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Badlands and Black Hills, United States
Photo: Dean Franklin, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a United States national memorial in the Black Hills of west South Dakota. This national icon features the monumental faces of four former Presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln – blasted and carved from the white rock of a mountain.
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(30 minutes) Led by a ranger to the base of the mountain carving, highlighting the natural and cultural history of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Programs are offered frequently each day throughout the summer months.
(15 minutes) Offered during the summer, this talk offers information about the tools and techniques used in the carving of the mountain sculpture.
(45 minutes, weather permitting) Rangers lead evening programs in the park's outdoor amphitheater focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation's history. Beginning with a ranger talk, this program continues with the film Freedom: America's Lasting Legacy and culminates in the lighting of the memorial.
(10-30 minutes) Along the first section of the Presidential Trail, this area highlights the customs and traditions of local American Indian communities.
The one food court, which serves unmemorable pizza, panini, and coffee in a large room with a fantastic view.
By road
South Dakota State Route 16 links Rapid City with Mount Rushmore.
The small space between the parking lot and the terrace is fully accessible.
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Rapid City · Regional · RAP
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