Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Mount Rushmore National Monument.
Q:Who thought of and created Mount Rushmore?
A:Doane Robinson, the official historian for South Dakota was contemplating on ideas to bring in more tourists into the Black Hills area. Robinson originally thought of American West heroes to be carved into the granite, such as Lewis and Clark and Buffalo Bill Cody. In 1924 Robinson wrote to Gutzon Borglum a sculptor who had already been sculpting on large scale granite mountains. Borglum visited South Dakota and choose Mount Rushmore as the spot for the sculptures. Borglum was so impressed by the mountain that he wanted to make a monument to be of national interest not just regional. “I want to create a monument so inspiring that people from all over America will be drawn to come and look and go home better citizens,” said Borglum, in 1927. In October of 1927 Borglum and his son plus 400 men started working on the sculptures.
Q:Where is Mount Rushmore National Memorial located at?
A:Mount Rushmore is located in South Dakota, 23 miles southwest of Rapid City.
Q:How long did it take to build Mount Rushmore?
A:14 years – from October 4, 1927 - October 31,1941
Q:Are the faces eroding on Mount Rushmore?
A:No, the estimated erosion rate is 1 inch every 10,000 years.
Q:Who is the mountain named after?
A:Charles E. Rushmore, a New York City attorney, in 1885 who was out here on business.
Q:What is the recommended stay duration at Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
A:Minimalist (1 Day)
Sightseeing/Exploring: ½ day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: ½ day
Adventurist (2 Days)
Sightseeing/Exploring: 1 day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 day
Notes: Mount Rushmore is an enduring monument of our nations rich history and heritage. Mount Rushmore is much more than a sculpture carved in stone, it is a deeper look into our country’s hard-working, patriotic past. It is a reminder of our rich heritage and our enduring passion for faith, freedom and the pursuit of liberty and justice for all. A visit to Mount Rushmore brings you face to face with this heritage and passionate patriotism, and renews your love and appreciation of this fine nation. While the sculptures on the mountainside may be the drawing card that gets visitors to the area, you really should plan extra time into your schedule in order to experience the historic displays located in the information center. There is also a number of guided tours and interpretive programs available at the park, including a unique audio tour that will guide you through a scenic walk through the park while you listen to the story of Mount Rushmore through music, narration, interviews, historic recordings and sound effects.
Q:What is the entrance fee for Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
A:There is no entrance fee for Mount Rushmore however, there is a parking fee that is required at the memorial. For Cars, Motorcycles and RVs the fee is $10.00 per vehicle. Seniors 62yrs and older can park for $5.
Q:What is the weather like at Mount Rushmore National Memorial?
A:
Month
High (F°)
Low (F°)
January
36
19
February
37
19
March
43
25
April
51
32
May
61
42
June
71
51
July
79
59
August
78
58
September
68
48
October
55
37
November
43
26
December
35
18
Q:Is there cellular and WiFi service?
A:
Cellular service varies on your carrier. It is generally available outside of the main buildings. Beyond the main areas, cellular coverage can become very spotty. There is no public WiFi available at Mount Rushmore.
Q:Are pets allowed at Mount Rushmore?
A:
Pets are only allowed in the parking garages, near the main entrance to the visitor area, near the benches at the main pergola, and all sidewalks and green spaces in between the parking garages. Pets are allowed on the Blackberry Trial which is located across the South Dakota Highway 244 from the parking garage. Pets are not allowed on any other trials nor are they allowed inside of the memorial past the Main Pergola. Pet waste stations are set up on either side of the parking areas. You can not leave your pet unattended or tied up to an object. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Q:What else is at Mount Rushmore?
A:
If you need a souvenir to remember your trip to Mount Rushmore a Gift Shop is located on-site. Feel a little hungry or need a snack be sure to stop in at the Carvers' Cafe or the Memorial Team Ice Cream Shop.
