Discover Mount Rushmore
Few monuments are as instantly recognizable as Mount Rushmore.
Rising from the granite mountains of South Dakota's Black Hills, the enormous carved faces of four American presidents have become one of the country's most famous landmarks.
But beyond the familiar photographs lies a fascinating story of artistic ambition, American history, and the people who shaped this extraordinary monument.
Four Presidents, One Remarkable Mountain
Mount Rushmore features the 60-foot-tall faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Each president was selected to represent an important chapter in American history, from the nation's founding and expansion to its development and preservation.
The sculpture was designed by Gutzon Borglum, with carving beginning in 1927 and concluding in 1941 under the supervision of his son, Lincoln Borglum.
More than 400 workers helped transform an enormous granite mountainside into the monument we recognize today.
The Avenue of Flags: An American Welcome
One of the first experiences visitors encounter is the Avenue of Flags.
Lined with 56 flags representing U.S. states, territories, commonwealths, and the District of Columbia, this impressive walkway leads toward the Grand View Terrace.
It's a wonderful place to pause, find your home state's flag, and capture a memorable photograph before approaching the sculpture.
Presidential Trail: A Closer Look
For those wanting a different perspective, the Presidential Trail offers a scenic 0.6-mile walk through ponderosa pine forests and granite formations.
The trail reveals changing views of the enormous presidential faces, helping visitors appreciate the extraordinary scale of the sculpture.
Part of the route includes numerous stairs, so visitors should consider their mobility and available time.
The Sculptor's Studio: Behind the Monument
Ever wondered how someone carves a face into a mountain?
The historic Sculptor's Studio offers a fascinating look at the techniques, tools, and planning behind Mount Rushmore.
During its seasonal opening, visitors can view Borglum's scale model and learn about the workers who helped bring his ambitious vision to life.
A Landscape With Deeper History
The Black Hills also hold profound cultural and spiritual significance for the Lakota and other Native American nations. The monument's creation on this land remains controversial, adding an important dimension to understanding its history.
Remember Your Mount Rushmore Experience
Whether your favorite memory is a family photograph, an unforgettable road trip, or finally seeing this famous monument in person, Mount Rushmore offers stories worth keeping close.
A GTK QR Tile connects a physical keepsake to your existing online photographs and travel memories, or brings them together on your complimentary GTK QR Page.
A little reminder of an experience carved into memory.
Get To Know People & What They Know About Mount Rushmore
GTK® is an independent editorial initiative celebrating individuality, expression, connection, and the things people know.
From sculptors and historians to photographers, cultural experts, and people whose lives are connected to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore inspires fascinating conversations about history, identity, art, and heritage.
We believe their knowledge and perspectives deserve to be discovered, shared, and remembered.
Visit GTK.us to discover more about people and what they know.
