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Mount Rushmore
South Dakota
Visit Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, stands as a monumental tribute 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, the colossal sculptures are an awe-inspiring sight, each president's face measuring around 60 feet high. The memorial, which attracts over two million visitors each year, is not only a testament to these leaders' contributions but also a marvel of human ingenuity and persistence.
The journey to Mount Rushmore offers a scenic drive through the lush landscapes of the Black Hills, known for their towering pines and abundant wildlife. Upon arriving at the memorial, visitors are greeted by the Avenue of Flags, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, leading up to the Grand View Terrace. This platform offers the best vantage point for viewing the monument and is an ideal spot for photography. The Presidential Trail, a walking path that provides closer views of the sculpture, allows visitors to appreciate the sheer size and detail of the work. Along the way, exhibits and plaques provide insights into the rich history of the region and the monumental effort involved in the creation of Mount Rushmore.
Visiting Mount Rushmore also offers educational opportunities through the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and the Sculptor's Studio, where guests can explore exhibits about the carving process and the people who worked on the mountain. The Evening Lighting Ceremony, held from late May through September, is a particularly poignant experience. As twilight descends, the faces of the presidents are slowly illuminated against the darkening sky, accompanied by a patriotic program that includes a ranger talk, the National Anthem, and a tribute to veterans.
Mount Rushmore is more than just a monument; it is a symbol of American resilience and ambition. It serves as a reminder of the ideals of democracy, freedom, and the pursuit of progress that continue to shape the United States. Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for an iconic American experience, a visit to Mount Rushmore is sure to inspire and impress.
Mount Rushmore Monthly Weather Conditions
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DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
12°F
31°F
12
February
12°F
39°F
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March
23°F
43°F
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April
31°F
51°F
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May
42°F
63°F
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June
42°F
75°F
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July
57°F
81°F
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August
56°F
77°F
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September
44°F
66°F
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October
42°F
57°F
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November
27°F
42°F
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December
12°F
26°F
12
Need to Know Before You Go To Mount Rushmore
Nickname:
The Shrine of Democracy
Primary Language:
Lakota Sioux
Time Zone:
America/Denver
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
Over 2 million
Primary Export:
Tourism
Busiest Travel Months:
July, June, August
Quietest Travel Months:
December, January, February
Find your Next Adventure in Mount Rushmore
Explore Mount Rushmore
Iconic Landmarks
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- This monumental sculpture features the 60-foot faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
- Named after the son of the monument's lead sculptor, this center offers exhibits, a film about the carving's history, and ranger-led programs.
Presidential Trail
- A walking trail that offers closer views of the sculpture, providing different perspectives and photo opportunities of the presidents.
Sculptor's Studio
- Used by Gutzon Borglum during the carving process, this studio displays tools and models related to the monument's construction.
Avenue of Flags
- Leading up to the Grand View Terrace, this walkway features flags from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, celebrating American unity and diversity.
Grand View Terrace
- Provides a panoramic view of Mount Rushmore, ideal for photography and viewing the evening lighting ceremony during the summer months.
Cultural Experiences
Evening Lighting Ceremony
- Experience the majestic sight of Mount Rushmore illuminated against the night sky, accompanied by a patriotic program.
Sculptor's Studio Talks
- Learn about the tools, techniques, and stories behind the creation of Mount Rushmore from knowledgeable park rangers at the sculptor's original studio.
Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Heritage Village
- Explore the rich history and culture of the Great Sioux Nation with interactive exhibits and demonstrations in a traditional setting.
Presidential Trail
- Take a half-mile walk offering up-close views of the monument and learn about the flora, fauna, and geology of the region.
Mount Rushmore Audio Tour
- Rent an audio device that provides a self-guided tour, detailing historical and cultural insights as you walk around the memorial.
Independence Day Celebration
- Join the festivities including fireworks, live music, and patriotic tributes in one of the most iconic settings for celebrating the Fourth of July.
Outdoor Adventures
Presidential Trail
- This 0.6-mile loop offers close-up views of the Mount Rushmore sculpture and winds through pine forests and mountain terrain.
Black Elk Peak Hike
- The highest peak east of the Rockies, this challenging 7.1-mile round trip hike offers panoramic views from the fire lookout tower at the summit.
Iron Mountain Road
- Drive this scenic 17-mile route featuring pigtail bridges and tunnels that frame views of Mount Rushmore in the distance.
Horse Thief Lake Trail
- A relatively easy 2.5-mile hike around Horse Thief Lake, offering serene lake views and opportunities for picnicking and fishing.
Rushmore Tramway Adventures
- Experience an aerial adventure park with a scenic chairlift, alpine slide, and zip lines, providing a thrilling perspective of the Black Hills.
Sylvan Lake
- Known for its stunning beauty, this lake offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and hiking around its picturesque shores.
Off the Beaten Path
Black Elk Peak
- The highest peak in South Dakota, Black Elk Peak offers a challenging hike with rewarding views of the Black Hills and a historic stone fire tower at the summit.
Wind Cave National Park
- One of the oldest national parks in the U.S., Wind Cave is known for its complex and highly decorated cave system and serene prairie landscapes above ground.
Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop
- This scenic drive through Custer State Park provides close encounters with the park's wildlife, including bison, pronghorns, and elk, in their natural habitat.
Jewel Cave National Monument
- Featuring dazzling calcite crystals, Jewel Cave is the third-longest cave in the world and offers guided tours that reveal its intricate underground beauty.
The Needles Highway
- A dramatic and winding route through pine and spruce forests, this highway features needle-like granite formations and narrow tunnels carved right through the rock.
Sylvan Lake
- Known for its serene beauty and clear waters, Sylvan Lake offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating in the shadows of Harney Peak.
Mount Rushmore Fun Facts
- Creation Timeline: Mount Rushmore's construction spanned from 1927 to 1941.
- Sculptor: The monument was sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and later by his son Lincoln Borglum after Gutzon's death.
- Presidential Faces: The monument features the 60-foot heads of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
- Original Design: The original design included the presidents from head to waist, but funding and time constraints limited it to just the heads.
- Lakota Sioux Land: The mountain is carved in the Black Hills of South Dakota, which are sacred to the Lakota Sioux.
- Name Origin: The mountain was named after Charles E. Rushmore, a New York lawyer, during an expedition in 1885.
- Visitor Numbers: Mount Rushmore attracts over two million visitors each year.
- Hall of Records: A hidden chamber behind the monument holds a repository of records about the mountain and its creation.
- No Deaths: Despite the dangerous work, no workers died during the construction of Mount Rushmore.
- National Memorial: It was declared a U.S. National Memorial in 1925, two years before construction began.
Featured Picture Gallery
Mount Rushmore was Built in the Black Hill Region of South Dakota
Mount Rushmore was Never Completed, The Presidents Were Supposed to Have Their Torsos
Over 14 Years, 450,000 Tons of Rock was Carved Away
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