Explore
Discover the history and creation of the mountain carving.
Mount Rushmore features three primary cultural areas that detail the monument's construction and local history. You can view the original scale models, watch a 14-minute documentary film, and learn about the region's Native American communities.
45 mins
Located directly below the Grand View Terrace, this visitor center explains the monument's carving process. It features a 14-minute introductory film and extensive historical exhibits. Visit this center to understand the massive scale of the project and how workers used dynamite to shape the faces.
20 minsSummer ranger talks
This is the historic workspace where sculptor Gutzon Borglum refined his plaster model of the mountain. The original model displayed here is 1/12 the size of the final 60-foot granite faces. If you visit during the summer, attend a 15-minute ranger talk here to hear stories about the workers.
20 minsLate May to Sept
This area sits along the first section of the Presidential Trail. It highlights the customs and traditions of local Native American communities. The village is open from late May through September, providing authentic storytelling and historical context.
