Mount Rushmore National Monument

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Mt. Rushmore National Monument

More Photos
miadelie
miadelie
First Reviewer
3 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
4
Reviews
22
Photos
Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
1-4 of 4
Editor Pick

Mt. Rushmore National Monument

  • August 7, 2009
  • Rated 4 of 5 by lashr1999 from NY, New York
Mt. Rushmore National Monument

After the Crazy Horse Memorial on the third day we went to the Mt. Rushmore National Monument. The mountain was originally known by the Lakota Sioux as Six Grandfathers which was part of the route that Lakota leader Black Elk took for a spiritual journey. The area was taken over by the US around 1877 on a claim that is still disputed based on the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. It was named Mount Rushmore during a prospecting expedition by Rushmore, David Swanzey, and Bill Challis. The idea for the Mount Rushmore sculptures came from Historian Doane Robinson in 1923 who wanted to promote tourism in South Dakota. In 1924, Robinson asked sculptor Gutzon Borglum to become a part of the project. Mount Rushmore commission was authorized by congress on March 3, 1925. Between 1927 and 1941 Borlum and over 400 workers sculpted 60 foot carving of 4 US presidents. What is notable is that not one worker died during the construction of this massive project. They chose George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln to represent the first 150 years of American history. The sculpture was supposed to be different in fact Susan B Anthony was to be included. A lack of funds stopped the competition of the project in 1941.

When you first walk in, you can see Flags of different states and the dates they were accepted into the United States. Here, you can try posing with your state flag or the state that you want to go to. Continuing further there is a museum area where you can see how the monument was built. You can see the monument in varying degrees of progress. Also, there is a case with different used picture postcards of Rushmore. It is interesting to see the art work over the years for a monument that relatively does not change. Directly in front of the monument is a stage area. Here, there are various benches where you can sit and watch the monument. I guess at the stage are different speeches or performances are put on.

Starting from the stage area you can walk around the monument. While at the stage area try to aligning your heads with that of the 3 presidents so you can take that cheesy picture and become part of the monument. Do not worry, you can not get lost if you walk straight ahead since it is a long loop trail. Various Viewing areas are available where you can see the monument from different angles. There was a small alcove with a hole which a duo of climbers were trying to sneak and climb up the monument. They went up a few feet before coming back down so they would not be caught

Towards the end of the trail you can visit the sculptors studio here you can see the mountain sculpture and the original model of the carving. Anyway, after all that walking you may be tired. You will be looped back to your starting point where you can relax and shop at the gift shop. You can get something to eat at the cafeteria or get an ice cream to cool you down if it is a hot day.

From journal Traveling out West from Denver to Salt Lake Day 3-4

Editor Pick

Mount Rushmore National Park

  • July 9, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Noel F. from Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mount Rushmore National Park

July 3 at Mount Rushmore
www.nps.gov/moru

July 3 is the big bash at Mount Rushmore. Maybe so they don’t monopolize the crowds (20-30,000) on the 4th and leave other attractions people-less?

At 10am, people were already holding spots for the fireworks, occupying themselves with coolers and card games. We cautious city slickers didn’t feel comfortable leaving our stuff out while we toured. So the experienced ones had the best places for the fireworks.

Special events were on the Amphitheater stage all day. During the afternoon, "Abraham Lincoln" and/or "Teddy Roosevelt" were in one of the theaters.

Coming early is important for a decent parking place. However, we talked to people who arrived about 3pm. They were told at the entry to the Rushmore road that there was no more ramp parking and they’d need to park 3 miles away and walk. So they decided to just drive past and see the mountain from the road, not trying to get in after all. At the ramp, they found out there were random places still available.

After perching several hours on a rocky hillside, straining to keep from avalanching to the bottom, we realized that an even better place would be at our car on the top level of the ramp. There was a large screen showing events on the amphitheater stage. There were a couple of impressive flyovers of military planes.

At 9:15, the fireworks began on top of the mountain, above the floodlit faces of the presidents. It was an amazing display, underwritten by private donations, not by taxpayers. I can hardly imagine a more stirring place for fireworks.

