We love all of the NPS’ Junior Ranger Programs! At Mount Rushmore, there are several options:
Junior Ranger Trainee
This is for children aged 3-4. Your children learn about Mount Rushmore and natural resources found in the Black Hills with activities that are in the Junior Ranger booklet. Your child will earn a Junior Ranger Badge after completion of the booklet and the Junior Ranger Trainee is a free program.
Junior Ranger Activity Book
This one is for children aged 5-15 and there is no fee. Your child will learn even more about Mount Rushmore through the activities within the book. After completing the book, your child will receive a Junior Ranger Badge and a certificate.
Rushmore Ranger Activity Booklet
This is for ages 13 and up and again, no fee. This program is great for older kids and even adults to make their experience at Mount Rushmore even better. Your teen will receive a certificate after completion of the book.
Junior Ranger Quest
This newer program is part of the Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Tour that is available to rent for $8. The quest is an adventure that lets you participate in up to 16 challenges at the different tour stops around the park. After you complete 12 challenges, you will receive a Junior Ranger Badge.
I grew up knowing about Mount Rushmore, but I had no idea the whole idea was from a historian who wanted to promote tourism, or that the presidents were not the first idea of candidates to be carved!! This was really interesting, and your lads are great models to show off the sights. 🙂
p.s. It’s so cool that there is a path to take you up closer!
Mount Rushmore is one of my favorite landmarks in the US. I love that it’s a family friendly place and gives a chance to teach the kids about our nations history.
Living halfway across the world I know about iconic Mount Rushmore and have often wondered what or who inspired this monumental feat. Great article – thank you.
I still have never been! This guide has everything I need to know for planning my trip – I really appreciate you putting it together. It looks like your kids had a really great time too. Their pictures are so cute! lol
I’ve not yet been to Mount Rushmore, so I’ve pinned this for when we plan our trip there. Great info, that will come in very handy.
I’ve always wanted to visit Mount Rushmore, it looks so impressive! Thanks for the great guide, I’m saving it with the hope I’ll get to go someday soon!
Hannah | https://getlost.blog/
This really is the ultimate travel guide to Mount Rushmore! I love all of Junior Ranger information, what kid would not love that! The food options look great and I cannot believe that is a Holiday Inn! This looks like a great trip! Thank you so much for sharing!
Such an interesting history. I did not know that they were planning on doing their bodies as well.
Thanks for the guide – I’ve wanted to visit Mt. Rushmore and now I know what else to add to the intinerary!
I’m not American and I’ve always been a bit fascinated by Mount Rushmore and its massive faces… definitely seems like it’s something worth visiting in real life should I find myself in the States. Brilliant photos!
Can’t believe Mt Rushmore is nearly 100 years old! Amazing feat of art for the times!
I haven’t made it to Mount Rushmore yet but your post makes me want to go. Thanks for all the details. You made planning my trip a breeze!
Your pictures are great! I love this guide, especially the food recommendations. I can’t wait to make a trip out here with the kids . Pinning for future reference.
Mount Rushmore is so high on my bucket list! I really hope we get to visit one day so saving this post for then – looks like you’ve found all the best photo spots!
This is such a helpful guide. I’ve been curious about Mt Rushmore for such a long time. It’s definitely on our list when we do our US roadtrip!
Thank you! So glad to hear you found it helpful
How cool! I’ve always wanted to go here with my family! I’ll keep your tips in mind. This would be so neat to see in person.
What a great family trip. Very educational. Your pictures are wonderful and have so much detail.
I have always wanted to visit here! What a wonderful family trip!
One of my favorite road trips as a kid was going to Mt. Rushmore. Great tips–will use them when we plan our family trip in the future!
What a fun trip! I have always wanted to visit. Thanks for the information about the area.
I am planning to visit the place with my family. Would you recommend traveling with 2-year-old twins and is it stroller-friendly?
Hi! Mount Rushmore is such a great place to visit as a family, it is definitely stroller friendly 🙂