Mount Rushmore

The story

The sculptor Gutzon Borglum began work in 1927, and some 400 workers drilled and blasted the faces out of the granite over the next fourteen years. Borglum died in early 1941, and his son Lincoln completed the work that autumn. The memorial is managed by the National Park Service.

What to see

• The Avenue of Flags: the flags of every state and territory, lining the walk to the viewing terrace.
• The Grand View Terrace: the classic view of the four faces.
• The Presidential Trail: a loop of about half a mile, with several hundred stairs, that brings you closer to the base of the carving.
• The Sculptor’s Studio: Borglum’s working model and tools, open in summer.
• The Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center: a museum and film about how the carving was made.

The evening lighting

On summer evenings, a ranger programme in the amphitheatre ends with the faces lit against the night sky. It is one of the best experiences in the Black Hills. Check the current schedule with the National Park Service, as it changes through the season.

Getting there from Custer

The memorial is roughly 30 miles from Custer. The quickest route runs north through Hill City and then east on Highway 244. The scenic route goes through Custer State Park and over the Iron Mountain Road, whose tunnels frame the faces in the distance. Read our guide to visiting Mount Rushmore from Custer.

Tips

• Arrive early in the morning for soft light on the faces and fewer crowds.
• The parking pass is valid for a year, so you can come back for the evening lighting.
• Bring binoculars to spot the details of the carving.