Mount Rushmore National Memorial Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
park in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States of America
About Mount Rushmore National Memorial
The four 60-foot granite faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial draw more than three million visitors each year. The first blast on the mountain occurred in 1927. Under the direction of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, 400 workers labored through hot summers and cold winters to create the sculpture, nearly 500 feet up the side of the mountain. More than 90 percent of the mountain was carved using dynamite. The fine details of the faces were achieved with a jackhammer. Operators hung from the top of the mountain in bosun chairs held by steel cables. Despite the dangerous work, during the 14 years of construction, not a single person died. The memorial was officially declared complete on October 31, 1941. However, Gutzon Borglum's vision was not completed – original plans included head-to-waist d
Top Attractions in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Explore the best things to see and do in Mount Rushmore National Memorial:
- ★Evening Program
- ★Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Heritage Village
- ★Ranger Walk
- ★Sculptor's Studio Talk
Mount Rushmore National Memorial Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: