Mount Rushmore
Shrine of Democracy
One of our nation’ s most recognizable and popular icons is found in the Southern Black Hills. Mount Rushmore is a timeless mon ument to the patriotism and determination of sculptor Gutzon Borglum and the miners he guided in carving a mountain into a work of art.
It is one of the largest sculptures in the world. It measures 250 feet across and each head is about 60 feet tall. Washington’ s head is as tall as the entire Great Sphinx of Egypt. The noses of the four presidents are approximately 21 feet long, while the mouths are about 18 feet wide. Men on the scale of the Mount Rushmore figures would stand as tall as a 40story building.
“ Until the wind and the rain alone shall wear them away,” said Borglum to describe the length of time his most famous work will endure.
Along the Avenue of Flags, the flags of the 56 states and territories fly below the memorial. The avenue leads to the Grandview Terrace and Presidential Trail, a halfmile walking trail that offers spectacular views of the mountain sculpture.
The presidents were selected on the basis of what each symbolized: George Washington, the struggle for independence; Thomas Jefferson, the idea of government by the people; Abraham Lincoln, ideas on equality and the permanent union of the states; and Theodore Roosevelt, the 20th century role of the U. S. in world affairs.
Rangers provide interpretive walks and talks, including the Evening Sculpture Lighting Ceremony at approximately 9 p. m. nightly( MaySeptember). There are guided walks to the Sculptor’ s Studio, Presidential Trail walks, talks on the Grandview Terrace and afternoon children’ s activities.
Located 23 miles southwest of Rapid City, Mount Rushmore is something you don’ t want to miss. It’ s one of the greatest attractions in the U. S.!
14 Black Hills Adventure Guide 2025