Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From ...
Text on sign reads: 16th President 1861 -1865 “Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free …. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best, hope of earth.” – Annual Message to Congress, December 1, 1862. Abraham Lincoln: •Born: February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Hardin (now Larue) County, Kentucky. •Married: Mary Todd (1818 – 1882), November 4, 1842. •Children: Robert Todd, Edward Baker, William Wallace, and Thomas “Tad”. •Died: April 15, 1865, Washington, D.C., having been shot at the Ford’s Theatre the night before. •Education: No formal education. •Occupation: Lawyer. •Political Party: Whig, the Republican. •Career Highlights: Elected captain of his company in the Black Hawk War, 1832. Elected to Illinois State Legislature, 1834. Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 1847 -49. •National Highlights: The Civil War began April 12, 1861, with and attach on Fort Sumter, South Carolina. Writ of habeas corpus suspended national on September 24, 1862. Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863. Civil War ended April 9, 1865, when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse. “We are not enemies, but friend. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our binds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by better angels of our nature.” – First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861. Gutzon Borglum, Sculptor of Mount Rushmore: “He was more deeply rooted in the home principles that ware keeping us together than any man who was ever asked to make his heart-beat national.” – Lincoln Borglum Manuscript Collection, Corpus Christi, Texas. “He is at once the heart and soul of Mount Rushmore.” – New York Times Magazine, August 25, 1940. This exhibition was made possible by the National Endowment for The Humanities with additional support from the South Dakota Humanities Council.
View the flags of all 50 states, one district, three territories and two commonwealths of the United States of America. Have a seat and watch the flags flutter in the breeze or take a photo with your flag.
The Avenue of Flags is a wide walkway lined on both sides by the flags of the 50 states, one district, three territories, and two commonwealths of the United States of America. The flags are arranged in alphabetical order with the A’s on the walkway near the concession building and the W’s near the Grand View Terrace. The names of each state, district, commonwealth or territory are listed on the plaques directly below each flag. Each plaque also displays the year each state, territory or commonwealth became part of the United States.
The Borglum View Terrace is not ADA accessible. The terrace can either be accessed by 68 stairs from the Grand View Terrace or from the Nature Trail from the Parking Facility. Natural stone stairs lead from the Grand View Terrace and are uneven in places. The terrace consists of a grey stone floor and three-foot stone walls. When approaching from the stairs there is a wooden framework to the right, representing the location of the original sculptor’s studio. It has painted red wooden beams and a wooden slanted roof over half of the structure. Two stone fireplaces are found on two sides of the framework. Along one wall is a bronze plaque with the contest winning essay that reads: Almighty God, from this pulpit of stone the American people render thanksgiving and praise for the new era of civilization brought forth upon this continent. Centuries of tyrannical oppression sent to these shores, God-fearing men to seek in freedom the guidance of the benevolent hand in the progress toward wisdom, goodness toward men, and piety toward God. 1776 Consequently, on July 4, 1776, our forefathers promulgated a principle never before successfully asserted, that life, liberty, equality, and pursuit of happiness were the birthrights of all mankind. In this declaration of independence beat a heart for all humanity. It declared this country free from British rule and announced the inalienable sovereignty of the people. Freedom’s soldiers victoriously consecrated this land with their life’s blood to be free forever more. 1787 Then, in 1787 for the first time a government was formed that derived its just powers from the consent of the governed. General Washington and representatives from the 13 states formed this sacred Constitution, which embodies our faith in God and in mankind by giving equal participation in government to all citizens, distributing the powers of governing, three fold securing freedoms of speech and of the press, establishing the right to worship the Infinite according to conscience, and assuring this nation’s general welfare against an embattled world. This chart of national guidance has for more than 150 years weathered the ravages of time. Its supreme trial came under the pressure of Civil War, 1861-65. The deadly doctrines of secession and slavery were then purged away in blood. The seal of the Union’s finality set by President Lincoln, was accomplished like all our triumphs of law and humanity, through the wisdom and the power of an honest, Christian heart. Far-sighted American statesmanship acquired by treaties, vast wilderness territories, where progressive, adventurous Americans spread civilization and Christianity. 1803 In 1803, Louisiana was purchased from France. This acquisition extended from the Mississippi River, across the fertile prairie to the Rocky Mountains, and paved the way for America's preeminence among the nations. 