easily rise into the 90's with low humidity lows can dip down into the 50's. September and October temps begin to cool averaging in the 60's and 70's lows can drop into the 40's. November and December are the beginning winter months temps are in the 30's to 40's. Please check the weather forecast before you plan your visit by selecting 'Plan your Visit' and click on the NOAA forecast.