Mount Rushmore is a live symbol of hope, respect, and love from and for all cultures and geographical backgrounds. The location stands tall with sculptures of the four former Presidents of the United States of America: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. If you also want to pay tribute to the said personalities and witness the numerous activities and attractions that it has to offer, it’s high time that you learn about the Closest Airport to Mount Rushmore, which is going to help you to reach to and from your location without any trouble. 

Where is Mount Rushmore Located? 

Mount Rushmore is at 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751, USA. 

State South Dakota
Country United States of America 
Longitude -103.452041
Latitude 43.874556
Time ZoneAmerica/North_Dakota/New_Salem

6 Domestic Closest Airports to Mount Rushmore

Below are the six closest domestic airports to Mount Rushmore, providing easy access to the city center. However, these airports do not serve a large number of airlines. So, checking the details and flight schedules as soon as you plan your trip is best.

Domestic Closest Airports to Mount RushmoreCity/County Estimated Distance
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)Rapid City 32 Miles 
Chadron Municipal Airport (CDR)Chadron 101 Miles 
Gillette-Campbell County Airport (GCC)Gillette 138 Miles 
Alliance Municipal Airport (AIA)Alliance 161 Miles 
Sheridan County Airport (SHR)Sheridan 186 Miles 
Pierre Regional Airport (PIR)Pierre 198 Miles 

1. Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

The closest airport to Mount Rushmore is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) in the Rapid City of Pennington County, South Dakota, United States of America. Being the closest airport to Mount Rushmore, it offers several facilities to passengers. It includes a separate car rental wing, additional seating space in the concourse, spacious restrooms, flight status tracker boards, data and phone systems, shopping malls, and much more. To access the city from the airport or vice versa, you can head to the Rapid City Rapid Ride Bus Stop, approximately 6 miles from the airport. Rideshare options like Lyft, Uber, Wrdiz, etc. are also available. 

Airlines Operating at RAP Terminals used at RAP
Allegiant Air RAP Terminal Terminal 1 
Delta Airlines RAP Terminal Terminal 1
Sun Country Airlines RAP TerminalTerminal 1 
United Airlines RAP Terminal Terminal 1 

2. Chadron Municipal Airport (CDR)

The second closest airport to Mount Rushmore is the Chadron Municipal Airport, located five miles west of Chadron City in Dawes County, Nebraska, United States of America. It serves flights to and from a limited number of destinations. It is a small airport where you can find access to essential services only. To get to and from the airport, you can use the available modes of transportation. You can talk with the airline operating from CDR to get yourself a flight reservation. 

Airlines Operating at CDRTerminals used at CDR
Southern Airways Express CDR Terminal Main Terminal 

3. Gillette-Campbell County Airport (GCC)

In the Campbell County of Wyoming, the third airport closest to Mount Rushmore is Gillette-Campbell County Airport. It is small and offers only flights to and from a selected number of destinations. Several ground transportation options, such as taxis, rideshare, buses, etc., are available to passengers outside the airport. You can talk to the airline staff to learn more about United Express and its operations at the Gillette-Campbell County Airport. The executives will comply with your needs and requirements to save your day. 

Airlines Operating at GCCTerminals used at GCC
United Express GCC Terminal Main Terminal 

4. Alliance Municipal Airport (AIA)

Alliance Municipal Airport in Box Butte County, Nebraska, is the fourth airport that can provide easy access to Mount Rushmore. This airport operates flights of Denver Air Connection to and from its location. It is close to Mount Rushmore’s numerous activities and attractions, providing easy access. Whether you want to depart from or arrive at this airport, you can talk with your airline to gather information about the flight schedules, destinations served, etc. Ground transport is accessible from outside the airport’s terminals.  

Airlines Operating at AIATerminals used at AIA
Denver Air Connection AIA Terminal Main Terminal 

5. Sheridan County Airport (SHR)

In the list of the closest airports to Mount Rushmore, Sheridan County Airport stands in the fifth position. Sheridan has currently proposed direct scheduled flights to Denver. The airport is approximately 186 miles from Mount Rushmore. You can find several transportation options to get to the surrounding regions without any trouble. These airports serve only limited destinations so you can talk with the airline about yours. 

Airlines Operating at SHRTerminals used at SHR
United Express SHR Terminal Main Terminal 

6. Pierre Regional Airport (PIR)

Last but not least, the next domestic public airport close to Mount Rushmore is Pierre Regional Airport, located three miles east of Pierre in Hughes County, South Dakota. It has a spacious new terminal building that serves passengers with a range of services and amenities. The airport helps Denver Air Connection operate flights to and from its base. Several ground transportation options, in-flight amenities, at-airport conveniences, etc, are available at this airport. 