1819 In 1819, the picturesque Florida peninsula was ceded as payment of Spanish obligations due to Americans. 1845 In 1845, Texas, having patterned American democracy during the ten years of freedom from Mexican rule, accepted the invitation to join the sisterhood of states. In 1846, the Oregon country was peacefully apportioned by the 49th parallel as the compromised international boundary of the two English-speaking nations. 1848 In 1848, California and territory likewise rich in natural resources was acquired as the consequence of an inevitable conflict with Mexico. In spirit of mutual concession, the United States granted additional indemnities for the adjustment of the international boundary, extending from the Rio Grande to the Gulf of California. 1850 In 1850, Texas willingly ceded the disputed Rio Grande region, thus ending the dramatic acquisition of the west. 1867 In 1867, Alaska was purchased from Russia. 1904 In 1904, the Panama Canal Zone was acquired for our people to build a navigable highway enabling the world's people to share the fruits of the earth and human industry. Now, these eras are welded into a nation possessing unity, liberty, power, integrity and faith in God, with responsible development of character and devoted to the performance of humanitarian duty. Holding no fear of the economic and political, chaotic clouds hovering over the earth, the consecrated Americans dedicate this nation before God, to exalt righteousness and to maintain mankind's constituted liberties so long as the earth shall endure. William Andrew Burkett
The Carvers’ Café is a long 125 ft by 50 ft room. The front side of the building is made up of floor to ceiling windows with views of the memorial. There are tables and chairs for dining in the front portion of the room. To the right is a coffee shop kiosk. Along the back of the room is the main food ordering area with a digital menu on the wall and check out registers.
Text on sign reads: 1st President 1789-1797 “To Draw such a line for the conduct of the President as will please every body, I know is impossible…” – George Washington’s letter to James Madison, May 12, 1789 George Washington •Born: February 22, 1732. Westmoreland County, Virginia. •Married: Martha Dandridge Custis (1732-1802). January 6, 1759. •Children: John and Martha Custis (adopted). •Died: December 14, 1799, at Mount Vernon, Virginia. •Education: No formal education. •Occupation: Planter, soldier. •Political Party: Federalist. •Career Highlights: Officer in the French and Indian War. Commander in Chief, Continental Army, American Revolution. President, Constitutional Convention. •National Highlights: The first tax laws were adopted. The Bill of Rights became law. “Time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments, as of other human institutions; …. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest guardian.” – George Washington Farewell Address, September 17, 1796. Gutzon Borglum, Sculptor of Mount Rushmore “This is the work that I love most, this intimate contact with the four men. As I become engrossed in the features and personality of each man, I feel myself growing in stature, just as they did when their characters grew and developed.” – New York Times Magazine, August 25, 1940. “Washington, as the guiding genius from the time of our national conception, through its struggle for life and the completion of its Constitution, becomes the central part of the great group.” – New York Herald Tribune, June 30, 1929. This exhibition was made possible by the National Endowment for The Humanities with additional support from the South Dakota Humanities Council.
The Gift Shop is a 110 ft long building that starts off as 100 ft wide by the entrance and narrows to 50 ft wide towards the back. To the right of the front doors is a long counter with several check out registers. Throughout the building are various shelves filled with souvenir merchandise as well as individual kiosks and tables scattered through the room.
The Grand View Terrace is a large viewing area located just beyond the Avenue of Flags. Towards the front of the Grand View Terrace are several coin operated viewing binoculars. Access to the Presidential Trail can be found on either side of the terrace. When facing the memorial, the Presidential Trailhead to the left of the terrace is ADA accessible for 0.2 miles. Stairs and elevators are located on either end of the terrace that will take you to the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center. From the Visitor Center you can also access the top level of the amphitheater.
The Historic View Terrace is not ADA accessible. The terrace can be accessed by three stairs and an uneven paved path. From the stairs there is a large boulder behind you and trees to either side of the terrace. Three coin-operated viewing binoculars of various heights are located at the far end of the terrace. To the left of the Historic View Terrace the Grand View Terrace is visible.
Iron Mountain Road is a scenic drive. It is 17 miles long with a speed limit of 35 mph. There are three pigtail bridges (wooden bridges that loop back around) and three single lane tunnels that were designed to frame Mount Rushmore National Memorial as you drive through them.
The Lincoln Parking Facility is a large grey structure with multiple entrances. It consists of levels 1, 2, and 3. There are ADA parking spaces on levels 2 and 3.
