Mount Rushmore National Monument, Black Hills, South Dakota

Location

Mount Rushmore National Monument in the Black Hills of western South Dakota, near the town of Keystone.

What to See and Do

Situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a colossal testament to four of the United States' most influential presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore, this national memorial is an iconic symbol of American history and achievement.

The Monument's Creation
The idea for Mount Rushmore, conceived by Doane Robinson, South Dakota's state historian, was to create a monument that would promote tourism in the state. Gutzon Borglum, an American sculptor, was commissioned to execute the project. The massive undertaking began in 1927 and took 14 years to complete, with the help of over 400 workers.

Visiting Mount Rushmore
Today, visitors to Mount Rushmore can stand in awe at the base of the sculpture, which towers over 500 feet above them. Each president's face is approximately 60 feet high, with intricate detail in the eyes, noses, and mouths. The site offers excellent photo opportunities, especially from the Grand View Terrace and the Presidential Trail.

The Visitor Center and Museum
The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum, located below the monument, offers an in-depth look at the construction and history of Mount Rushmore. It features interactive exhibits, artifacts from the monument's creation, a theater showing a short film about the monument, and the Sculptor's Studio—a replica of Borglum's original studio.

Evening Lighting Ceremony
One of the most moving experiences at Mount Rushmore is the evening lighting ceremony held in the amphitheater from late May to September. This event includes a ranger talk, a tribute to veterans, and the illumination of the sculpture, creating a beautiful and patriotic scene.

Conclusion
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is more than just a work of art carved into a mountainside; it is a celebration of the ideals and achievements that these four presidents embody. This grand monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota serves as a powerful symbol of American national pride and a testament to the nation's rich history.

Some Ideas for Places to Stay

Rapid City

In the Area

Badlands National Park
Black Hills Passion Play This official site for the Black Hills Passion Play, held near Spearfish, provides full answers to any questions which anyone interested in seeing a performance might have. Checked Jan-98.
The Black Hills region's various scenic roads
Crazy Horse Memorial
Custer State Park
Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming (some distance away)
Jewel Cave National Monument
Wall Drug
Wind Cave National Park

South Dakota

National Monuments

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