Close

Want to learn more about ?

Join the National Parks Conservation Association community for free email updates about and other parks. You'll get great information about enjoying and preserving our parks each month. Plus, you'll learn about steps you can take to help protect our parks!

Yes, please sign me up for NPCA's newsletter and other emails about protecting our parks!
 
National Parks Conservation Association
 
 
Who We AreWhat We DoWhere We WorkExplore the ParksTake ActionNews and Publications
moru.jpg

FIND A PARK

BY NAME:

BY LOCATION:

BY CATEGORY:

BY THEME:

BROWSE ALPHABETICALLY:

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

, South Dakota

Acreage: 1,278.45
Category: National Memorial
Date Established: 03/03/1925

Carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota are the iconic faces of four former presidents of the United States--George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These men were chosen to represent the first 150 years of American history and America’s cultural heritage.

The idea came from Doane Robinson to promote tourism in South Dakota and his idea was wildly successful--the park attracts almost 3 million park visitors every year. Gutzon Borglum designed the sculpture. Though he passed away before its completion, over 400 workers helped bring his vision to life.

Today visitors come to appreciate this colossal man-made creation, learn about the design and construction process, appreciate its significance as a symbol of the American history of “monumental” leaders, and to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Black Hills region.

—Caroline Griffith

If You Go

Not everyone was pleased with the decision to carve four American presidents on a mountain that held spiritual significance for the Lakota tribe. In response, a memorial to Crazy Horse is being carved in the Black Hills 17 miles away from Mount Rushmore. Once completed the Crazy Horse Memorial will be the largest outdoor sculpture in the world. Visitors who get an early start can see both of these incredible sculptures in one day.

Visitor Feedback


Powered by Rating-System.com

Share your park story today. Post your park experiences, recommendations, or tips here.*

Comments

We completely enjoyed our visit to Sequoia National Park. It should not be missed. Nearby, Plantation B&B in Lemon Cove was, indeed, a gem.
Submitted by Charlie at: July 8, 2008

Post a Comment

Nickname
Comment
Email
 
Enter this word:

*NPCA staff do not regularly respond to postings. We reserve the right to remove comments that include profanity, personal attacks, or are off-topic. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the position(s) of NPCA.

Printer Friendly

 

 

Text Size:
Default Size Medium Text Large text
PARK HIGHLIGHTS
Take Action to Protect the Parks

Help NPCA Secure a Huge Victory for Joshua Tree!

Tell the EPA to Protect the Everglades from Mining

TRIPS

National Parks of the West

Visit the untamed wilderness of the American West. Seven of our nation’s most majestic national parks on one great tour--Glen Canyon, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. (By Motorcoach)

MORE >