Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Time Needed: half-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, national park
Mount Rushmore National Memorial honors four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The massive granite carvings provide breathtaking views and a powerful glimpse into American history.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Take a Photo at the Grand View Terrace – You won’t want to miss this vantage point for capturing the full memorial and the sweeping beauty of the surrounding Black Hills.
- Walk the Presidential Trail – Stroll the paved path for ever-changing views of the presidents as you walk among granite outcrops and towering ponderosa pine trees.
- Visit the Sculptor’s Studio – A 15-minute ranger talk explores how Gutzon Borglum and his team brought the monument to life. See the original scale model used to plan Mount Rushmore.
- Taste America’s First Vanilla Ice Cream – Enjoy a classic cone made from Thomas Jefferson’s original vanilla ice cream recipe that dates to the 1780s.
- Attend the Evening Lighting Ceremony – This seasonal program includes a ranger talk, a short film called Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy, and the dramatic lighting of the memorial.
Itinerary Idea: Explore the Black Hills on a full-day guided tour from Rapid City, visiting Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. Enjoy wildlife viewing, Sylvan Lake, and a scenic drive along the Needles Highway.
Photo Credit: Richard Hedrick/Unsplash