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
- 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.
Open year-round
Entrance Fees / Parking Fees
There is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. However, fees are required to park at the memorial.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial Parking Facility
Parking is readily available in the memorial’s parking complex. The parking facility is operated under a concession contract between the National Park Service and Xanterra Travel Collection. Since no federal funding was used to construct the parking facility, a parking fee has been authorized to offset the costs associated with the operation and maintenance of the parking facility. A parking permit entitles a non-commercial vehicle unlimited entry to the memorial for one year from the date of purchase.
Parking Fees
Cars, Motorcycles and RVs $10 per vehicle
$5 for Seniors (62 and older)
Free for Active Duty Military
Visitor Center
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum offers ca. 20 exhibitions.
Official National Park Website: https://www.nps.gov/moru/