Airlines Operating at PIRTerminals used at PIR
Denver Air Connection PIR Terminal Main Terminal 

International Closest Airports to Mount Rushmore

Comparatively, the international or the major airports to Mount Rush offer a variety of flight schedules and serve several destinations compared to the domestic airports. You can fly in and out of any of the six international airports that suit your requirements and destinations. 

Domestic Closest Airports to Mount RushmoreCity/County Estimated Distance
Denver International Airport (DEN)Denver 371 Miles
Regina International Airport (YQR)Regina 580 Miles
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)Minneapolis 592 Miles
Hector International Airport (FAR)Fargo 603 Miles
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)Salt Lake645 Miles
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)Des Moines651 Miles

1. Denver International Airport (DEN)

The Closest big airport to Mount Rushmore is Denver International Airport, located approximately 371 Miles from the said destination. It primarily serves the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area and the Front Range Urban Corridor. It is the largest airport in land area in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest on Earth. The airport has one main terminal, Jeppesen Terminal, with three concourses and 179 boarding gates. The airport is connected to Denver and I-70 via the Peña Boulevard freeway. A number of car rental services can be found at the airport, serving passengers with courtesy shuttle services. It is served by the following airlines:  

Airlines operating at DENTerminals used at DEN
Aer Lingus DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Aeromexico DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Air Canada DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Air France DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Alaska Airlines DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Allegiant Air DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Breeze Airways DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
British Airways DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Cayman Airways DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Copa Airlines DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Delta Airlines DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Edelweiss Air DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Frontier Airlines DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Icelandair DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
JetBlue DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Lufthansa DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Southwest Airlines DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Sun Country Airlines DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
United Airlines DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Viva Aerobus DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
Volaris DEN TerminalJeppesen Terminal
WestJet DEN Terminal Jeppesen Terminal

2. Regina International Airport (YQR)

Located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Regina International Airport is the second-best airport to reach Mount Rushmore. The airport’s current two-floor terminal building serves passengers with a range of facilities, such as retail, food, and beverage services, airline lounges, children’s play area, vending machines, free wifi, etc. It is home to several leading airlines, which operate direct and connecting flights to a variety of destinations. Several car rental agencies, taxis, rideshare, and other services are outside the airport’s terminal. Please talk with your preferred airline to get the best deals and discounts on airfares. 

Airlines Operating at YQRTerminals used at YQR
Air Canada Express YQR TerminalTerminal 1 
Air Canada Rouge YQR Terminal Terminal 1 
Lynx Air YQR Terminal Terminal 1 
Sunwing Airlines YQR Terminal Terminal 1 
WestJet YQR Terminal Terminal 1 

3. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

The infamous 3. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is not only the second airport in the list of the closest airports to Mount Rushmore but also the busiest airport in the upper Midwest. The airport consists of two terminals named 1 and 2, both at a distance of 1 mile. Ground transportation such as Metro Transit and Blue Line are available at the airport, helping you easily reach the surrounding regions. Multiple leading airlines offer flights to international and domestic locations from this airport, such as Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; Seattle/Tacoma, Washington; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Toronto, Canada; London Heathrow, United Kingdom; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, etc. 

Airlines Operating at MSP Terminals used at MSP 
Aer Lingus MSP Terminal Terminal 1 
Air Canada Express MSP TerminalTerminal 1 
Alaska Airlines MSP TerminalTerminal 1 
Allegiant Air MSP TerminalTerminal 2 
Condor MSP TerminalTerminal 2
Delta Airlines MSP TerminalTerminal 1
Frontier Airlines MSP TerminalTerminal 2
Icelandair MSP TerminalTerminal 2
JetBlue MSP TerminalTerminal 2
KLM MSP TerminalTerminal 1
Lufthansa MSP TerminalTerminal 2
Southwest Airlines MSP TerminalTerminal 2
Spirit Airlines MSP TerminalTerminal 1
Sun Country Airlines MSP TerminalTerminal 2
United Airlines MSP TerminalTerminal 1
WestJet MSP TerminalTerminal 1

4. Hector International Airport (FAR)

Hector International Airport is in Cass County, North Dakota, United States. It serves flights to and from destinations such as Denver, CO; Chicago–O’Hare, IL, Phoenix-Mesa, AZ; Dallas/Fort Worth, TX; Las Vegas, NV; etc. Passengers willing to access the surrounding regions can use the MATBUS. It is a public transport bus that serves Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota. Several leading airlines operate flights to and from the Hector International Airport, with which you can book reservations and get to Mount Rushmore. 

