Elk River to Mount Rushmore: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Elk River from Mount Rushmore?

The distance from Elk River to Mount Rushmore is 496.2 miles (798.6 km) as the crow flies. Mount Rushmore is located W of Elk River. By car, the driving distance is approximately 595.5 miles, taking about 11h 59min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 30min. Both are located in United States — Elk River in Minnesota and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. 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 Elk River 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.