MOUNT RUSHMORE - "FACING HISTORY"

“FACING HISTORY” – MOUNT RUSHMORE, SOUTH DAKOTA
It’s an understatement to say that Mount Rushmore is awe inspiring! Located on Highway 244 about 17 miles from Crazy Horse, and approximately four miles up the hill from Keystone, Sound Dakota, it is hard not to gasp as you round the corner on the highway as the monument comes into view. It took us about 35 minutes to drive the gorgeous highway leading to Mount Rushmore from our site in Custer. There were literally dozens of vehicles pulled over on the side of the highway capturing pictures of this historic and patriotic site. It does give you the goose bumps the first time you see it. It certainly did for me!!!

It’s only $10 per vehicle to enter, which covers the parking fee and also provides you a South Dakota State Parks Pass, valid for one year. Admission to the monument and attractions are Free.

Clearly, Mount Rushmore is an icon in the history of the US and one of our great wonders. There’s a lot more to see and take in at Rushmore State Park than just the view of Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and Roosevelt. We packed a breakfast and lunch for our day there, and spent most of the day wondering through the many exhibits.

• Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center: Did you know that Gutzon Borglum (Mount Rushmore’s Sculptor) loved Abraham Lincoln so much that he named his son Lincoln? It takes about an hour to take in the entire Visitor Center and gives you the complete story.

• Mount Rushmore – The Shrine: A 15 minute film featured in the Borglum Center, filled with historic photography and it tells the story of the carving and the artist’s history.

• Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Heritage Village: An overall look of the history, customs and traditions of the American Indian tribes who have lived on the land for thousands of years.

• Sculptor’s Studio: Built in 1939, this historic landmark was Borglum’s on-site studio where many of his tools and original models are displayed.

• The Wild Side: Also held in the Visitor Center, this 15 minute film focuses on the ecology and the wildlife found in and around the park.

• Presidential Trail: A 40-minute to an hour walking tour (1/2 mile) with a closer look at the carving and surrounding views. The trail takes you to the Grand View Terrace and through the Sculptor’s Studio. Be aware . . . the first half of the trail is fully accessible; the second half is mostly all staircases.