Mount Rushmore is a bucket list stop for most Americans. Our nation’s shrine of democracy features four men who were responsible for the founding, growth, preservation, and development of the United States. The memorial is one of the largest in the world, but there’s one person most people know little about: Gutzon Borglum, the man behind the mountain.
While Mount Rushmore National Memorial has a wealth of knowledge about the memorial and its carving, it doesn’t cover the entire backstory of its carver. The Rushmore Borglum Story, conveniently located just 10 minutes away from Mount Rushmore, tells the story of both the mountain and the man who carved it. From his humble beginnings to becoming an internationally recognized and sought after sculptor, Borglum’s entire life story is housed here.
Gutzon Borglum was a well-known sculptor in the United States prior to his work on Mount Rushmore, and his works can be seen around the country. At one point, he had the most statues of any artist in our nation’s capital, both inside government buildings and in green space throughout. He was also the first living sculptor to have a collection purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and was the original designer of Stone Mountain in Georgia. He was also, of course, the mastermind behind Mount Rushmore, which is South Dakota’s number one tourist attraction. While you’re at the Rushmore Borglum Story, you’ll be immersed in exhibits about Borglum’s life and his art. Don’t miss the chance to take a picture with a replica of one of his most famous sculptures, the Seated Lincoln.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy a well thought out museum, the Rushmore Borglum Story is a must-see during your stay here in Keystone. They’re located right in the middle of all the action, so you can easily add them to your itinerary no matter what your plans are. Check Mount Rushmore off your bucket list, but then come into town and learn the story of the man behind the mountain.