To truly understand the significance of Mount Rushmore, you have to start with the man responsible for carving it: Gutzon Borglum.
Mount Rushmore is an important part of our nation’s history, but to really immerse yourself in the story and creation of the memorial, you have to understand the man behind it. Here at the Rushmore Borglum Story, you’ll learn all about him, and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for both him and the monument he created. Few men had the vision required for a project like Mount Rushmore, but Gutzon Borglum was one-of-a-kind.
Contact Info
- (605) 666-4448
- 342 Winter St, Keystone, SD 57751
- Open daily from May through early October
The Man Behind the Mountain
Gutzon Borglum will always be remembered for creating Mount Rushmore, but his mark on history is deeper than just the four faces on the mountain. At one point he had more statues in our nation’s capital than anyone else, and his work can still be seen at government buildings, universities, and parks around the country. Discover the lasting legacy of his work by exploring our exhibits; you can even sit with a president on our replica of Borglum’s famous sculpture, The Seated Lincoln.
Our museum starts by taking you through his history and career prior to Mount Rushmore. Borglum was a well-known and talented sculptor for years prior to his arrival in South Dakota. You’ll learn about his family and upbringing, the beginnings of his career in the art world, and the distinguished works he created, and the famous people he called his friends.
When Borglum moved west, he was already in his fifties. Why would he start a project like Mount Rushmore toward the end of his life? He had a passion for creating art that was uniquely American, and wanted to memorialize American achievements for future generations. When he saw the future location of Mount Rushmore, he declared: “America will march along that skyline.”
A Day in the Life
Once you’ve been introduced to the man, our museum will take you through a day on the face of Mount Rushmore. Ride a cable car to the top of the mountain, shimmy down the rock face in a bosun’s chair, and watch the faces come to life. You’ll learn about the tools they used on the mountain, and even get to stand next to an exact replica of President Lincoln’s eye as it appears on Mount Rushmore.
We’re more than just a museum; we’re an experience you’ll remember for years to come. Your tour with us includes:
Immersive displays with a personal audio device and headset
An exclusive newsreel movie showing a Mount Rushmore blast
A curated gallery filled with stories, mystique, and romance
An attentive staff of Borglum experts to answer all of your questions
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the largest stone carvings in the world, and also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. However, to truly understand the significance of Mount Rushmore, you have to start with the man responsible for carving it: Gutzon Borglum.
Our museum starts by taking you through his history and career prior to Mount Rushmore. Borglum was a well-known and talented sculptor for years prior to his arrival in South Dakota. You’ll learn about his family and upbringing, the beginnings of his career in the art world, and the distinguished works he created, and the famous people he called his friends.
When Borglum moved west, he was already in his fifties. Why would he start a project like Mount Rushmore toward the end of his life? He had a passion for creating art that was uniquely American, and wanted to memorialize American achievements for future generations. When he saw the future location of Mount Rushmore, he declared: “America will march along that skyline.”
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Complimentary Wheelchairs
- Self-guided Audio Tour
- Large Gift Shop
- Ample Parking
