Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is a National Memorial located in western South Dakota, 23 miles south of Rapid City, South Dakota on Highway 16 near Keystone. The mountain was named for Charles E. Rushmore, a New York lawyer in 1885.
Explore the parks in a motorhome from Pierce RVs. Pickup in Billings, see Yellowstone & Mt.Rushmore.
Near the base of the Mount Rushmore Memorial. Ride the scenic Black Hills on horseback.
Access thousands of hiking, biking and fishing trails - unlimited topos/maps and free trial!Even after the carving of the faces of the four American presidents, the mountain retains its former name. The faces of four American presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln - are carved from this mountain of stone in South Dakota's Black Hills. Over the past ten years, the Memorial has undergone extensive redevelopment work that has included updating the visitor facilities. Now at the Memorial, there is a Visitor Center, a Museum, and a new access path to the huge stone sculpture. The access path is known as the Presidential Trail. The Presidential Trail consists of an easy hiking trail with areas of boardwalk that allow the visitor to get close to the sculpture.
Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began the project in 1927 at the age of 60 and the work continued until his death in 1941. Borglum's passion for this project kept the work going even during the lean times of the Great Depression. Nearly 400 men helped to carve Mount Rushmore. Each worker was paid an average of 50 cents to $1.50 an hour. Total cost of the project was just under $1 million. Carving tools included dynamite and jackhammers to remove excess rock; small drills, hammers and wedges to pry off remaining rock; and air hammers to smooth the surface. The actual design of the sculpture had to be changed at least nine different times due to the natural contour and effects in the rock.
Each granite face measures 60 feet (18 m) from forehead to chin. The Presidents' noses are 20 feet (6 m) long and their mouths 18 feet (5.4 m) wide. The mole on Lincoln's face measures 16 inches (40.6 cm) across.
Each president was chosen for his role in the nation's birth and growth. George Washington signifies the struggle for independence and establishment of the Republic. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, signifies westward expansion. Abraham Lincoln signifies the permanent union of the states and equality for all citizens. And Theodore Roosevelt stands for progressive causes such as conservation and business reform.
Currently the Parks Service at the Memorial conducts interpretive programs, has display exhibits and a film which explains the dream and the realization of that dream. Each day the Park Rangers provide interpretive walks and talks. There is also a lighting program which occurs during May through September at approximately 9 p.m. This allows the sculpture to be viewed and appreciated during the night time hours. Mount Rushmore is open all year round, but the Visitors' Center is closed on Christmas Day, December 25th. The hours vary depending on the season, so it is best to contact the Visitors' Center prior to your visit.
Currently OutsideOther pages you might find helpful:
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore is located just outside of Keystone, South Dakota.
