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American History, Alive In Stone Surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills, majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are carved high in granite 5,550 feet tall. ABOUT THE PARK Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located near Keystone, encompassed by Black Hills National Forest. The memorial is open year round, offering unique outdoor adventures, breathtaking views and opportunities to soak up the history that surrounds the area. THINGS TO DO Stroll the Avenue of Flags. The 56 flags that line the walkway leading to the Grand View Terrace represent 50 states, one district, three territories and two commonwealths. The Grand View Terrace, located at the end of the main walkway, is the primary viewing area of the mountain carving. Stop here to get a photograph with the four presidents. Learn fascinating details about the carving of Mount Rushmore at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, located beneath the Grand View Terrace. See tools and models used during the carving, images of the workers and historical film footage. Watch an informative short film to understand the reasons for and methods used carving Mount Rushmore. The Evening Lighting Ceremony is held every night, late May through September. It includes a 10 minute Ranger Talk followed by the singing of the national anthem. FOOD & DRINK Dine with the presidents at Carvers’ Café, South Dakota’s only 4-star Certified Green Restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner offer a delicious array of choices with a local and sustainable twist. To learn more about Mount Rushmore National Memorial, visit nps.gov/moru. TOP TEN THINGS TO DO at Mount Rushmore National Memorial If you plan to experience the wonder of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, be sure to add these things to your list. 1 VISIT THE SCULPTOR’S STUDIO and learn about the carver’s vision. View the original 1/12th scale model of Mount Rushmore, too. During the summer months, rangers present 15-minute talks at the studio focusing on the workers who helped Borglum create Mount Rushmore and the tools and techniques they used. 2 HIKE THE PRESIDENTIAL TRAIL to get up close to the mountain sculpture. Explore the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota heritage at the Borglum View Terrace. 3 TAKE A PICTURE OF THE SCULPTURE FROM UNIQUE ANGLES like the Grand View Terrace, Carvers’ Marketplace, Borglum View Terrace and the Sculptor’s Studio. 4 ATTEND THE EVENING LIGHTING CEREMONY held nightly in the summer, for an inspirational and patriotic experience. 5 HUNT FOR A TREASURE IN THE GIFT SHOP that will forever remind you of your trip to Mount Rushmore. 6 FIND A BOOK OR SOUVENIR at the Mount Rushmore Bookstores located in the Information Center and the Sculptor’s Studio. 7 BECOME AN OFFICIAL JUNIOR RANGER by participating in either the paper or digital version of the Junior Ranger Program. 8 GO ON A SELF-GUIDED TOUR Rent a multimedia hand-held photo/video tour or an audio wand to learn even more about the sculpture and its story. 9 JOIN A RANGER WALK OR TALK to take advantage of the immense knowledge of the memorial’s park rangers. 10 ENJOY A SCOOP OF THOMAS JEFFERSON ICE CREAM from the Carver’s Marketplace — based on the first written recipe for ice cream in the U.S.
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