Airlines Operating at FARTerminals used at FAR
Allegiant Air FAR Terminal Terminal 1
Delta Airlines FAR Terminal Terminal 1
Frontier Airlines FAR Terminal Terminal 1
United Airlines FAR Terminal Terminal 1

5. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

The next closest airport to Mount Rushmore is 6 miles from downtown Salt Lake City. It is one of the major international airports popular for serving on-time passenger arrivals and flight departures. The busiest airport in Utah, SLC, consists of several basic to advanced passenger-centric facilities. The rail and bus service connects this airport to the rest of the city or the surrounding regions without hassle. You can find one passenger terminal at Salt Lake City International Airport, which contains two concourses named Concourse A and Concourse B. In addition, you can fly with the numerous airlines that operate flights to and from this airport, serving a wide range of destinations.

Airlines Operating at SLCTerminals used at SLC
Aeroméxico SLC TerminalTerminal 1 
Air Canada SLC TerminalTerminal 2 
Alaska Airlines SLC TerminalTerminal 1
Delta Airlines SLC TerminalTerminal 1 
Frontier Airlines SLC TerminalTerminal 1 
Hawaiian Airlines SLC TerminalTerminal 1 
JetBlue SLC TerminalTerminal 1 
KLM SLC TerminalTerminal 1 
Southwest Airlines SLC TerminalTerminal 3 
Spirit Airlines SLC TerminalTerminal 1 
Sun Country Airlines SLC TerminalTerminal 1 
United Airlines SLC TerminalTerminal 1 

6. Des Moines International Airport (DSM)

Last but not least, Des Moines International Airport is another airport that can get you to Mount Rushmore. It is a joint civilian-miliary service airport approximately 5 miles Southwest of Des Moines.  Although it is not as close as other airports are to Mount Rushmore, it can still be a viable option for passengers residing nearby or looking for flexible flight schedules. There are several airlines that operate flights to and from this airport to a number of destinations. You should consider talking with your preferable airline for more information. 

Airlines Operating at DSMTerminals used at DSM
Allegiant Air DSM Terminal Terminal 1 
Delta Airlines DSM Terminal Terminal 1 
Frontier Airlines DSM Terminal Terminal 1 
Southwest Airlines DSM Terminal Terminal 1 
United Airlines DSM Terminal Terminal 1 

Top 10 Hotels Near Mount Rushmore 

Mount Rushmore is one of the famous tourist destinations, offering its visitors numerous hotels and accommodations to stay safely during their visit. These options are affordable and won’t lose your pockets. To book a stay, you can contact any further mentioned stays. Alternatively, you can also reserve any hotel you have in mind.

Best Hotels near Mount Rushmore Address and Contact Numbers 
Rushmore Express Inn & Family Suites320 Cemetery Rd, Keystone, SD 57751, United States•+1 605-666-4483
K Bar S Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection434 Old Hill City Rd, Keystone, SD 57751, United States•+1 605-857-8805
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt Rushmore/Keystone, an IHG Hotel321 Swanzey St, Keystone, SD 57751, United States•+1 605-666-4925
Presidents View Resort106 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751, United States•+1 605-666-4212
Comfort Inn & Suites Mt. Rushmore321 Swanzey St, Keystone, SD 57751, United States•+1 605-666-4925
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Custer, an IHG Hotel433 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730, United States•+1 605-673-2500
The Rushmore Hotel & Suites, BW Premier Collection445 Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States•+1 605-348-8300
Holiday Inn Resort Deadwood Mountain Grand, an IHG Hotel1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States•+1 605-559-0386
Grand Gateway Hotel of Rapid City1721 N Lacrosse St, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States•+1 605-342-8853
Best Western Plus Rapid City Rushmore3723 Eglin St, Rapid City, SD 57703, United States•+1 605-716-3605

5 Best Things to Do in Mount Rushmore 

Mount Rushmore is heaven for visitors who would love to experience adventurous activities, peaceful landscapes, and tons of things to do. Here’s what you won’t want to miss in Mount Rushmore: 

  1. Want to know who brought Mount Rushmore to life? If yes, don’t forget to meet the infamous Meet Gutzon Borglum. You can learn more about his tools and techniques in the Sculptors Studio. 
  2. Walking the Presidential Trail in Mount Rushmore is a dream of many visitors. You can witness a variety of activities right under the nose of the presidents and make your trip worth every penny. 
  3. A walk along the avenue of flags is worth it during your visit to Mount Rushmore. You can find approximately 56 symbols of history and heritage that guide you toward the presidents overlooking the Black Hills. 
  4. Enlighten your taste buds with the popular Thomas Jefferson’s Ice Cream. Its recipe is the first ever ice cream recipe recorded in American History. Without trying this delightful treat, your trip to Mount Rushmore will be incomplete. 
  5. If you are visiting with your kids and family, you must experience the Junior Ranger Program with them. It is a no-fee activity that tells you everything about Mount Rushmore.

