Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located in South Dakota and is a good 390 miles east of Cody, Wyoming and well worth a visit if you are traveling in either direction. The drive passes incredible sites like Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Devils Tower National Monument. From Cody follow Hwy 14 east to I-90. Once in Rapid City, drive 23 miles south on Hwy 16 and Hwy 244 to reach Mt. Rushmore.
In 1923 Doane Robinson sought a way to bring more visitors to the Black Hills area and came up with the idea to carve western heroes into the side of a mountain. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum was chosen for this enormous project. They decided on Mount Rushmore as the sight because of its height, solid and sturdy granite rock, and because sun lights the side of the carvings for a majority of the day. The project took 14 years to complete and today you can visit the Sculptor's Studio where Borglum's vision was first realized. The studio holds the original plaster model of the sculpture as well as four measuring instruments used to record ratios on the model. These measurements were then multiplied by 12 to carve the actual memorial. If the presidents faces were of live men, these men would be 465 feet tall.
The four presidents faces sculpted into the side of Mount Rushmore National Memorial were chosen for what they symbolize for American history. George Washington symbolizes the birth of the nation and the fight for independence. Thomas Jefferson represents the importance of governing through the people. The Declaration of Independence and the Louisiana Purchase fall under his name as well. Abraham Lincoln's image holds the values of freedom and equality, as well as the preservation of the union of states. Theodore Roosevelt symbolizes the growing international role of the U.S. in the 20th century.
During your visit, make sure to check out the Lincoln Borglum Museum which holds the historic story of how and why Mt. Rushmore was built, as well as a few interactive exhibits and a video called "The Shrine." The Visitor Center also offers information on guided walks and ranger presentations. Tours around the memorial and in the museums are either self or ranger guided. Walk along the Presidential Trail to get as close as you can to the presidents faces. At certain times of the day a ranger will walk the first part of the trail with you to talk about the significance of the presidents. Every evening year round at dusk the memorial is lighted for about two hours.
There are also a couple of hiking trails around the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. Although not maintained, two well known and strenuous hikes include the Blackberry Trail and a trail up to Old Baldy. Climbing is not permitted on Mt. Rushmore itself but on the west side of the memorial there are many anchors on large granite boulders for climbers. Make sure to register at the visitor center.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota is most easily visited by private car. There are private tours of the memorial available from Rapid City, which is also home to Rapid City Regional Airport, the closest airport to Mt. Rushmore. There are no campgrounds at the site but as it is surrounded by Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park there are many to choose from in the summer. The historical significance and artistic magnificence of Mount Rushmore make it a necessary stop along your journey.
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Mount Rushmore
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