The National Presidential Wax Museum, a remarkable patriotic attraction, stands in Keystone, South Dakota, a mere two miles from the iconic Mount Rushmore. It has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of historical tourism in the Black Hills region. This museum offers an unparalleled opportunity to "meet" every American president, making it not only a significant educational resource but also a must-visit tourist attraction.
The founders of the National Presidential Wax Museum sought to create a space where visitors could connect with American history in a tangible way. Their vision was to present presidential history through lifelike representations that would make the past accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Throughout its development, the museum has undergone several renovations and expansions to enhance the visitor experience and accommodate new presidential figures. With each new administration, the museum adds to its collection, ensuring that the complete lineage of American leadership is represented. The museum’s location in Keystone was strategically chosen due to its proximity to Mount Rushmore, creating a natural pairing for tourists interested in presidential history.
Visitors to the President Wax Museum can immerse themselves in pivotal moments of our nation’s past through detailed exhibits and interactive elements that educate and entertain. The museum excels at bringing pivotal moments in American history to life through meticulously recreated scenes featuring its presidential wax figures. Visitors can witness George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware, Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address, or Franklin D. Roosevelt addressing the nation during a fireside chat. The research behind these exhibits is extensive, with museum curators consulting historical records, photographs, and expert historians to ensure accuracy in every detail.
The creation of these presidential wax figures is an art form that combines historical research with sculptural precision. Artists begin with extensive study of historical photographs, portraits, and descriptions to capture not just the physical likeness but also the essence and character of each president. Visitors are often struck by the lifelike quality of these figures, with many commenting on how the eyes seem to follow them or how they expected the figures to start speaking. Among the most popular figures in the collection are those of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and more recent presidents like Barack Obama and Donald Trump. The museum also features a fascinating theater video that takes visitors behind the scenes of the wax figure creation process, showcasing the museum’s ten artists as they create America’s leaders out of wax and bring a vision to reality. This 8-minute video provides the history of the museum and the process of making wax figures.
One of the most popular interactive exhibits at the National Presidential Wax Museum is the White House Press Briefing Room Experience. The exhibit recreates the famous White House Press Briefing Room with remarkable accuracy, from the blue backdrop to the podium bearing the presidential seal. Visitors can play the part of the White House press secretary and give a speech from a teleprompter podium. This interactive experience helps visitors understand the complex relationship between the presidency and the media throughout American history.
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In addition to its wax figures, the National Presidential Wax Museum houses a remarkable collection of original oil paintings by renowned American artist Harvey Dunn. Harvey Dunn (1884-1952) was a South Dakota native who became one of America’s most respected illustrators and artists. The paintings displayed in the museum complement the wax exhibits by providing artistic interpretations of American historical themes.
One of the most unique and historically significant exhibits at the National Presidential Wax Museum features original Florida voting booths from Florida’s Palm Beach County used during the controversial 2000 presidential election. The 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore came down to Florida’s electoral votes, with the outcome hinging on disputed ballots and a Supreme Court decision. This exhibit is particularly valuable for civics education, prompting discussions about voting rights, electoral systems, and the importance of clear ballot design.
Among the most haunting and historically significant collections at the National Presidential Wax Museum is its array of life and death masks of various presidents. Life masks were created by applying plaster directly to a person’s face to create a perfect negative impression, which was then used to cast a positive model. Death masks were made in a similar fashion shortly after death. The museum’s collection includes Abraham Lincoln’s life mask, created just two months before his assassination, providing one of the most accurate three-dimensional records of his appearance.
The National Presidential Wax Museum enhances the visitor experience through a comprehensive self-guided audio tour that allows guests to explore at their own pace while receiving expert commentary on each exhibit. Explore the stories behind the faces with a self-guided audio tour narrating the context and history of each scene. The audio tour includes narration about each president’s background, key accomplishments, challenges faced during their administration, and interesting personal anecdotes that humanize these historical figures. Available in multiple languages, the audio tour ensures that international visitors can fully appreciate the exhibits. Since the tours are self-guided, the time that visitors spend in the museum varies, but plan on staying for at least an hour. Visitors with children can ask for a "scavenger hunt" at the counter to help their kids stay attentive. Kids will have a great time looking for the clues to find every item on the scavenger hunt.
The National Presidential Wax Museum stands out as an exceptional educational resource that makes presidential history accessible and engaging. The museum offers educational materials for teachers planning field trips, including pre-visit and post-visit activities that align with curriculum standards. For families, the museum provides an opportunity for intergenerational learning, with exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. For those interested in American history, combining your museum visit with trips to national parks can provide a comprehensive educational experience.
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The museum is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps and wide pathways to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
The National Presidential Wax Museum enjoys a prime location at Main Street, US 16A South in Keystone, South Dakota, two miles from Mt. and fifty miles from historic Deadwood, South Dakota. Visitors traveling by car will find the museum easily accessible from major highways, with ample parking available on site. Those staying in Rapid City can reach the museum with a scenic 25-minute drive through the Black Hills. For visitors staying at Black Hawk Creek RV Park, the drive to the National Presidential Wax Museum takes you through some of South Dakota’s most beautiful scenery, making the journey itself part of the experience. Visitors can see the faces of Mount Rushmore from the parking lot of the wax museum.
The National Presidential Wax Museum operates on a seasonal schedule to accommodate the flow of tourism in the Black Hills region. It is open April through October, 7 days per week from 9am to 5pm. From March 11 through May 26, the museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, with the same hours from September 5 through October 31. Extended hours run from May 27 through September 4, 8:30 am to 8 pm.
Admission rates are as follows: adults (13+) $12, seniors (65+) $10, children (6-12) $9, and free for anyone ages 0 to 5. Consider one of our small FHU sites at a discounted rate. Tickets can be purchased directly at the museum entrance, and no advance reservations are typically required. In March there is usually a free entrance for all locals. This is something fun to do if in the area.
To make the most of your experience at the National Presidential Wax Museum, timing your visit strategically can help you avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed exploration of the exhibits. For those seeking a quieter experience, weekday mornings, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, typically see lower attendance. Most visitors find that 1-2 hours is sufficient to fully experience the museum, including time for the audio tour, and browsing the museum store.
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The store offers a wide range of presidential memorabilia, including replicas of historical documents, presidential bobbleheads, educational books about American history, and custom items featuring the museum’s collection. Popular purchases include miniature replicas of famous presidential monuments, educational games about American government, and collectible items featuring favorite presidents. There is a nice store at the end. The Museum Store offers souvenirs of everything Presidential.
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