The Mount Rushmore Bookstores carry a variety of books about Mount Rushmore and surrounding parks. They also carry games for kids and adults, books on Native Americans, pioneer women and a good selection of DVD's.
The main Mount Rushmore Bookstore is located inside the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center with entrances on either side of the National Park Service information desk in the center of the building. The bookstore offers educational books, videos, games and puzzles, along with postcards. National Park Passport books and stamps are also available. The bookstore is approximately 15 feet by 30 feet, with shelves of sales items located along the outer walls. Two checkout registers are in operation during busy times to reduce wait times for purchases.
Each night during the summer park rangers conduct the Evening Lighting Ceremony in the amphitheater, weather permitting. The amphitheater can be accessed from the Grand View Terrace using the stairs or elevators on either side of the Grand View Terrace. The elevators take you down inside the Visitor Center. Continue straight ahead to exit the building to the amphitheater. A wide walkway with benches is located at the top of the amphitheater. From the top three sets of stairs lead to the seating rows below and the stage.
The Self-Guided Tour Building is located on the left as you walk through the entrance pergola. It is a gray stone building with three canvas awnings. The middle awning is red. On the red top section white text reads "Mount Rushmore Self-Guided Tours. English, Espanol, Deutsch, Francais, Lakota." The tour is translated in Spanish, German, French and Lakota. An audio-described and a written transcript of the tour is also available in English upon request. Regular fees still apply. Below the red awning there are two service windows. There are restrooms located on either side of the self-guided tour service windows. The restrooms are marked by smaller blue awnings above two glass doors. The blue awning on the left has white text that reads "Women" and the blue awning on the right has white text that reads "Men".
The Parking Facility Fee Entrance is a concrete structure with four vehicle lanes. Each lane has a gate that lifts after you take a parking ticket from the ticket dispenser located in front of the gate on the driver’s side of the vehicle. If you need ADA parking, enter lane four located on the far right. A parking attendant will direct you to available ADA parking.
The Presidential Trail is a .6 miles loop trail. It is paved, flat, and ADA accessible for the first .2 miles if starting from the left side of the Grand View Terrace while facing the sculpture. The following .4 miles contains 422 stairs and bring you down to the sculptors studio and back to the Grand View Terrace.
Profile Viewpoint is located off South Dakota 244 that runs in front of the memorial. There is a small, paved parking lot for vehicles. From the viewing area there is a view of the profile of George Washington visible between two rock cliffs.
Visit the place where Guzton Borglum worked from 1939 to 1941 and view the 1/12th scale model of Mount Rushmore.
The Sculptor's Studio is where Guzton Borglum worked from 1939 to 1941. This gray building with wood shingles is where the 1/12th scale plaster model is located. The model was used to take measurements that were transferred to the sculpture on the mountain. The plaster model sits in one corner of the studio next to a window with a view of the entire sculpture. This placement allowed Gutzon Borglum to view work on the mountain and compare it to his model. This interior of the studio is constructed of pine log beams attached with black iron brackets and the walls are made of knotty pine boards that have been painted gray. Large windows are located on three sides of the building, providing lots of natural light. During the summer months, rangers present 15-minute talks here focusing on the workers who helped Borglum create Mount Rushmore and the tools and techniques they used. The Sculptor's Studio is open each year from the middle of May to September 30th, weather and staffing levels permitting.
The Talus Terrace is not ADA accessible. The terrace is located 0.2 miles along the Presidential Trail where the trail changes from pavement to stairs. The terrace is accessible by walking up 24 stairs. The Talus Terrace is the closest a visitor can get to the memorial. It is a small oval shaped wooden terrace. When positioned at the far end of the terrace facing the memorial a large portion of the bottom of the mountain in front of you is covered in large granite boulders. The boulders are the blast remnants from the carving period. Farther up the talus slope (from right to left) the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are carved into the granite mountain.
