Welcome to Mount Rushmore

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Main Entrance

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to Mount Rushmore, Symbolizing the ideals of freedom and democracy, it is a tribute to four presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln and their invaluable contributions to the United States. Mount Rushmore National Memorial represents not only the past, but also a promise for the future. It is a place surrounded by American history, where the names of Gutzon Borglum and Crazy Horse are still heard; where the buffalo once again run free in Custer State Park and the vision of the Keystone miners still cast a dim shadow on long deserted claims.

Carvers Cafe

Tour stop audio transcript

The newly renovated Carvers Café, with seating for 300, offers visitors a delicious array of food selections, served with a commanding view of the presidential sculptures. The food-court style café at Mount Rushmore offers visitors multiple food stations with exhibition kitchens, designed to satisfy every guest. Whether seeking something as simple as an espresso and freshly baked cinnamon bun, or a full course meal, guests can enjoy their selections inside near the expansive Dakota slate fireplace or on the Grandview Terrace on a bright summer’s day, all in full view of the memorial.

Avenue of Flags

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Flags are powerful symbols, which remind people of their common heritage, history and ideals. The Avenue of Flags was initially established as part of the celebration of America’s Bicentennial at the request of a visitor. The 56 flags represent the 50 states, one district, three territories, and two commonwealths of the United States of America

Grand View Terrace

Tour stop audio transcript

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota, in the United States. Sculpted by Danish-American Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln Borglum, Mount Rushmore features 60-foot (18 m) sculptures of the heads of four United States presidents: George Washington , Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt , and Abraham Lincoln.

Amphitheater

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In May 1997, a brand new 2,000-seat amphitheater, replacing the previous theater which only seated 850, was completed below the main viewing terraces. This new theather will be greatly appreciated by future visitors, for the most spectacular program at Mount Rushmore is the evening lighting ceremony.

Lincoln Borglum Vistors Center

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The Lincoln Borglum Museum answers these and other questions visitors often ask. The museum houses two 125-seat theaters where "The Shrine," a short film which provides an introduction to the memorial. You will also find over 5,200 square feet of interactive exhibits, which detail the history and development of the sculpture

Borglum View Terrace

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Borglum View Terrace provides a unique viewing area for visitors of Mount Rushmore surrounded by the natural beauty and sites of the park and large rock formations.

Sculptor's Studio

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The Sculptor's Studio & Bookstore, a historic building, was the second on-site studio for sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Borglum's original model and many of the tools he used are on display. Summer ranger-led programs are held here. The Borglum View Terrace offers space for a sculptor in residence and the site of Borglum's first studio.

Gift Shop

Tour stop audio transcript

The Mount Rushmore Gift Shop, across from the Buffalo Dining Room, sells any number of souvenirs, from shot glasses and magnets to T-shirts and baseball caps. You can also buy Black Hills–gold jewelry and Native American art.