One unexpected addition to the length of the day came after the fireworks. Ramp parkers were required to wait until the road was cleared to prevent massive jams. We left almost two hours later.

I’m of two minds about recording these delays. If I’d heard all that beforehand, I wouldn’t have gone. But I am so glad I went. I just think anyone with small children should know how to plan their day.

I don’t know what attendance is on a normal day. But some things are the same. Parking costs $8 and is a pass for the entire year. There are no other charges for entry in any part of the park. For a small charge there is an audio tour. We rented one audio device and took turns. There’s lots of interesting info, and for most of it, it isn’t necessary to be in a particular place to hear it effectively.

There’s an informative introductory video. The sculptor’s studio holds a 1:12 model that the sculptor used to show workers what to do on the mountain. There’s a museum with info about the 4 presidents and about the creation of the sculpture.

Our 11-year-old enjoyed filling in the "Junior Ranger" activities booklet—a workbook that is tailored to and available at all the National Parks, I believe.

Note: Some things are NOT allowed: pets, personal fireworks, grilling.

From journal 4th of July in the Black Hills

Editor Pick

Mt. Rushmore

  • October 7, 2006
  • Rated 3 of 5 by creekland from East Berlin, Pennsylvania
Mt. Rushmore

Mt Rushmore - pretty much everyone has seen it in pictures - and it's a top vacation destination in South Dakota. In fact, that's the whole reason it was built/carved - to increase tourism. It does its job well... and it's always fairly crowded (during tourist season anyway). It's "free" to get in, but costs $8 to park - even if you have a National Park Pass. That doesn't sit particularly well with us, but I suppose it's how they guarantee getting money... Expect a short hike from the parking garage to the monument.

We've been there twice now having stopped there two years ago on our first western trip, and then considering it important enough to take my nephew and mom to see it this time. Had my nephew and mom not been with us, we'd have skipped it the second time. However, I do think folks should see it once - esp if they're in the area - mainly because it's so famous.

This trip, we opted to go there from Rapid City's airport after picking my mom up - then took the route through Custer State Park (that's worth doing too - very pretty drive) on our way back to the Badlands (see journal entries for Badlands - don't miss them - everyone we've talked with that have seen both prefer the Badlands - we suggest seeing both).

On your way to the monument from Rapid City you'll pass by several small entertainment options - a typical tourist area. We skipped all those (both times) but stop and see them if you're so inclined. I'm sure they'd appreciate the business. For us, we were just doing a "quickie" on our way out west.

The monument itself is well done - with a nice "Avenue of Flags" (one from each state) leading to it making a nice picture spot from the front. There's a huge gift shop and places to eat. Head down the avenue, and then down the elevator or steps to access the Borglum Museum/studio which gives a great presentation of the history of making the monument - including telling what it was originally supposed to be - and what it ended up being. A visit isn't complete without seeing this aspect of it as the history lesson is quite informative. You can walk below the monument (Presidential Trail - some elevation change with this), but not to the top (surprising some folks).

At night they have lights on the monument - and a ceremony lighting them if you're inclined to stay for that. People that have stayed said they enjoyed it (we left to see Custer State Park before dark). There's lots of great picture spots all over, but in general, you only need to allow 2-3 hours to thoroughly see this place - maybe more if you listen to some of the ranger talks (interesting, but generally restating the same info you can read). Enjoy.

From journal 2006 Trip - Part 1 - IA, Badlands + Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

  • May 19, 2006
  • Rated 2 of 5 by miadelie from Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore is one of those things that you just have to do. It's a National Memorial, and it sounds interesting—some presidents heads are carved in a mountain! Four president's faces, to be more exact: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Basically, there is not much else to do here but to view the giant carving. There is a large air-conditioned boiling, which houses a lunchroom style cafeteria, and another gift shop! Once outside, you can walk a trail that leads you a bit closer up to the carving. It is not strenuous, but it does have a large amount of steps. It takes about 15 minutes, and I would say it is well worth it for the views you receive. This stop will probably not take you much more than an hour. If you are a climber, however, this is a hot spot (or so I am told).

From journal South Dakota: Land of Plenty

Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
1-4 of 4

Compare Mount Rushmore National Monument Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Mount Rushmore National Monument Travel Deals