Guide to Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Gazing down upon the Black Hills of South Dakota, the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the preservation of democracy are immortalized in granite on Mount Rushmore
Get up close and personal to this national monument, explore hiking trails and get to know the history behind this famous façade. Pack your bags and get ready to step back in time by visiting this monument in person and making memories to share with your whole crew.
An Artist at Work
Most of the credit for the enduring grandeur of the Mount Rushmore carvings goes to Gutzon Borglum. Under the guidance of this master sculptor, the project evolved from a work of local interest into one of the great symbols of the soaring spirit of America. The son of a Danish immigrant, Borglum studied with famed French sculptor August Rodin before he began to champion American themes in his work. His initial Black Hills assignment was to chisel a regional scene into the side of the mountain, but Borglum's idea of sculpting the faces of four pivotal presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt—elevated the massive work into an enduring American icon. It took 400 workers 14 years to complete the sculpture in October 1941. In fact, it is common misconception that the sculpture is fully complete, however, Mount Rushmore as it stands today does not reflect the initial blueprints created by Borglum.
Best Time to Visit
When you venture to the Mount Rushmore National Monument, you'll be in good company—some 3 million visitors arrive in the Black Hills of South Dakota every year to gaze up at the huge faces of the four presidents. The memorial is open year-round, 24 hours a day, and entry is free. Summer is the most popular season, but come in autumn for dry, beautiful weather. Spring is a reasonable alternative, with a chance for rain and you can definitely expect some snow during winter. Each evening, May through September, a nightly lighting ceremony is held in the park's outdoor Amphitheater. Highlights include a film on the making of the monument, a flag lowering ceremony and a salute to veterans and lighting of the memorial.
The Road to Rushmore
Whether you arrive via U.S. Highways 16 from Rapid City or 385 from the south, you'll take Highway 244 to the memorial. As you drive this steep, winding road through a deep pine forest, you'll get occasional glimpses of the massive sculpture. Summer traffic jams up the road, so arrive at dawn to avoid the crowds and get stunning photos of the mountain in rosy morning light. Buy a parking pass, good for a year, and start exploring.
Exploring the Monument
Viewing the presidential faces is just the beginning of your adventure. Catch the superb interactive exhibit in the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center that shows how dynamite was used to sculpt the mountain. Hike the .6-mile Presidential Trail from the viewing terrace through a ponderosa pine forest for top views. Also visit Gutzon Borglum's studio, which is open from May to September, to admire his scale model of the monument.
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