This impressive national monument is an enormous sculpture carved out of a shear granite rock face depicting the heads of prominent former US presidents George Washington (1732–1799), Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919), and Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). These massive 60-foot (18 m) sculptures took famous American sculptor Gutzon Borglum 14 years to build (along with the help of 400 workers) and were completed in 1941. They are located within the United States Presidential Memorial that represents the first 150 years of US history. The entire memorial covers just over 1,275 acres (5.17 km²) at an elevation of about 5,725 feet (1,745 m) above sea level. It attracts over 2 million visitors each year, and is managed by the National Park Service.

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Park entrances are located along hwy 244 a few miles south of Keystone. Visitors coming from the south should follow Highway 385 north to Highway 244.

There is no public transportation to Mount Rushmore. The nearest airport is the Rapid City Regional Airport located about 35 miles from the memorial.

Last edited on Apr 30, 08 6:52 PM.
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Victoria H.

Aug 27, 2009

It was a cloudless morning when we went to Mount Rushmore. We spent the day hiking the trails and learning about the memorial: how it was created and how often it is used in marketing and advertising (it's one of the most recognizable landmarks in the US). At the end of the day, there was a flag ceremony and inspirational music and film. Other places to see: the Badlands, Devil's Tower, Chief Crazy Horse Monument, and the Black Hills National Forest. (Warning: the bison are particularly bad-tempered there.)

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Josh J.

Aug 1, 2009

I was amazed at thinking how much time it took to make this sculpture and at how accurate the president's faces are. I think I am going to be even more impressed when Chief Crazyhorse's sculpture is finished just right down the road. It is much bigger.

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William R.

Feb 1, 2010

Even though it was snowing the day we were there - in the middle of May - the sheer scale of it all must be witnessed to be believe. Every American should have a chance to see something that really symbolizes the permanence of our country.

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Sella B.

Jun 24, 2008

beautiful awesome one of the wonders of the world. shear determination led to it's completion. I would highly recommend others to visit and see for themselves.

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Sarah S.

Feb 4, 2010

Not the most amazing mountain side craving, but the place had a great aura to it. Saw it very early in the morning, with fewer crowds. More concrete than anything.

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