Des Moines to Mount Rushmore: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Des Moines from Mount Rushmore?

The distance from Des Moines to Mount Rushmore is 523.3 miles (842.1 km) as the crow flies. Mount Rushmore is located WNW of Des Moines. By car, the driving distance is approximately 627.9 miles, taking about 12h 38min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 33min. Both are located in United States — Des Moines in Iowa and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Des Moines and Mount Rushmore. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.