Mount Rushmore National Memorial
My XO Adventures Sightseeing Tour of the Black Hills Includes a Mt. Rushmore Visit!
Mount Rushmore is the number one attraction to South Dakota. The mountain depicts four American Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Although it isn't the largest rock sculpture in the world, each face is 60-foot tall. The mouths are 18-feet wide and eyes 11-feet.
The nickname for Mount Rushmore is the "Shrine of Democracy", and was created by sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The making of Mount Rushmore began with a concept by Doane Robinson in 1923, with the first drilling on October 4, 1927.
The original intent was to carve the Presidents from the head to the waist, but construction ended with the death of Gutzon Borglum and the beginning of World War II in 1941. When Mount Rushmore was finished, his son, Lincoln Borglum was tasked with the final details.
Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, near the town of Keystone. It was initially set to be carved at the Cathedral Spires, another highlight of the Black Hills.
Mount Rushmore was named after a New York Attorney prospecting in the area. The original and proper name of the mountain is "The Six Grandfathers" by the Lakota People. The carving took 14 years and 400 workers. Not one died on the project.
Thomas Jefferson was originally carved to George Washingtons left, but a flaw in the granite was exposed. They blew Jeffersons head off the mountain and restarted on George Washingtons right. Jefferson is the only President looking up and out. Again, cracks in the mountain forced Gutzon Borglum to make adjustments.
The best time to visit Mount Rushmore is in the morning. The Memorial faces southeast, so morning brings a certain glow and illuminates all faces. The fifth face on the mountain is Ben Black Elk. He served as the unofficial greeter at Mount Rushmore for 27 years. His presence is dearly missed by many.
In Honor to the Lakota, Ben Black Elk, Buddy Red Bow and all Indigenous People of the Black Hills, we've included this video.
Mount Rushmore Photos
Mount Rushmore Morning Glow
Family Fun at Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
Mount Rushmore with Guide/Owner Daniel and Mom
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Mt Rushmore Side View from Presidential Trail
Closeup of Abraham Lincoln at Mt Rushmore
My XO Adventures Guests Having a "Blast" at Mt Rushmore
Mt Rushmore Photo on Presidential Trail Theodore Roosevelt
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Mount Rushmore Memorial Activities
- Lincoln Borglum Visitors Center
- Presidential Trail - .6 miles long and 422 stairs
- Mount Rushmore Illumination Ceremony
- Carver's Cafe Food and Thomas Jefferson Ice Cream
- Mount Rushmore Gift Shop
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial Book Store
- Ranger Talks or Walks
- Sculptures Studio
10 Facts About Mount Rushmore National Memorial
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1. The original location of Mount Rushmore was to be at the Cathedral Spires
2. Mount Rushmore is a Holy Site of the Lakota People 3. Many early visitors mistook Jefferson for Martha Washington 4. Many women worked on and contributed to Mount Rushmore. 5. George Washington's nose is the largest, at 20 feet. 6. Korczak Ziolkowski, the carver of Crazy Horse, was kicked off the project because of a fistfight with Lincoln Borglum. 7. Approximately 4.5 million tons of rock have been blown away from the mountain. 8. The town of Keystone provided workers and electricity to Mount Rushmore. 9. A hidden room does exist behind Mount Rushmore called the Hall of Records 10. Mount Rushmore has been the site of protests, due to the violation of the Fort Laramie Treaty. While some feel patriotism when visiting, many others see a desecration of a Holy Site. |
Profile View of Mount Rushmore
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Who are the Presidents on Mount Rushmore?
- George Washington - Chosen for being the first President of the United States, and more importantly preserving liberty by the peaceful transfer of power.
- Thomas Jefferson - Chosen for drafting the Declaration of Independence, and doubling the size of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase.
- Theodore Roosevelt - Chosen for his projection of U.S. power abroad. Think Panama Canal, Rough Riders and The Battle of San Juan Hill. He was also chosen for creation of 150 National Forests, 51 federal bird reserves, dour national game preserves, five national parks and 18 national monuments on over 230 million acres of land.
- Abraham Lincoln - Chosen for his preservation of the Union, and the Emancipation Proclamation
Other figures considered were Oglala Chief Red Cloud, Lewis and Clark, and Buffalo Bill Cody. Gutzom Borglum is said to have wanted to appeal to a larger audience, which is why we have the four Presidents today.
The truth of the matter is Mount Rushmore was designed to bring visitors to South Dakota, and for the Federal Government to pay for it. Do you think the feds would pay for Chief Red Cloud to be carved?
The original concept of Mount Rushmore bringing tourism to the Black Hills worked. It still works today, and is likely the reason for your visit. We like to think of Mount Rushmore as a great way to begin with a story of the Black Hills that is so much more than the mountain!
Directions To Mount Rushmore
- Keystone to Mount Rushmore: 8 Min
- Custer to Mount Rushmore: 29 Min
- Deadwood to Mount Rushmore: 1 hr, 4 Min
- Rapid City to Mount Rushmore: 30 Minutes
- Hill City to Mount Rushmore: 21 min
- Crazy Horse Memorial to Mount Rushmore: 33 min
- Sturgis to Mount Rushmore: 57 min
Mount Rushmore FAQ's
Q: How much is the Mount Rushmore Parking Fee?
A: $10 per vehicle, $5 for seniors, Free for Active Duty Military
A: $10 per vehicle, $5 for seniors, Free for Active Duty Military
Q: Where is Mount Rushmore located?
A: Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
A: Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Q: When was Mount Rushmore built?
A: Mount Rushmore was built between 1927 and 1941.
A: Mount Rushmore was built between 1927 and 1941.
Q: Who is the fifth face on Mount Rushmore>
A: Ben Black Elk. He served as the unofficial greeter for 27 years and is the son of Nicholas Black Elk
A: Ben Black Elk. He served as the unofficial greeter for 27 years and is the son of Nicholas Black Elk
Q:What time zone is Mount Rushmore in>
A: Mountain Time
A: Mountain Time
Q: How far is Devils Tower from Mount Rushmore?
A: Two hours and 11 minutes.
A: Two hours and 11 minutes.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Mount Rushmore?
A: Only service animals are allowed in the public areas.
A: Only service animals are allowed in the public areas.
Q: Is Mount Rushmore open year-round?
A: Yes. It is only closed on December 25th for Christmas
A: Yes. It is only closed on December 25th for Christmas
Q: What is the weather like at Mount Rushmore?
A: During the summer it averages between 70-80°. Bring layers.
A: During the summer it averages between 70-80°. Bring layers.
Q: When is the Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony?
A: From late May to September 30. Hours vary.
A: From late May to September 30. Hours vary.
