Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

In the three hours (or so) that we toured the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, I must have said, "This is amazing" a half dozen times.

This is a trip everybody should make.

Rushmore can be appreciated on several levels.  On a patriotic level, it's a national treasure; a celebration of four of our country's greatest leaders, commemorated in stone for the world to see.  That's not the only reason to visit Mt. Rushmore, though.  The monument can be appreciated as simply a triumph of human achievement.

The artistry and skill needed to undertake and complete such a task is mind-boggling.  Viewing the mountainside in person is a staggering experience.  It makes the visit to South Dakota, a place that for many people may seem like the middle-of-nowhere, a worthwhile and rewarding trip.

As for the grounds and activities, there is plenty to do to fill an afternoon.  We bought the audio tour (very affordable) to give us extra information on our walk along the Presidential Trail, a 0.6-mile walk around the base of the mountain and to designer/architect Gutzon Borglum's on-site studio.  There was also a small museum featuring information about the concept, the design, and the construction of the monument.


In the evening, there is a lighting ceremony.  Unfortunately, threatening thunderstorms chased us from the site and we missed the nighttime activities.

It's hard for me to express how truly moving and amazing it is to visit Mt. Rushmore.

-Rich