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South Dakota
Mt. Rushmore National Monument
Mt. Rushmore National Monument in South Dakota
Mount Rushmore memorializes the birth, growth, preservation and development of the United States of America. Between 1927 and 1941, Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers sculpted the 60-foot busts of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln to represent the first 150 years of American history.
Visitors to the memorial come primarily to view the granite sculpture itself, but also of interest is the Sculptor's Studio built under the direction of the artist, Gutzon Borglum, in 1939. Unique plaster models and tools related to the sculpting process are displayed.
Recently, ten years of redevelopment work culminated with the completion of extensive new visitor facilities. These include a new Visitor Center and Museum and the Presidential Trail, a walking trail and boardwalk providing spectacular close-up views of the mountain sculpture.
The memorial serves as home to many animals and plants representative of the Black Hills of South Dakota. The geologic formations of the heart of the Black Hills region are also evident at Mount Rushmore, including large outcrops of granite and mica schist.
Avenue of the Flags
It's the way beween the Concession building and Grandview Terrace, which is decorated with the flags of all US states and territories. Apart from this this visitor will enjoy on his walk real monumental views.
Location
Southwest (approx. 23 mi) of Rapid City;Coming from I-90 take exit 57 to US16 to Keystone; then take US16A, and then SR244. Coming from south, take first US385 until reaching SR244.
Hours
Open year-round;
Summer between 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Winter until 5 p.m.
Can vary slightly, especially the rest of the year (spring and fall).
Sculpture Studio: Open between mid of May and mid september.
Visitor Center
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum offers ca. 20 exhibitions.
Document Information
Source: National Park Service; magazineUSA.com
Last modified: 20100405