History
Take in the significant detail of the 60 foot sculpture. The Genius behind the wondrous Mount Rushmore is Gutzon Borglum. Along with the help of his son Lincoln Borglum and 400 workers, the sculpture of the four presidents was completed in 1941 after 14 years of dedication and hard work.
Present
The Mount Rushmore Memorial was made in honor of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt. Over 3 million visitors throughout America and around the world come to see this historic landmark each year. It’s a place you can reflect on the president’s ideals of freedom and their many contributions for the greater good of America. Celebrate American history in a place that echoes the past of the great Black Hills. Whether it is your dream destination or a short stop on your itinerary, it’s an experience that will leave you with an appreciation for Mount Rushmore’s legacy.
Look out for the infamous eyes of the four presidents. Borglum designed the president’s eyes to have a realistic look. Not only do the president’s eyes seem as though they are starring straight at you, but they were also made with 20-inch shafts of granite. When the sun shines on the flat end of the shaft, it appears as though the eyes of the presidents are twinkling.
Lincoln Borglum Museum
Get answers to your questions about the Mount Rushmore Memorial and the surrounding Black Hills. The Lincoln Borglum Museum helps you uncover the mysteries surrounding the great sculpture. Watch The Shrine, a short, introductory film featured in the Museum’s two, 125-seat theatres, or explore the 5,200 square feet of interactive exhibits that provide detail on the history and development of the Mount Rushmore Memorial.
Shopping at Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Take home something special for yourself to remember your time at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, or a unique souvenir for a loved one. Xanterra Parks and Resorts proudly carry Fred Harvey Trading Company Products in the Mount Rushmore Gift Shop. Unique Native American pottery and art, replicas of Mount Rushmore made from sandstone, educational books and DVDs, hand-crafted gold jewelry from the Black Hills and many other one-of-a-kind gifts can also be found in the Gift Shop.