The iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial is well-known globally, making it a popular tourist attraction for domestic and international travelers. The sculpture depicts Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson directly in the granite that towers 60 feet high. While many people time their vacations for the summer when the weather is more pleasant, Mount Rushmore is also a great destination in the winter and can be visited yearly.
Getting to Mount Rushmore
If you’re planning a trip to Mount Rushmore, one of the first things you will need to think about is how to get there. We’ve put together some information to make your trip a stress-free one.
Distance from Chicago to Mount Rushmore
A road trip is a great way to get to Mount Rushmore and see some of the glorious USA on the way. Chicago to Mount Rushmore makes a great road trip with many great places to stop on the way. However, you will need some time. It is approximately 933 miles between the two destinations, and you will want to allow 13.5 hours of driving time. If you have the time, it’s definitely worth the trip, and you can stop off to visit various National Parks and attractions.
Visiting Mount Rushmore as an International Traveler
International travelers will need to arrange flights into the USA to visit Mount Rushmore. The closest airport to the destination is Rapid City Regional Airport. However, you will need to enter the country at an alternate airport that services international flights.
Every traveler coming from an international destination is required to pass through customs and border security. To get through without hassle, you will need to meet specific criteria and have your paperwork in order. The entry requirement varies depending on your country of residency.
Some travelers will be required to obtain a usa esta form to enter the USA. This is an electronic pre-screening check that is completed online to ensure you meet specific criteria. The check requires you to complete your details and answer some questions about your travel to be assessed for entry.
Once your ESTA has been approved, you will be notified. You must save the paperwork and have it on hand to present at the airport. It is possible to do an esta status check via the online portal so you can see how things are tracking. To avoid unnecessary stress, apply for your visa several weeks before you are scheduled to fly. If you fail to obtain a valid ESTA before you travel, you may be denied entry to the USA or even be prevented from boarding your flight.
Other travelers might need to obtain a traditional visa to enter the USA. Make sure to do your research and check the current entry requirements that apply to you to avoid disappointment.
Mount Rushmore in Winter
Planning a winter trip to Mount Rushmore? Here are a few things you should know.
Benefits of Visiting Mount Rushmore in Winter
Mount Rushmore is a much more popular destination in the summer, but there is a range of benefits to visiting in the winter.
- Fewer crowds - Like most significant tourist attractions, Mount Rushmore experiences far smaller crowds in the winter. This means you won’t have to wait to use the facilities or battle the crowds for the best photo spots.
- Winter scenery - There’s something about the snow that makes everything look magical. Seeing Mount Rushmore with a sprinkling of white is something you won’t forget.
- Pleasant weather - While many states face terrible winter storms, Mount Rushmore, experiences relatively pleasant weather in the winter. It does have the occasional snowstorm, but the roads are well-maintained so that you can get to the attraction safely.
Things to do at Mount Rushmore in Winter
In addition to the mighty Mount Rushmore sculpture itself, there are various attractions you won’t want to miss on a winter vacation.
- Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway - This 19 mile stretch of road is spectacularly scenic with several notable stops. Make sure to check out Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls to see each of the waterfalls in all their winter glory.
- Snowsports - Skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling - the choice is yours! This area is well-known for its ski activities, so get in on the action.
- Custer State Park - Custer State Park is home to herds of bison, and if you visit during winter, you’ll likely have much of the park to yourself.
Mount Rushmore at Night
Visiting Mount Rushmore at night will give you an entirely different perspective of the huge sculptures. Every evening at sunset, the monument is lit up with bright lights so you can see the faces of the famous presidents against a backdrop of the night sky.
In winter, there is no evening ceremony, but the lights still get turned on each night. This means there is unlikely to be many other people battling for the sculptures' best viewing spot, and you’ll get to enjoy the attraction in peace.
Mount Rushmore Sunrise
Sunrise at Mount Rushmore is worth getting out of the bed for, even if you’re not typically an early riser! The best part about visiting in winter is that an early visit to the sculptures is likely to see you there alone or with very few others.
Also, sunrise is the best time for taking photographs of the sculptures as there are no shadows over the faces. Different parts are covered in shadow throughout the day as the sun moves, so if you want the perfect picture, it’s worth getting there for the first sun.
By ticking off Mount Rushmore first thing in the morning, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy all the other winter attractions on offer throughout the day.