Mount Rushmore National Memorial
add photosMount Rushmore National Memorial is America's beloved monument of the Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
22 Reviews for Mount Rushmore National Memorial
106
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'10, '12
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"Bucket list item, for sure!"
One place that was a must on our list as we traveled across to Minnesota, was Mt. Rushmore. None of us had ever been and it was something we knew we would regret, if we didn't do it. Especially since we were in the neighborhood.
Along the highway, we got to see a few Big Horn Sheep wandering around to start with. They were actually stopping traffic (both by standing in the road and also so people could take pictures). Watch your speed in the area, just in case. We came around a corner and there they were!
As it was the off-season (we were there the end of October), the crowds were very light. Parking was no problem. We did learn they did not accept the National Park Pass (I understand an independent group runs their parking lot, and they collect the money, so...).
As we walked up we were awed by the scale of it all. The gorgeous weather helped, although it was quite chilly (didn't keep the lad from asking for ice cream on the way out though!). They had all of the state flags flying, and we were able to find Oregon pretty quickly.
We walked right up to the viewing area and were able to get lots of pictures before we noticed a guide calling people over. We joined a group and listened to the history and the tales of the building of one of our countries greatest treasures (I also learned the folks in South Dakota figured out early on, how to get people to come and how to sell just about anything to us outsiders...there are roughly 157 'Wall Drug' signs between the Minnesota Boarder and Wall Drug, so it must be good, right?!). The tour guide was fantastic and even though we hadn't considered doing a tour to begin with, we were glad to have done it.
There is also a very nice visitor center with lots of information and artifacts from the construction. It is all very interesting.
I would definitely recommend checking this out if you haven't had the chance.
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"Must stop!!"
Mt. Rushmore doesn't have a whole lot of frills, but it is an amazing work of art that represents the spirit of our country. I remember being very impressed with the giant carvings even as a young child and would recommend the stop to families with kids of any age, although older kids who can read will get more out of the Ranger programs, historic information & facts presented in the visitor's centers.
A few short hikes get you closer to the action and away from the crowds and are well worth the time investment. A small gift shop and restaurant are open year-round in case you get some hunger pains while visiting.
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"All I can say is WOW"
This is a great expeirence. You are completely wow'd when you learn about how the presidents were carved out of the mountain. You learn about how long it took and what equipment that they used. Then you get to take a little hike around the bottom area of the mountain. Every night when it gets dark they have a little movie about the story and they have a musician that plays the national anthem with a light show. It is very chilling and makes you really feel patriotic.
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"One Word.....AMAZING"
My parents and I took my six year old son to Mount Rushmore last September. One word sums it up...AMAZING! It was one of the most beautiful, amazing things I've ever seen. I had been teaching my little boy about the presidents and it was really an informative trip for him. He loved the guided walking tour. The walkway with the flags was beautiful! It was a fun and educational trip. Admission was free, but we did have to pay to park.
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"So much more than you'd expect..."
I've been here twice with my family and it always amazes me on how those faces were carved into that rock, they are massive! There is a walkway leading up to the 'main viewing area' lined with all the flags of the 50 states. It is a very patriotic place to visit and learn how these presidents impacted our futures. This is a great place for kids to go because there is learning and fun involved. Bring the camera, your kids will want to have a keepsake of their first trip here to show their kids when they get older. Plus, there are many other attractions near by giving you a full days worth of things to do.
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"Really enjoyed the history lesson"
Our whole family enjoyed visiting Mt. Rushmore. Some of the history is above the heads of very young children, but the massive stone carvings will be remembered anyway. We also had some of the best ice cream EVER at the monument, and we all remember that too!
1 family found this helpful
"Offseason = Great for Kids"
We want to be able to tell our kids that we took them to as many of our nations monuments as we could and Mount Rushmore was about the furthest out of the way we could go. Instead of going during the crowded summer season, we opted for late fall, and with kids, that's probably the best move we made. In mid-October, the fall weather and leaves are beautiful, and the town of Keystone is pretty empty. Most stores are even closed, but we didn't feel like we were missing out. Instead of waiting in traffic on winding roads, we drove right up to the memorial and parked the car without any hassle. The kids had the place to themselves and after a 600 mile car drive they were happy to run around. It is truly a spectacular moment and a great feeling to see such a great piece of art honoring our nation's early founders!
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"Must see!"
Mount Rushmore is one of the places in the U.S. you should visit at least once. It is really amazing! It seems unreal how one person can do such a huge thing! We did not have much time when we went there. We just took some pictures with the Mount and did not go close to the monument. However, we had a chance to go to the Borglum Historical Center in Keystone, SD day before. It was really nice to know the history of the mount as well as some info about the person who carved it.
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"Truly Amazing"
You will never regret choosing this as an activity. Our family was awed, inspired, and had a wonderful time. If you are considering this place, the answer to whether to go or not should be a resounding YES!!! The trail paths to the mountain were fun, lots of great photo opportunities, wonderful gift shop items, and guided tours available.
We would love to go again!
