Mount Rushmore National Memorial is situated within the state of South Dakota and, unless you’re one of the few who live in the local area, you’ll need to plan out a route to get there. If you’re far enough away to require flights to the site, consider booking well in advance to find the cheapest option. An app such as Tripit can help here, assisting you with keeping your travel itinerary all in one place, whether that be flight tickets, rail timetables, or hotel bookings. To travel via the more scenic route, you may wish to embark on a coach tour to the area, with many offering excursions as you explore more of the US. However, you decide to plan your adventures, know that your preparation will pay off when you get there. 

As mentioned, the likelihood is that you’ll need to travel a reasonable distance across the States, or even the world, to reach Mount Rushmore, so you’ll want somewhere nearby to stay while you explore the area. Room sharing is a popular option for many solo travelers, opting to allow residents with extra space available. Another reasonably cheap option is to find a nearby motel, of which there will be plenty, especially for those with families needing multiple rooms, or perhaps a group on a friends’ vacation. Again, the key here is booking far enough in advance. The last thing you want to do is show up during peak season only for the best places to be booked up.  

The most important part of your trip, of course, is exploring the national park itself. The majority of visitors spend a couple of hours at the park, taking in the monument itself and walking through the visitor center and gift shop. However, there are plenty of other activities to get involved in to prolong your adventure in the area. One of those is trekking through the surrounding national park, capturing photographs and making memories for years to come. The NPS app can help here, providing numerous guides and maps to ensure you make the most of your time there. It’s likely that you’ll explore other parts of the US at the same time, particularly if you’re traveling from overseas. If you plan your trip to Mount Rushmore effectively, it’s sure to end up as one of your favorite moments.