Il Monte Rushmore (Mount Rushmore National Memorial) it is one of the most important national monuments in the United States. Also known as the "Shrine of Democracy", it is one of the most famous and well-known symbols of America. This impressive marble sculpture is located near the city of Rapid City in the state of South Dakota. The monument represents four of the most important presidents in American history.
Le marble sculptures carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore were made by the artist and sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and were created to trace the country's 150-year history. The 4 faces of the presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore are 18 meters tall and represent George Washington (1732-1799), Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) and Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865).
Mount Rushmore has often gone by background to many movies Americans and commercials. The memorial covers an area of over 5 km² and is located at 1745 meters above sea level. It is operated by the National Park Service, which is dependent on the Department of the Interior. Over 2 million visitors visit the memorial every year.
Opening time
The park is open tutti i giorni of the year. In summertime opening hours are from 8:00 in the morning to 22:00 in the evening. In winter reduced hours are available until 17:00 in the afternoon.
Admission price
There is no entry fee to Mont Rushmore park, admission is free for everyone. However, since the area is reached by car, it is necessary to pay the parcheggio which at the time of this writing is $ 10 a day.
How to reach us
The most convenient way to get to and from Mount Rushmore is by car. L'airport closest is Rapid City Regional Airport about 20 minutes by car. However, as public transport is scarce, it is advisable to rent a car.
La strada leading to Mount Rushmore National Memorial is Highway 244. If you are on I-90, take the Rapid City exit and follow US Highway 16 to Keystone, from where you can take Highway 244. If arriving from the south you must travel north on Highway 385 first, then Highway 244.
What to see in its vicinity
This region has the highest concentration of parks, monuments, and memorials in the United States, qualifying the Black Hills and badlands as more than a stop on the way to the huge national parks of western Montana and Wyoming.
If you have time, your list, besides Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, should include the Crazy horse memorial, Deadwood e Custer State Park. Sure, you can see Southwest South Dakota's highlights in 24 or 48 hours, but if you spend five days or more here you'll be amply rewarded.
