I'm driving back from vacation in Montana to Austin and my hotel this evening is about an hour from Mount Rushmore. How quickly could I get away with a quick stop at Mount Rushmore on the way home tomorrow? I don't have a whole lot of extra time, but since I am in the neighborhood, it would be good to knock it out.

You can see it quickly. Visible from the entrance. If you want to walk out and see it closer, a little longer but not too much. Maybe an hour tops, but could do it quicker.

If you are an hour away it will take you less than that. Depending on the traffic it may take you longer to park in the garage.

Be aware that if you have a NP pass it is not valid there. You will pay to park and pay to go in.

Thanks

Easily. Most underwhelming monument.

I loved it

It's a strange Nat Monument. It's very commercialized and very very politicized. All kinds of groups were there demonstrating the one time we went. It's also not very large of an area and was very crowded.

I think I'll probably skip it so I can drive through some of the Badlands on my way home instead.

You can do Mount Rushmore in 20 minutes. But, I do recommend following the signs towards the Crazy Horse memorial so you can see the profile shot of Mount Rushmore.

Wife and kids flew home from Montana this morning so just me making the long 3 day drive back to Texas.

I've made that drive from Red Lodge over and down. South Dakota goes on forever.

Sure does

You must see Crazy Horse monument on your trip home. Just to show you a size perspective, all 4 of the presidents carving could fit on Crazy Horses forehead!! And it's all done with private monies!!

Pro Sandy said:

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Easily. Most underwhelming monument.

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Definitely not THE most underwhelming monument. There are A LOT of monuments out there.

Watch "North by Northwest" to get psyched up for it.

Pro Sandy said:

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Easily. Most underwhelming monument.

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You told me that. And when I went, I was actually impressed. Maybe because my expectations were so low, but it was still a worthwhile site and I enjoyed walking the grounds.

CDub06 said:

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Pro Sandy said:

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Easily. Most underwhelming monument.

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You told me that. And when I went, I was actually impressed. Maybe because my expectations were so low, but it was still a worthwhile site and I enjoyed walking the grounds.

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First time I thought it was cool. Hiked in from the Black Elk.

Then I saw Crazy Horse. Realized how small Rushmore was and it isn't even close to finished.

Then saw the light show, it was pitiful. Just some flood lights. They need some lasers like Stone Mountain. Make George Washington come to life.

Now I just see an unfinished statue in the side of a mountain. Underwhelming.