Must Visit Places Near Mount Rushmore

Apart from Mount Rushmore, quite a few places nearby can be an important and unforgettable part of your trip. Wondering how? Well, these locations nearby offer a lot to the visitors, from different activities to do, infamous locations to visit, and what not! So, take a bit more of your time and visit the below-mentioned places: 

Custer State ParkSculptor’s StudioBadlands National Park
Bear Country USACrazy Horse MemorialReptile Gardens
The National Presidential Wax MuseumMount Rushmore Mountain PeakCathedral Spires Trailhead
Needles Eye TunnelBig Thunder Gold Mine1880 Train – Keystone Depot

Transportation To/From the Closest Airports to Mount Rushmore

The closest airport to Mount Rushmore is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which offers several ground transportation options to passengers wanting to visit the city or nearby locations. The options include Casper via the Casper Amtrak Station, WY, Buffalo, Rapid City, and SF. Apart from these, the other airports closest to Mount Rushmore offer passengers the following options to get to and from the city: 

  • Taxi Services
  • Bus Services
  • Shuttle Service
  • Rideshare Options
  • Limousine Services
  • Public Transportation
  • Private Transportation 

Conclusion

We hope that with this information, you can plan a trip to Mount Rushmore and land at the closest airports of the same. As there are a number of airlines operating to and from the nearest airports, you can choose the one that best suits your budget and preferences. You can talk with your preferred airline regarding the cost and available discounts on the airfares. To access ground transportation details, please connect with the airport staff present at your arrival or departure destination. This way you can have a trouble-free travel and trip to Mount Rushmore. 

FAQ’s

Where can I stay near Mount Rushmore?

Rushmore Express Inn & Family Suites, K Bar S Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mt Rushmore/Keystone, an IHG Hotel, are three of the numerous hotel accommodations near Mount Rushmore. 

What airport is closest to Mount Rushmore?

Rapid City Regional Airport is the closest airport to Mount Rushmore. Denver International Airport is the closest international Airport to Mount Rushmore. 

Which airport is closest to Mount Rushmore?

The closest airport to Mount Rushmore is Rapid City Regional Airport

What is the closest airport to Mount Rushmore?

The airport closest to Mount Rushmore is Rapid City Regional Airport. 

What is the nearest airport to Mount Rushmore?

Rapid City Regional Airport and Chadron Municipal Airport are the nearest airports to Mount Rushmore. 

What airport do you fly to for Mount Rushmore?

You can fly into the closest international or domestic airports to Mount Rushmore, such as: 
1. Rapid City Regional Airport 
2. Chadron Municipal Airport
3. Denver International Airport
4. Regina International Airport 

What is the best way to fly to Mount Rushmore?

The best way to fly to Mount Rushmore is to choose an airline that flies to the closest airport to Mount Rushmore, Rapid City Regional Airport. The airlines that fly into it are Allegiant Air, Delta Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. 

What is the closest major city to Mount Rushmore?

A few major airports close to Mount Rushmore such as Denver International Airport, Regina International Airport, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Hector International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, and Des Moines International Airport. 

Which is the closest big airport to Mount Rushmore? 

The closest big airport to Mount Rushmore is Denver International. The second major airport closest to Mount Rushmore is Regina International Airport. 

What major airlines fly into Rapid City, South Dakota? 

Some major airlines that fly into Rapid City, South Dakota, are Allegiant Air, Delta Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. 

Which is the closest airport to Mount Rushmore National Park?

Rapid City Regional Airport is the closest airport to Mount Rushmore National Park.

What ground transportation options are available in Mount Rushmore?

Ground Transportation, such as Car rentals, Taxi and Rideshare services, Bus services, Shuttles, etc, are available to passengers willing to travel to and from Mount Rushmore. 

Which airlines fly into or out of the closest airports to Mount Rushmore?

Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Denver Air Connection, Allegiant Air, United Airlines, Southern Airways Express, etc. airlines fly into and out of the closest airports to Mount Rushmore. 

Which airport is close to Mount Rushmore, Denver International or Regina International Airport? 

Denver International is the closest international airport to Mount Rushmore, and Regina International Airport is the second closest to Mount Rushmore. 

Which international airport is closest to Mount Rushmore and Mount Rushmore National Park?

The Denver International Airport is the closest to Mount Rushmore, as well as Mount Rushmore National Park.

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Last Update: October 23, 2024