Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
9 pm Lighting Ceremony: May 22nd - August 9th
We would pick you up from your Rapid City hotel at 7:30-7:45 pm in 7 or 12 passenger van depending on if we have others going. It is a 45 minute drive to Mt Rushmore. You would have half an hour to get to the amphitheater to get a seat for the program that starts at 9:00 pm. There is a 10 minute Ranger Talk about some topic about the 4 presidents. After the talk is a 20 minute video about the growth of the country in relation to the 4 presidents. At 9:30 pm, the Star Spangled Banner is sung and the lights go on the faces.
Veterans and military are invited to the stage to help retire the flag and be honored. It is about a 45 minute program. We do have blankets for you in your vans if it is a chilly night. But, plan on bringing a jacket as it cools off once the sun goes down. We would get you back to Rapid City around 10:45 pm.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
We would pick you up from your Rapid City hotel at 7:30-7:45 pm in our 7 or 12 passenger van depending on if we have others going. It is a 45 minute drive to Mt Rushmore. You would have half an hour to get to the amphitheater to get a seat for the program that starts at 9:00 pm. There is a 10 minute Ranger Talk about some topic about the 4 presidents. After the talk is a 20 minute video about the growth of our country in relation to the 4 presidents. At 9:30 pm, the Star Spangled Banner is sung and the lights go on the faces. Veterans and military are invited to the stage to help retire the flag and be honored. It is about a 45 minute program. We do have blankets for you in our vans if it is a chilly night. But, plan on bringing a jacket as it cools off once the sun goes down. We would get you back to Rapid City around 10:45 pm.
Options
Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony Shared Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Cold Bottled Water in cooler
Admission fee
Snacks
English Speaking Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Optional Dinner at Mt Rushmore is on your own
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony - Do Not Miss it!!! It's so memorable!
Companion66655902056,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had the best experience on this tour, all because of our amazing tour guide, Ann! (from Affordable Adventures) She picked us up at our hotel in Rapid City and had snacks/water for us. She parked right up front of the entrance to Mt Rushmore and gave us blankets to take into the amphitheater. The ceremony was amazing and very emotional. Highly recommend! After the ceremony Ann took us to Doane Robinson Tunnel where we could see Mt Rushmore through the tunnel perfectly framed in the opening! An awesome addition to our original planned tour with her!
Mt. Rushmore Lighting Ceremony.
MaryJean J,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful lighting ceremony. Beautiful and welcoming conclusion with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and inviting veterans, military members and gold star families up on stage for the flag retreat.
Related Experiences
Operated by Affordable Adventures