The National Presidential Wax MuseumNational Presidential Wax Museum

Today's Hours

9:00am-5:00pm

609 US-16A
Keystone, SD 57751

Self-guided audio tour included with admission

Tours start anytime. No reservations required!

Lincoln Douglas debate figures

Kids' Scavenger Hunt

Kid in sunglasses and cowboy hat holding toy snake

Give a Speech

in the White House Press Briefing Room

oval office

Over 100 Wax Figures

Including Every US President

What Our Visitors Are Saying

Meet the Presidents

Walk among the leaders who shaped our nation

Plan Your Visit


Accessibility

Our museum and gift shop is all on one level and easily accessible from the parking lot. Wheelchairs are available upon request. View our site's accessibility statement

Length of Tour

Most people spend between one and two hours depending on the number of audio tour stops they listen to and how long they plan to shop.

Pet Policy

We love pets, but only service animals trained to assist a person with disabilities are allowed in our facility.

2026 Hours and Opening Dates

March 6 - May 16 9:00am-5:00pm

May 17 - September 6 8:30am-8:00pm

September 7 - November 1 9:00am-5:00pm


Only 3 Minutes from Mt. Rushmore!

Tour Rates

Adults (13 years & older) $12

Seniors (65 & older) $10

Children (6-12 years) $9

Children 5 & Under FREE

Military & Veterans $2 off regular-priced admission

Groups of 10 or more $2 off each regular-priced admission

Our Gift Shop

Discover a distinctive collection of apparel, collectibles, books, home décor, and unique keepsakes inspired by American history, culture, and craftsmanship. From meaningful mementos to conversation-starting finds, our gift shop offers carefully selected pieces you won’t find anywhere else designed to be as memorable as the museum itself.

Plan an unforgettable day trip

Two More World Class Destinations All on the Museum Campus

Holy Terror Mini Golf

A mini golf experience the whole family will never forget!

Challenging, yet fun! The 18-holes meander more than 50 feet up a steep hillside, and then down again, unified by a gold mining motif and rushing water that flows from a water tank, through sluices, over a waterwheel and into a millpond.

Learn More

Grapes And Grinds

Fresh-roasted coffee and fine wines

Grapes & Grinds is a favorite oasis among travelers and locals alike to caffeinate and soak in the majesty of the Black Hills! From our picturesque patio, playground, and yard games, to our FREE wine tastings and homemade gelato, every element of our business is tailored to welcome you and yours for a restful break from the daily grind or a busy day of sightseeing!


Learn More

Step into history and walk among the leaders that shaped our nation

The PROCESS

Joe Biden model sculpture

Learn More about the entire process

The Research Process

Each figure begins with extensive research, including hundreds of reference photos and precise facial measurements to capture accurate expressions and features.

Trump reference images on wall
Joe Biden Reference images

Creating The Body

Only a wax figure’s head and hands are made of wax; the body is custom-made from fiberglass. A live model with similar features is posed, coated in alginate to capture detail, then reinforced with plaster bandages to create a mold. Fiberglass resin is layered inside the mold and allowed to harden, forming the body. The same process is used to create molds for the wax hands.

Joe biden model body sculpting
Donald trump body model

Sculpting the Head in Clay

While the body is being cast, the lead sculptor creates the head in clay on a metal armature, building up the form and refining it using measurements, reference photos, and fine tools to achieve realism. Once complete, the head is fitted to the fiberglass body using an internal metal support, and clay is added to shape the neck and ensure proper proportions, including a temporary clay collar to confirm the head will sit naturally when clothed.

Casting the Head

Once the clay head and neck are finished, layers of silicone are applied to capture fine details, then reinforced with fiberglass to create a hard mold. The clay is removed and the mold is filled with a melted, skin-toned wax mixture, which cools to form the wax head. Excess wax is drained, leaving the finished head ready for eyes.

Adding Hair and Eyes

Eye sockets are carved into the wax head, acrylic eyes are set in place, and the most time-consuming step begins: hair insertion. Real human hair is color-matched and implanted one strand at a time with a special needle, requiring over 50,000 hairs and about four weeks to complete.

Coloring the Figure

After the hair is finished, the head and hands are painted with thin layers of oil paint to build realistic skin tones. Fine details like freckles, moles, and blemishes are added, bringing the figure to life with a nearly human appearance.

Final Assembly

The head, hands, and body are assembled, styled, and dressed to complete the figure, which is then ready for display after approximately four months of work.

Read Our Latest Blog

Walking Among Giants. Teddy Roosevelt's Legacy

Walking Among Giants: Teddy Roosevelt's Legacy

March 3, 2026

When you step into the Presidential Wax Museum in Keystone, South Dakota, it’s like stepping into the pages of history itself. Each figure, painstakingly crafted with incredible detail, tells a story and few stories are more inspiring than that of President Theodore Roosevelt, the “Conservation President.”