Text on sign reads: 26th President 1901-1909 “All my life in politics, I have striven to make the necessary working compromise between the ideal and the practical.” – Theodore Roosevelt letter to his son Kermit, January 17, 1915. Theodore Roosevelt •Born: October 17, 1858, New York, New York. •Married: Alice Hathaway Lee (1861- 1884), October 27, 1880. Edith Kermit Carow (1861-1948), December 2, 1886. •Children: Alice, Theodore Jr., Kermit, Ethel, Archibald, Quentin. •Died: January 6, 1919. Oyster Bay, New York. •Education: Harvard College, 1880. •Occupation: Author, Lawyer, Public Official. •Political Party: Republican. •Career Highlights: Governor of New York. Commander of the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War. Became the youngest President at age 42 when McKinley was assassinated. Unsuccessful third-party presidential candidate in 1912. •National Highlights: First President to travel outside the United States. Worked to bring big business under regulation. Began construction of the Panama Canal. “Perhaps the two most striking things in the presidency are the immense power of the President, in the first place, and the second place, the fact that as soon as he has ceased being the President he goes right back into the body of the people and becomes just like and other American citizen” – Written early in the 1900; published in The Youth’s Companion, November 6, 1902. Gutzon Borglum, Sculptor of Mount Rushmore: “Roosevelt seems fairly to have leaped with life. He kidnapped energy and carried it into the Nation’s home…He remains undrawn, none will engrave him. His spirit is still at large, uncaptured by artist or sculptor.” – Lincoln Borglum Manuscript Collection, Corpus Christi, Texas. This exhibition was made possible by the National Endowment for The Humanities with additional support from the South Dakota Humanities Council.
Text on sign reads: 3rd President 1801 – 1809 “I have learnt to expect that it will rarely fall to the lot of imperfect man to retire from this station with the reputation and favor which bring him into it.” – First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801. Thomas Jefferson: •Born: April 13, 1743, Shadwell, Virginia. •Married: Martha Wayles Skelton (1748 – 1782), January 1, 1772. •Children: Martha (1772 – 1836), Jane (1774-1775), Infant son (1777), Mary (1778-1804), Lucy (1780-1781), Lucy (1782-1784). •Died: July 4, 1826, at Monticello, Virginia, on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the same day President John Adams died. •Education: College of William and Mary, 1762. •Occupation: Lawyer, scientific farmer, •Political Party: Democratic-Republican •Career Highlights: Minister to France. George Washington’s Secretary of State. John Adam’s Vice President. •National Highlights: The Louisiana Territory purchased from France for $15 million. The Lewis and Clark expedition explored the Northwest. Importing African Slaves to the United States became illegal. “Never did a prisoner, released from his choices, feel such relief as I shall on shaking off the shackles of power. Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science, by rendering them my supreme delight. But the enormities of the times in which I have lived, have forced me to take part in resisting them, and to commit myself on the boisterous pecan of political passions.” – Letter to P.S. Dupont de Nemours, March 2, 1809, two days before leaving office. Gutzon Borglum, Sculptor of Mount Rushmore: In the “portraits and data we have of him… we see the young man, the torch-bearer, the artist, the architect, the musician and builder, the creator in all his carried moods. I am sorry I have only one portrait to make of him.” – New York Times Magazine, August 25. 1940. This exhibition was made possible by the National Endowment for The Humanities with additional support from the South Dakota Humanities
The Washington Parking Facility is a large grey structure with multiple entrances. It consists of levels 4, 5, and 6. There are ADA parking spaces on levels 5 and 6.
Visiting with your pet? Find out where you can and cannot go at and near Mount Rushmore.
Service dogs, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, are allowed in all public spaces and buildings at Mount Rushmore. The main walkways and a portion of the Presidential Trail are wheelchair accessible. The Blackberry Trail is a gravel surfaced trail about two feet wide with an elevation change of approximately 200 feet over it's one-mile length.
The Youth Exploration Area and Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Heritage Village is where youth programs and cultural demonstrations are available in the summer months. It is located along the Presidential Trail and can be reached using a concrete walk with a slight incline and handrails on either side. The Youth Exploration Area is a covered by a roof supported by wooden columns with decorative stone covering the base. Under the roof are a concrete floor and two benches along the back and right side. In the summer months a Native American teepee is set up near the shelter.
Find basic information about the memorial as well as information about the local area. Opens at 8:00 am daily (closed December 25th). Late May through September 30 closes at 9:00 pm. October 1 through October 31 closes at 6:00pm. November 1 through late May closes at 5:00pm.
Park information, film, museum exhibits and a bookstore. Opens at 8:00 am daily (closed December 25th). Late May through mid-August closes at 10:00 pm. Mid-August through September 30 closes at 9:00 pm. October 1 through October 31 closes at 6:00pm. November 1 through late May closes at 5:00pm.