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"FINALLY MADE IT"
MY MOM,KIDS AND I FINALLY WERE ABLE TO SEE MOUNT RUSHMORE . A HISTORICAL PLACE THAT WE HAVE SEEN ONLY IN THE MOVIES OR READ ABOUT IN BOOKS. MY KIDS WERE TICKLED PINK TO LOOK UP AT 4 OF OUR LATE PRESIDENT'S HEADS. WE TOOK AT LOT OF PICTURES. NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THE REAL EXPERIENCE AND LUCKILY BEFORE WE LEFT, A FRIEND'S HUSBAND TOLD US TO WAIT UNTIL NIGHT TO SEE IT. WE STAYED AND SAW THE BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY AND LIGHTS BEAMED ON THE HEADS OF THE PRESIDENTS. IT WAS BREATH-TAKING. EVERY TIME WE SEE MOUNT RUSHMORE, MY KIDS AND I CAN SAY THAT WE HAVE BEEN THERE.
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"Love, love, love this place"
Yes - you'll need a stroller and patience if you've got young ones. Because they don't get it - yet! But, if you're going, go a night. The evening allows the cool of the day to hit and the park rangers give a brief 'discussion' on the monument. They also salute the various branches of the armed forces. It's very moving. We went shortly after 9/11 so things were still a bit tender, but it was beautiful none the less.
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"Mount Rushmore"
As far as national parks go, I really enjoyed this one. I love the fact that of course, you only have to pay for parking your vehicle. Bring a good stroller if you have young children. Our children are a tad young, under 4, to appreciate the significance of this park and they enjoyed other activities that we did in South Dakota far more than this stop, but I would definitely visit again when the children get a little older.
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"It's amazing!"
You will definitely be amazed with this one! Mt Rushmore is definitely worth visiting! It's an amazing hike with a historical delight! Every bend and turn has another fun fact just waiting to be discovered! Wear comfy gear...it's a workout for sure, but well worth the effort!
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"Do it all!"
Don't let the title fool you, I did enjoy seeing Mt Rushmore. It is definately something I think everybody should do at least once in their life. But I expected something more.
On my first visit we only saw the monument. We didn't go on any of the trails, or go to the museum. So it was about a 20 minute trip for us, and I left disappointed.
We have since been back a few times. The best thing I have seen was the fireworks on the July 4th. It was completely spectacular. But if you are going to do that, I recommend it without the children. The monument is extremely crowded and you have to get there very early to get a seat.
The museum was great. It gives great history of not only the monument but of the Black Hills.
My favorite thing by far though, was the trails. We were able to get really up close to the monument as well as get a glimpse of the beautiful scenery. The one trail we took the kids on was even a board walk type with rails so the kids could go off a little ways without me having to get too worried (never out of my sight though.) We were even able to get up close to quite a few of the big horn sheep that roam around the are. That trail led us to the sculptor's studio, which was really great to see.
At the monument they also offer headsets for a guided tour, for a small fee. A great gift shop, a lovely resturaunt with good food, and ICE CREAM!
So while it wasn't everything I was expecting initially, it has turned out to be really great! I highly recommend it. Just try and make it one of the only things you do that day, because if you take it everything about it you will be greatly please!
Oh and just a little side note. The parking pass is what you pay for, they like to tell you the monument is fee. Either way, the season pass is going up to $11 this year.
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"Amazing!"
This is a must see place for everyone! Absolutely amazing and breath taking. I suggest going at night when they light up the mountain. It's very emotional and is an experience all in itself. The gift shops were quite reasonably priced, which was nice.
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"Great Family Fun!"
This place is full of history and awe. From the actual people who are on the side of the mountain, to the history of the people who built it and carved it, it is very awe inspiring. The area is very well kept, and the facilities are well kept as well. It is very family friendly, but also a place you will want to bring a stroller for your young children!
1 family found this helpful
"Mt Rushmore is worth the visit!"
We visited Mt Rushmore last summer and it was definitely worth the visit. The drive out there is really stunning, the admission is only $10/vehicle, and it's got a lot of significance as a national monument so it was great to take the kids there. We took a walk on the path that goes down under the monument and that part was especially nice. Most of the crowd stays up at the viewing area so we got out of the main part of the crowd and got to see a different view so it was really nice!
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"An American Memorial that every family should visit"
Nestled back in the beautiful Black HIlls is a memorial to four US presidents that had important impacts on our nations. It is exciting to see something that you have seen pictures of your entire life and viewing Mt Rushmore in person is no exception. When kids see those 60 foot faces for themselves, they will start asking questions about the men carved in granite. There are a couple short trails around the monument and a wonderful visitors center.
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"Neat"
We had a great time visiting Mt Rushmore. It is really neat to see the history and the great time and effort that went into making it. It is a great history lesson for older children. There is really not much to do here except see the monument, but it is magnificent.
1 family found this helpful
"night faces"
you have seen a picture of these faces at least once in your life. It is good to see at day time also but I like to see them with light up in dark. Less people visiting compare to day time and you may have some nice shot with them without people around.
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