Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States, carved dramatically into the granite of South Dakota’s Black Hills. The idea for the monument came from Doane Robinson, South Dakota’s state historian, who envisioned a massive sculpture that would attract visitors to the region.

The site itself was named after Charles E. Rushmore, a New York attorney who was involved in the discovery of tin in the Black Hills.

The Story Behind Mount Rushmore

American sculptor Gutzon Borglum designed and directed the construction of Mount Rushmore. Work began in 1927 and continued until 1941, involving approximately 400 workers.

Borglum was initially assisted by Ivan Houser and later by his son, Lincoln Borglum, who continued working on the project after his father’s death.

The original vision for the monument was more ambitious than what we see today, but construction ultimately ended in 1941, with the United States entering World War II shortly afterward.

The four presidential faces carved into the mountain are each approximately 60 feet tall:

• George Washington (1732–1799)
• Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
• Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919)
• Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)

Borglum selected these four presidents because he believed they represented important events and themes in the history of the United States.

Visiting Mount Rushmore

We visited Mount Rushmore National Memorial on June 6, 2022. It was a beautiful, although somewhat cloudy, day—perfect for exploring this iconic landmark without the intense summer heat.

Rather than simply viewing the monument from the main observation area, we decided to hike the approximately 1-mile Presidential Trail. I highly recommend doing this if you visit.

The trail gave me the opportunity to see Mount Rushmore from several different perspectives. Along the way, we stopped to read the interpretive displays and learn more about the monument, its construction, and the people involved in creating it.

Seeing the presidents’ enormous faces from different angles gave me a much better appreciation for the scale and engineering behind the monument. Photographs simply don’t convey how massive those 60-foot faces are when you’re standing beneath them.

A Memorable Cultural Performance

Our visit ended with something I hadn’t expected—a Native American dance performance celebrating Lakota heritage.

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I enjoyed watching and recording the performance and uploaded two short videos from the presentation. It was a memorable way to conclude our visit and added an important cultural dimension to our experience at Mount Rushmore.

In addition to the monument and trails, the site has a museum, ice cream shop, and large gift store, making it easy to spend several hours exploring.

Mount Rushmore is undoubtedly one of those places that is worth seeing in person. Whether you’re interested in American history, sculpture, photography, or simply want to experience one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks, it deserves a place on a South Dakota itinerary.

If You Go

• Location: Black Hills, South Dakota.
• Our Visit: June 6, 2022.
• Trail: The Presidential Trail is approximately 1 mile and provides different perspectives of the monument.
• Admission: There is no entrance fee to Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
• Parking: Parking requires a fee; check the National Park Service website for current rates.
• What to See: The monument, Presidential Trail, interpretive exhibits, museum, and cultural programs.
• Photography: Walk the Presidential Trail for additional viewpoints and photo opportunities.
• Allow Time: Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring rather than simply stopping at the main viewing area.
• Tip: Check the National Park Service website for current operating hours, parking information, and scheduled events before your visit.

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Reference Monument NPS Web Site, Why these presidents, AllTrails, The History Behind Mt Rushmore

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South Dakota Hiking and Attraction Map

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You might enjoy these posts nearby:

• Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail, SD
• Crazy Horse Monument, SD
• Spearfish Canyon and waterfalls, SD
• Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop
• Badlands National Park, SD
• Cathedral Spires Trail and Needles Highway, SD
• Mount Rushmore, SD

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