Mt. Rushmore, the most popular site in all of South Dakota,
has been standing 23 miles south of Rapid City for nearly a century.
A large structure of granite carved by Gutzom Borglum back in
the 1920's, this popular tourist attraction has been a wonder
to all. On-site of the Memorial, is a sculpting studio that explains
the procedures Gutzom Borglum took to carve out the 60-foot busts.
The busts are of the presidents that have had the biggest impact
on the development and growth of the United States of America.
The presidents engraved in this large granite face are (from left
to right), George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt,
and Abraham Lincoln.
The park is found in the Black Hills National Park in Western South Dakota. At the turn of the 1990's, the park was in dire need of remodeling. In 1998, a huge reconstruction plan was orchestrated by a team of architects to build a new parking facility, new information facilities, gift shop, restaurant, theater, and trails. Some of these trails will lead viewers right underneath the heads of the presidents, through a stretch of wooden bridges. Other trails lead nature lovers through portions of the park to view the breathtaking landscape of the massive pine forest. Every night at exactly 9:00 P.M., the lighting of the faces can be seen from the ampitheater, which is a spectacle that all will enjoy.
Every year, on July 4th, Mount Rushmore has a magnificent fireworks display right over the faces. This spectacle is something that all should see. At least that is what we thought. Since it only happens once a year, we decided to make it last. Check the Photo Gallery for more pictures the Mount Rushmore and the Fireworks.
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