Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Four presidents, 60 feet high, carved in granite.Four U.S. presidents' faces, each 60 feet tall, are carved into South Dakota's granite cliffs. This monumental sculpture took 7 years to complete, from 1934 to 1941.
At Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota's Black Hills, 60-foot sculptures of four U.S. presidents emerge from solid granite rock. You can spot mountain goats scaling the cliffs, walk within 400 feet of the carved faces on the Presidential Trail, or watch the mountain glow during summer evening lighting ceremonies. Learn about the 14-year carving process in the Lincoln Borglum Museum, hike through pine-covered slopes, or join rangers for talks about the presidents' legacies.
Viewing the Presidential Sculptures
From Grand View Terrace, you'll see all four presidents carved into the mountain face. Walk the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail loop to reach viewing points just 400 feet from the base of the sculptures. Morning sunlight creates sharp contrasts on the faces, making it an ideal time for photos. Head to Borglum View Terrace in the afternoon when the changing sun angle illuminates different aspects of the carvings.
Evening Ceremonies and Programs
The memorial hosts lighting ceremonies nightly from May through September in the outdoor amphitheater. Watch a video about the monument's creation, participate in the flag-lowering ceremony, and see military veterans receive recognition. As darkness falls, lights gradually illuminate the mountain, creating dramatic shadows across the presidential faces. Throughout the day, rangers lead talks about the carving process and each president's historical significance.
Wildlife and Natural Environment
Mountain goats roam freely across the memorial's 1,278 acres, often visible on granite outcrops. Ponderosa pine forests cover the slopes, with patches of aspen trees growing in cleared areas. Look for mule deer grazing at dawn and dusk, yellow-bellied marmots sunning on rocks, and birds like nuthatches and western tanagers in the trees. The area's 18 inches of annual precipitation maintains the pine forest ecosystem.
Visitor Facilities and Services
Inside the Lincoln Borglum Museum, examine construction artifacts and watch a 14-minute film about the memorial's creation. Visit the Sculptor's Studio to see original carving tools and the scale model used to plan the monument. The Carver's Café serves meals, and the Mount Rushmore Bookstore stocks educational materials and souvenirs. While entry is free, you'll need to pay for parking, which isn't included in National Parks passes.
Getting There and Best Times to Visit
Drive 25 miles southwest from Rapid City, South Dakota via Highway 16 and Highway 244 to reach the memorial. Fly into Rapid City Regional Airport, which connects to major U.S. cities. Summer draws the largest crowds, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. Visit in spring or fall for mild weather and smaller crowds. Winter brings fewer visitors, though some facilities operate on shorter schedules.
The Story Behind the Monument
Sculptor Gutzon Borglum started carving in 1927, selecting presidents who marked pivotal moments in American history: George Washington for independence, Thomas Jefferson for westward expansion, Theodore Roosevelt for economic growth, and Abraham Lincoln for preserving the Union. The National Park Service began managing the site in 1933, and work continued until 1941. The Black Hills location holds deep cultural meaning for Native American tribes, particularly the Lakota Sioux.
