2021-12-16 05:54:56
American history, alive in stone Surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills, majestic 60-foot-tall faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are carved high in a granite mountainside. ABOUT THE PARK Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located near Keystone, encompassed by Black Hills National Forest. The memorial is open to visitors year-round. VISITOR CENTER 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 to understand more about the carving process. Evening Lighting Ceremony The Evening Lighting Ceremony is held nightly, late May through September. The ceremony includes a 10-minute Ranger Talk, followed by a showing of the 20-minute movie, “Freedom, America’s Lasting Legacy.” The sculpture is lit as the National Anthem is sung. The ceremony concludes with veterans and active-duty military called to the stage. THINGS TO DO When making plans to experience the wonder of Mount Rushmore, be sure to add these things to your list. Stroll the Avenue of Flags, which has undergone significant enhancements. 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 and a great place for photos of the presidents. Elevators on either side of the Grand View Terrace provide access to the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and amphitheater. Visit the Sculptor’s Studio to learn about the carver’s vision. It is the exact place Borglum worked from 1939 to 1941. Inside the studio, you can view the original 1/12 scale model of Mount Rushmore. 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. The Borglum View Terrace provides excellent views of the sculpture and is the start of the Presidential Trail. The short trail takes you among blast fragments at the base of the monument, offering the closest viewpoints of the stone faces. It is surfaced to accommodate wheelchairs from the Grand View Terrace to viewing areas at the base of the mountain. Learn about the customs and traditions of the American Indian tribes that are indigenous to the Black Hills at the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Heritage Village, located along the trail. Go on a self-guided tour. Rent a hand-held photo/video tour or an audio wand to learn more about the sculpture and its story. Join a ranger walk or talk. These programs begin at various locations throughout the memorial during the summer. Schedules are posted at the Information Center and Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center. Dine with the presidents at Carvers’ Café. Find choices with a local and sustainable twist. Be sure to get a scoop of Thomas Jefferson ice cream based on the first written recipe for ice cream in the U.S. Discover more at nps.gov/moru.
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