Mount Rushmore National Memorial (Keystone, SD)

Last fall I went to one of the most visited parks in the nation – Mount Rushmore National Memorial. I’ve seen the pictures a hundred times, but honest to goodness, standing there in person, looking up at those four faces carved into the granite – it took my breath away. I found myself wondering, “how in the world did they do that?”

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is host to just over two million visitors a year from across the country and around the world. Visitors come to marvel at the majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Visitors also receive the added bonus of learning about the birth, growth, development, and preservation of our country. Come along as I share all about my visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial!

First, some history…

There were many people who contributed to the carving of Mount Rushmore, including almost 400 men and women who labored at the memorial. The work was hard, the hours long, the pay low, and periods of employment uncertain. Despite harsh and dangerous conditions, there were no fatalities during the carving work.

In 1923, Doane Robinson, the State Historian of South Dakota (also known as the “Father of Mount Rushmore), wrote to the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, about the possibility of doing a mountain carving in the Black Hills. Borglum came to South Dakota in September of 1924 at the age of 57 and agreed in principle to do the project. He returned to South Dakota in the summer of 1925 and set in motion the machinery that eventually led to the creation of Mount Rushmore. Work on the sculpture began in 1927 and lasted until 1941 – a 14-year period of carving. Borglum remained devoted to the project until his death in Chicago on March 6, 1941. After his death, the project fell to his son Lincoln Borglum who in turn put the finishing touches on his father’s vision.

Have you ever wondered where the name “Mount Rushmore” came from? It is named after Charles E. Rushmore. In the late 1800s, Rushmore was a young lawyer in New York City who was employed by a group of men to go to the Black Hills and secure options on the Etta mine, and other cassiterite locations. During his visit he became very impressed with the Black Hills, and particularly with a mountain of granite rock that rose above the neighboring peaks. The men Rushmore was staying with during this time said there was no name for the rock, so they named it, “Rushmore Peak.” It later was called Rushmore Mountain and Rushmore Rock.

As I walked into the Avenue of Flags at the memorial the view was magnificent – with Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln straight ahead, and 56 flags lined up on both sides of the entrance. The 56 flags represent the 50 states, one district, three territories, and two commonwealths of the United States of America. The names of each state, district, commonwealth or territory are listed on the plaques directly below each flag. I was filled with pride walking along those flags, and it gave me goosebumps! When I got to the end of the “avenue,” I stood at the railing and stared in awe up at Mount Rushmore for some time – it was a sight to see for sure. Absolutely amazing!

When you’re at the memorial, be sure to also check out the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center where there is park information, film, museum exhibits, and a bookstore; and the Sculptor’s Studio where Gutzon Borglum worked from 1939 to 1941, and you can view the 1/12th scale of Mount Rushmore. You can also walk the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail which provides views of Mount Rushmore as you travel through ponderosa pine forest and granite outcrops.

During my visit I noticed there were some services available for visitors, while others were not:

• Accessibility: Available services are drop off zones for mobility impaired, manual wheelchairs are available to check out inside the Information Center and most areas are wheelchair accessible, elevators, American Sign Language interpretation, closed captions in English on all videos, brochures in braille are available at the Information Center, and service animals are permitted to accompany visitors with disabilities.
• Restaurant: The Carvers’ Café is the only dining facility in the park and is operated by Xanterra Travel Collection. The restaurant serves a variety of foods such as burgers, grilled chicken, ice cream, specialty coffees, and traditional breakfasts.
• Lodging or Camping: There is no lodging or camping available or permitted at the memorial.

Another thing to notice on your visit to and from Mount Rushmore National Memorial is the beautiful, winding drive through the Black Hills – trees all around and beautiful views!

Now, I will say that Mount Rushmore National Memorial is touristy, with gift shops and plenty of folks with cameras slung around their necks. However, everyone is there in awe together, and there’s something special about that shared moment. Enjoy your visit!

Tips for Visiting the Mount Rushmore National Memorial

• 🕗 Hours: Open 5 AM – 11 PM Daily (See seasonal hours from October 1 through March 9)
• 🧭 Location: 13000 Highway 244, Building 31, Suite 1, Keystone, SD
• 🚗 Parking: Parking is readily available in the memorial’s parking facility with a small fee
• 💰 Cost: This site is free year round – no entrance fee or pass is required
• 💡 Pro Tip: Consider visiting before 9 AM or after 3:30PM during the busiest times, June through August