The evening begins with a scenic 45-minute drive from Rapid City, arriving at Mount Rushmore by 7:30 PM to allow ample time for you to secure a seat in the amphitheater before the 8:00 PM start. The formal program opens with an insightful 10-minute Ranger Talk focusing on the history or characteristics of the four presidents, followed by a 20-minute film documenting the growth of the United States. The highlight of the night occurs at 8:30 PM, when the National Anthem marks the moment the massive granite faces are illuminated against the night sky. The ceremony concludes with a moving tribute where veterans and active military members are invited to the stage for the retirement of the flag, wrapped up by 9:00 PM for your return trip. Given the drop in temperature once the sun sets in the Black Hills, it is highly recommended to bring a jacket to supplement the blankets provided in the van for the ride back to your hotel.