Mount Rushmore National Memorial Reviews (Keystone, South Dakota)

See It At Least Once In Your Lifetime

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

July 22, 2012

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo Mount Rushmore was originally named for an attorney from New York named Charles Rushmore back in 1885. When sculptor Gutzon Borglum envisioned the granite peak with its memorials to four of America's greatest Presidents, it was a vision that would ...Read more Mount Rushmore was originally named for an attorney from New York named Charles Rushmore back in 1885. When sculptor Gutzon Borglum envisioned the granite peak with its memorials to four of America's greatest Presidents, it was a vision that would take many years to complete due to a number of setbacks, most notably were the financial concerns.

The memorial was dedicated in 1927 with the commencement of work on the first head to be completed - George Washington. After much effort and the financial support of the US Congress, the head was finished and dedicated in 1930. Subsequent profiles were completed over the next several years: Jefferson in 1936, Lincoln in 1937 and Roosevelt in 1939.

To read the US Park Service brochure on Mount Rushmore, one might get the impression that the federal government's financial support of this project was the first "economic stimulus" program in America. President Calvin Coolidge said in his 1938 appearance before Congress "Pride in country - and the fact that public works created good jobs and good will" which resulted in the channeling of $836,000 of the estimated total cost of $1 million to complete the memorial.

The sheer size of the granite monument is remarkable. Visitors have the opportunity to take the "Presidential Trail" along the "Avenue of Flags" from the visitor center to the foot of the landmark. There is also a museum featuring a short (12-15 minute film), an amphitheater and a cafe. In the evening, visitors are treated to a lighting show at dusk, which can be seen for miles in the surrounding Black Hills. Hours vary throughout the year, so check with the visitor center or on their website for further details.

One of the best vantage points to see Mount Rushmore without actually going to the monument site, is the Iron Mountain Road that connects Custer State Park with Hill City (where the monument is located). Many people do as I did on this trip and drive this road in order to capture photographs of the perfectly framed Mount Rushmore while passing through one of the three tunnels that are part of this roadway.

The general admission hours are 8:00am to 10:00pm in the summer, with reduced hours during the other seasons. While there is no admission fee to enter Mount Rushmore, there is a mandatory $11 parking fee for everyone (including NPS Annual Pass holders).

There is no lodging or camping on the immediate grounds at Mount Rushmore, but visitors can find a wide assortment of options in neighboring Hill City or Rapid City. Additionally, Custer State Park has several lodging and camping options as well.
Close

From journal More Than Just Badlands

Mt. Rushmore is a can't miss

by VanessaK

Owasso, Oklahoma

August 1, 2011

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo You read about these places in American history as a kid, but to see it up close is jaw dropping amazing. I’ve had this experience once before in Washington DC at the statue of Abe Lincoln and now again on this day in Keystone, South Dakota at the ...Read more You read about these places in American history as a kid, but to see it up close is jaw dropping amazing. I’ve had this experience once before in Washington DC at the statue of Abe Lincoln and now again on this day in Keystone, South Dakota at the Mount Rushmore National Park. Have you ever gotten chill bumps on your arms or a knot in your throat when you hear the national anthem or when the military comes home and a child rushes their mom or dad? It is the overwhelming feeling of American Pride. Well I have, and this national park was one of those chill bump moments.

I was touring South Dakota with my parents and uncle and we had just driven through the most beautiful land in Custer State Park when we approached the mountain. You get a sneak peak of the presidents when you round the mountain and the excitement builds until you can’t wait to see it in all its beauty. But when you finally are standing there on the overlook with all the flags of our states flying around you, it is not like anything you have seen or felt before. I will admit, I cried at the beauty that day and the thought of what those men represented in the rock stood for all those years ago and stand for still today.

Mount Rushmore is a sculpture carved in the granite face of a mountain. It was started in 1927 by a son of Danish immigrants and completed between 1934 and 1939. The 60 foot sculptures are of four of the American presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln and represent the first 150 years of American history. In 1933 the US National Park Services took over the memorial and remains in control of it today. The park is open year around, except Christmas Day, but it is best to check with the website for exact times due to the winter weather in the mountains. Like most national parks, the entrance into the park is free, but parking is $11 per car. I think it is a bargain for 4 people.

There is a 30 minute walking tour of the monument during the summer months and a Sculpture’s Studio that is a short walk from the overlook and is really a worthwhile trek. There you will find tools used in the making of the monument, photos of the progress, as well as a scale model of the presidents. I didn’t know that the first model created the monument with the presidents from the waist up but due to money constraints and softer rock that was never achieved. You will hear interesting stories of the workers as well as the artists and learn more tidbits than you ever thought possible.

