Mount Rushmore: Not Just A Pretty Face

After much anticipation, today we visit Mount Rushmore! Mount Rushmore is an iconic National Memorial with four historic presidents carved on the face of the mountain. It is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. 

In case you are trying to remember all four of the presidents featured, they are Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln. The faces are about 60 ft each, so very prominent. 

After parking, we headed up to the entrance through the Avenue of Flags out onto the Grand View Terrace. This terrace overlooks the amphitheater and has a direct and unobstructed view of Mount Rushmore and all four presidential faces. 

The Avenue of Flags walkway is lined with 56 flags representing each state, district, territory or commonwealth of the United States. Very colorful and impressive entrance. 

The history of the sculpture, the visionary and sculptor-Gutzon Borglum, and even the land acquisition are all sensitive and entangled narratives. Not all issues are historic either, There is ongoing and present  opposition to what many of us have just perceived as merely a patriotic work of art.  If you to do some research on Mount Rushmore, you will discover who lays claim to the land and why, controversy surrounding the chosen presidents for tribute, why it’s a painful symbol to some and varying opinions of should it stay or should it go. There’s always more. 

Speaking of more, in a present and positive light, Mount Rushmore offers visitors many other things to do at this National site in addition to viewing the carved monument. There is the Presidential Trail that is a lengthy loop of boardwalk stepping up and down and allowing various views of the mountain and surrounding area. We enjoyed this beautiful hike on the wide and well maintained boardwalk path. This trail will take you to the Sculptor’s Studio, Borglum View Terrace and back to the parking lot as well. The Sculptor’s Studio was closed while we were visiting, but typically they would offer an educational Ranger talk about the sculptor and sculpture and process.

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At the beginning of the trail, there is the Youth Exploration Area including Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Heritage Village. There is a teepee set up here and other things to teach about the Native American Indian tribes of the local area. The knowledge to be gained is not just for youth either.

Next is a small cave of rocks with a narrow slit opening at the back with a view to the monument.  It’s just large enough for a few people at a time to go into.   

Along the trail (of many steps), there are informational signs regarding the four presidents honored.  The trail is set among huge boulders and trees in the steep landscape. It’s very scenic. There are also restrooms and a nice little covered area at Borglum View Terrace. This is a great little place for a break to take in the views and get your 2nd wind for the inclining trail to the parking lot. 

We really enjoyed the trail and experiencing the site to gain different perspectives of the monument. It’s uphill to the parking lot, as I mentioned, and I was also hurrying to catch up with friends, so I was out of breath by the end! Otherwise it was very nice. You do not have to take the trail to the parking lot. You can exit through the front where you come in.

Some of the other things to do at Mount Rushmore include a gift shop, the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center (Lincoln was Gutzon’s son also involved in project), Information Center,  Carvers’ Café, Ice Cream Shop and an Evening Lighting Ceremony. 

There are Ranger talks, films and programs, as well as a self guided audio tour. These items are all offered for an enhanced educational experience.  Maybe not for 2020, but typically there are special events hosted here, especially in the summer. So, as you can see, it’s not just a big carved mountain to look at and leave.  

We always strive to share with you exactly what to expect for each destination so you can plan accordingly. You could easily spend a day here hiking, exploring, viewing, taking pictures, shopping, eating, being educated and topping it off with ice cream! 

Mount Rushmore National Monument is a great family destination. Not only do a lot of the activities cater to kids, but it’s also very educational listening to the Park Rangers, watching the films and just observing. Let us know in the comments if you have visited here or are planning on going.