Permits & Reservations

Reservations

You do not need a reservation to visit or for any programs at Mount Rushmore, including the Evening Lighting Program.

 

Special Use Permits

There are several types of special use permits necessary for certain activities or events held at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The links below provide information regarding such permits.

After your permit application has been received, you will be contacted for payment via the email address you list on your application. After you have been given a payment number via email, you may make a payment for your permit application online by visiting pay.gov. Enter "Mount Rushmore" into the search box at the top of the page and click on "Search" to display a list of our payment forms. Or payment may be made by check addressed to Permit Coordinator Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Contact us:

Applications processed Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm mountain time
Closed federal holidays
Office: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
or e-mail us

No permits will be approved for special events, weddings, filming or photography during the following dates:

• July 2 through July 5 for Independence Day events
• August 4 through August 8 during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

As of October 2016, the Carvers' Cafe and the Carvers' Cafe Patio are not available for reservations from May 16th to Labor Day. For reservations from the day after Labor Day to May 15th, please apply for a Special Use Permit.

Use the links below to find information regarding special use permits:

Special Events

Weddings

Filming and Photography

First Amendment Activities

Research Permits

Research permits are handled through the National Park Service Research Permit and Reporting System.

 

Looking For Commercial Use Authorization Information?

The National Park Service requires specific authorizations for commercial businesses to operate in national parks. Find Commercial Use Authorization information here.