Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony
May 26 to September 30, 2024
Mount Rushmore, the Shrine of Democracy, is a spectacular sight to see, but there's more to do at this memorial than meets the eye. For many who visit, a must-do event that truly captures the patriotic spirit is the Evening Lighting Ceremony. This heart-stirring ceremony is the number one attended program in the national parks service.
Witness the memorial light up the night bringing these four granite faces to life. This event, however, encompasses far more than this spectacular scene. During the Evening Lighting Ceremony, you'll learn the story of this monument beginning with a 10-minute Ranger Talk, told differently by each Ranger, followed by a 20-minute film exploring the memorial's legacy. Pride swells throughout the amphitheater as Veterans, active duty, and those who have lost a loved one in military conflict are brought to the stage. This act of recognition and the ceremonial takedown of the flag paint an emotional and humbling scene that can only be truly appreciated in person.
The event is held seasonally starting the Friday before Memorial Day and continuing through the end of September. Make sure to schedule your visit around the schedule below, or plan to come back - your parking pass is good for one year after purchase!
Event Schedule:
- 9pm from May 26th - August 10th
- 8pm from August 11th - September 30th
The Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore is not just a visual spectacle, but also an emotional experience that echoes the essence of the nation's legacy.
