Mount Rushmore (South Dakota, USA) - detailed description, location, reviews, photos and map.
 |
| Mount Rushmore |
A place where you can "meet" face to face with four presidents of the United States, Mount Rushmore is located in the national park of the same name in South Dakota. Perhaps it is difficult to name a monument more replicated in cinema, advertising and print: the profiles of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln turned into portraits of aliens in Mars Attacks, decorated the cover of Deep Purple's In Rock album and, of course, were repeatedly destroyed in all sorts of films. disasters. Not surprisingly, more than 2 million visitors to the national park take selfies against the backdrop of Mount Rushmore a year. But this is not the only thing worth doing here: we definitely recommend admiring the amazing night illumination of sculptures, visit the villages of the Indians of the three tribes and look at the Sculptors of the Rocks cafe.
 |
| Mount Rushmore |
A bit of history and geography
Mount Rushmore is one of the peaks of the Black Hills in South Dakota. The area was discovered by the American businessman and expedition enthusiast Charles Rushmore in 1885. Seeing the picturesque rock massif, the patron decided to immortalize portraits of the four most significant, from his point of view, US presidents on its slopes, while reminding them of the values that each of them brought to life a simple American.
The work on carving profiles was carried out for 14 years from 1927 to 1941, and, despite the huge construction period, cost only 1 million USD. It is noteworthy that in the most difficult conditions not one of the 400 carvers suffered, although the work was carried out at a high altitude. The profiles of the presidents are 18 m high.
 |
| Mount Rushmore |
Interestingly, the head of Theodore Roosevelt is located in the depths of the rock, since the dynamite explosion broke off a larger piece of rock than originally calculated.
The composition of Mount Rushmore was done by 400 carvers over 14 years.
What to see
The profiles of the four US presidents are, without a doubt, the main attraction of Mount Rushmore National Park and one of the most photographed places in the country. Once in front of the sculptural composition, be sure to appreciate the jewelery in the execution of monumental portraits, in which every feature of the face of the great Americans is read. Especially grandiose profiles look in the rays of skilful night illumination - therefore, you should definitely stay in the park until evening twilight.
However, Mount Rushmore is not the only noteworthy attraction in the park. You can get to know the way of life and traditions of the indigenous people of these lands in the villages of the heritage of the Dakota, Lakota and Makota Indians. Here you can visit their homes, see household items, interiors and clothing, as well as communicate with representatives of the peoples. It is also worth visiting the museum, which tells about the work on the monument, flora and fauna of the park. Every 20 minutes, a documentary on the sculpting of Mount Rushmore is screened.
 |
| Mount Rushmore |
Practical information
Address: USA, South Dakota, Rapid City, Mount Rushmore National Park. Web site
Mount Rushmore National Park is open from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm from March 13th to September 30th and until 9:00 pm during the rest of the year. Night illumination operates from sunset until 21:00 or 23:00, depending on the season.
The entrance to the park is free. 10 USD is charged for parking the car.