At sundown, there is a 45 minute program that you should not miss. As you sit in the outdoor amphitheater overlooking Mount Rushmore, you will first watch the film Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy. The program then focuses on the patriotism of our people and asks every man and women who has served in the US Military to stand while the National Anthem is sung and the monument is lit to show its glory. This is one of the rare times you will see men removing their hats in reverence and smiles of gratitude for those who served for our freedom. There were few dry eyes there that night. For the experience and for those who keep the hope alive, I am eternally grateful. I believe this is a place every American should visit to remember who we are and why we do what we do each and every day in war torn places – for our Freedom.
Close

From journal Journey to the Old Way of Life in South Dakota

A Really Big set of Faces

by catsholiday

ashbourne, United Kingdom

July 10, 2011

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo Tourism is South Dakota's second-largest industry and Mount Rushmore is its top tourist attraction. Every year around three million visitors visit this impressive sight.This amazing rock sculpture is a National Monument which was completed in 1941 ...Read more

From journal Meeting up in South Dakota

Mount Rushmore

by weeblewobble46

Marietta, Georgia

October 1, 2009

Email
Print

The biggest tourist attraction in the area is Mount Rushmore. It draws more people than almost any attraction in the USA. The faces carved in granite are impressive. The expressions can be read according to how the viewer feels. If you are upset ...Read more

From journal Rapid City and Surrounds

Mt. Rushmore National Monument

by lashr1999

NY, New York

August 7, 2009

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo 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 ...Read more 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.
Close

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

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

by Mandan Lynn

Smithwick, South Dakota

August 26, 2007

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo If you're in South Dakota, you wouldn't want to miss Mt. Rushmore. It's a national symbol of freedom that nearly every American recognizes (even though not everyone knows where it is!).As you walk down the alley between all the state flags and those ...Read more If you're in South Dakota, you wouldn't want to miss Mt. Rushmore. It's a national symbol of freedom that nearly every American recognizes (even though not everyone knows where it is!).

As you walk down the alley between all the state flags and those faces come into view, you can't help but get a little misty-eyed. I had the pleasure of visiting last week with my Dutch friends, and it made me even more proud as I saw it through their eyes, as they saw it for the first time.

Gutzon Borglum and his 400 helpers began sculpting the great monument in 1927, and they finished in 1941. He went through several different versions of the sculpture before he decided on the final design. The shape and condition of the stone on the mountain had a lot to do with that -- as they carved, they found that carving in certain places wouldn't be a good idea due to cracks or weakness, so they adjusted the design so as to use the strongest parts of the rock.

I still remember the days when it was little more than the monument, nature, and a small visitors center -- and parking was free. Now there is a large, impressive vistor center with lots of information on those four famous presidents -- Washington, Jefferson, T. Roosevelt, and Lincoln -- as well as info about the idea and carving of the rock. The gift shop has lots of South Dakota books and DVDs. There are walking trails that take you up a little closer to the faces -- and if you're lucky, you'll see some mountain goats, like we did! You can also go through the sculptor's studio. There is an amphitheatre which hosts special events, concerts, and the like. Every year on July 4 there is a big fireworks display -- and if you want seats, you'd better arrive in the morning and plan to camp there all day. Some years ago, Regis and Kelly (or it might have been long enough ago to still be Regis and Kathie Lee, I can't remember) taped one of their shows at Mt. Rushmore.

Admission to the monument is free, but..."They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot." And now parking in the structure, which is now your only option, costs $8. The parking pass is good all year, so if you come back to South Dakota and want to visit those presidents again, you're ready to go.

Mt. Rushmore is a must-see on any traveler's South Dakota list. Close

From journal My Black Hills

Mount Rushmore National Park

by Noel F.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

July 9, 2007

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo July 3 at Mount Rushmorewww.nps.gov/moruJuly 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, ...Read more

From journal 4th of July in the Black Hills

Mt. Rushmore

by creekland

East Berlin, Pennsylvania

October 7, 2006

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo 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 ...Read more 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.

Close

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

Mount Rushmore

by amorantin

Haymarket, Virginia

August 31, 2006

Email
Print

Something I saw as a kid and was thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my own kids to see this wonderful tribute to some of our key Presidents in the history of this country. Another fond memory that didn't seem to look much different was the ...Read more

From journal Quick Trip to South Dakota

Viewed Mt. Rushmore

by Mercedes_1

Vancouver, Washington

August 16, 2006

Email
Print

Seeing Mt. Rushmore is cool - there is no way to describe how BIG they are unless you can see them in person. There are a LOT of stairs and walk ways to navigate on the way up to the viewing area.

From journal Maidien Voyage - Cross country disaster

IgoUgo

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Avg. User Rating:

User Reviews

See It At Least Once In Your Lifetime

Mt. Rushmore is a can't miss

A Really Big set of Faces

Mount Rushmore

Mt. Rushmore National Monument

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Park

Mt. Rushmore

Mount Rushmore

Viewed Mt. Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

What's Nearby?

Nearby Things to Do

Popular Keystone Hotels

Popular Things to Do in Keystone

Avg. User Rating:

User Reviews

See It At Least Once In Your Lifetime

Mt. Rushmore is a can't miss

A Really Big set of Faces

Mount Rushmore

Mt. Rushmore National Monument

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Park

Mt. Rushmore

Mount Rushmore

Viewed Mt. Rushmore