Mount Rushmore to Begin Reduced Hours of Operation This Week

If you're planning a trip out to the Black Hills sometime in November and December to check out the Fall foliage, maybe do a little hunting, or some winter hiking and skiing, and you hope to squeeze in the faces on your journey, you should know that the Mount Rushmore National Monument is shifting to its winter hours starting this week.

The monument is preparing to kick off reduced hours of operation beginning on Wednesday (November 1). That means less staff on duty, and fewer services will be provided for the next several months due to the change in the tourist season.

Dakota News Now reports, that the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center will only be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day, as will the Monuments Visitor Center. The Parking Structure and the Memorial Grounds at Mount Rushmore will only be available from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. And if you're hoping to capture a few photos of the faces at night, the monument will only be illuminated evenings until 9:00 PM.

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According to Dakota News Now, another big change that comes along with winter operation hours is no scheduled ranger talks or formal programs will be available to the public. You can, however, track down park staff inside the Visitor Center and Information Center during the winter months who will be happy to help answer any questions you may have regarding the monument and the surrounding area.

Mount Rushmore is open year-round, 7 days a week, with the exception of (December 25). The national monument will shift back to its increased hours of operation schedule starting in late May as it gears up for another South Dakota summer tourist season.

Source: Dakota News Now

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Source: Mount Rushmore to Begin Reduced Hours of Operation This Week