Mount Rushmore Wheelchair Accessibility Review

Mount Rushmore has almost become synonymous with America and it’s a national landmark that is on many people’s bucket list.  But how accessible is Mount Rushmore for the differently abled?  When I was there in September, I checked off my bucket list and assessed its level of accessibility.  Here’s what I found out. 

There is plenty of parking for this popular tourist stop via several parking garages.  All levels of the garages have accessible parking with an elevator to transport you to the various levels.  Once you are out of the parking area, there is an accessible ramp to take you to the entrance to the monument.   

I'm sitting on my mobility scooter in front of Mt Rushmore on the observation deck

The visitor center and gift shop (both accessible) await you as you enter and peaking between them, you get your first glimpse of the mountain.  As you walk/roll towards the observation area, you pass through a walkway lined with 50 flags, each representing one of the states in America.   

The viewing area is accessible and offers a great view of the four presidents that form Mount Rushmore, each one chosen for a special contribution that they made in the development of the United States.  There are coin operated binoculars that you can use to get a closer look of the mountain, one of which is at a lowered level to make it accessible to wheelchair users. 

There is also a trail that takes you closer to the base of the mountain that is partially accessible.  When you are looking at Mount Rushmore, go to the left of the viewing area where a ramp will take you to the accessible portion of the trail.  You can roll all the way until you are under President Lincoln and then the path no longer is accessible due to steps. 

Mount Rushmore on a sunny day

There is also a museum that is wheelchair accessible.  There is a short film here that describes how the monument was made and a collection of artifacts from construction.  It was really interesting and something you should definitely check out. 

Overall, I’d say the monument is about 95% accessible (there is an artist building at the other end of the trail that is inaccessible).  Visiting Mount Rushmore is a nice way to spend a couple hours of your day.  So, if this place is on your bucket list, go ahead and make the trip!  

To check out all of the other great accessible things to do in South Dakota click here for my full trip report. 

I'm Kristin and I was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts my mobility and breathing. Despite this challenge, I have travelled across the United States and abroad and want to share my accessible travel information with others.