Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [54]
The untiring effort of the Borglums and their determined cadre of influential supporters resulted in a work of art for the ages. George Washington, the most prominent figure in the group, symbolizes the birth of a republic founded on the principle of individual liberty; Thomas Jefferson, who managed to fund the Louisiana Purchase and balance the federal budget, signifies the growth of the United States; Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator, imparts the strength of character responsible for preserving the union in the throes of the bloody Civil War; and Theodore Roosevelt, the "Trust Buster" and friend of the common man, embodies the American spirit of independence, strength, and a love of the rugged wilderness.
Avoiding the Crowds. Mount Rushmore is very popular. Peak visitation is during June, July, and August. The best time to visit is September and October, with April and May as alternatives. Although spring months can be wet and cold, the Black Hills' dry weather patterns make fall visits ideal. The varied mix of trees and plant life in the alpine meadows and creek-carved canyons also makes the Black Hills a popular destination for avid "leaf-peepers."
If possible, view the sculpture at daybreak, when the golden orb of the sun crawls out of the morning mist of the badlands. Few vacationers are stirring at sunrise, making it among the best times to enjoy a more contemplative and less crowded experience. And there may be no finer setting for breakfast than the park's Buffalo Dining Room, which affords a commanding view of the presidents.
ESSENTIALS
Visitor Center. Mount Rushmore is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The
Information Center, just inside the entrance to the memorial, is open daily (except Dec 25) from 8am to 5pm in winter, and 8am to 10pm in the summer. The Lincoln Borglum Museum maintains the same hours and features some of the best views of the sculptures. The outstanding museum contains 5,200 square feet of exhibits, a bookstore operated by the Mount Rushmore History Association, and two 125-seat theaters. One interactive display features the dynamite blasting used to carve the mountain. This is an educational experience not to be missed.
Fees. Mount Rushmore remains one of the few popular parks that have managed to avoid an entrance fee. However, you will have to pay an $8 fee for an annual parking pass, which funds the parking structure at the memorial. National Park, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access passes are not accepted for the parking fee, but because it's an annual ticket, you can come back later for no extra charge.
Special Regulations & Warnings. Visitor access is prohibited within a restricted area around the Mount Rushmore sculpture. In other areas of the park, rock climbing and hiking are permitted.
Useful Publications. The National Park Service has a number of informational pamphlets and other materials at the Information Center as you enter the memorial. The bookstore in the Lincoln Borglum Museum sells a variety of books, maps, and videos.
IF YOU HAVE ONLY 1 DAY
Unlike many of the larger national park units in the country, at Rushmore a complete visit may be accomplished in 2 to 3 hours. Even with its repertoire of interpretive exhibits, trails, cultural events, and theaters, the park can be fully explored and appreciated in a fraction of the time many of its western counterparts demand.
Particularly in the high-visitation summer months, the best position for the park is the beginning or end of a visitor's daily itinerary. Excellent light at daybreak, coupled with the scenic setting and great breakfasts in the Buffalo Dining Room, make Mount Rushmore hard to beat as the first stop of the day. The patriotic