Mt. Rushmore (Rapid City, South Dakota)

Mount Rushmore has been on our list of places to visit for a long time. The kids are grown and have moved out, so now was the time.

Take I-90 to Rapid City and get off at the I-190 south exit. It is well marked as the Mt. Rushmore exit. This takes you onto a nice four lane highway that in a short time dumps you onto the traffic jammed streets of Rapid City. But don't worry. Stay on Rt. 16 (watch for the left turn shortly after leaving the four lane) and you'll soon be out of the city and then Mt. Rushmore is only about 30 minutes away.

There is no entrance fee at Mt. Rushmore, but it does cost $11 to park your car.

Mt. Rushmore is impressive and beautiful. If you have 30 minutes, hike the short loop trail that starts on both the right and left side of the viewing terrace. It brings you closer to the base of Mt. Rushmore as well as bringing you to the artist's studio.

I suggest you visit the artist's studio and stay to hear the ranger talk that is given in the studio. You'll learn some interesting information about Mt. Rushmore, including learning about the most serious accident that took place during the sculpting. There were no fatalities, but it is a very interesting story. Plus you'll learn about the hidden hall of records.

The artist's studio also includes the 1/12 scale model used to create Mt. Rushmore (shown to the right). The model shows what the finished sculpture was supposed to look like.

You can see everything at Mt. Rushmore in about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you like to spend in gift shops.

I do recommend staying away from the restaurant Mt. Rushmore. The food is pre-cooked, dried out and expensive. The ice cream in the snack shop is okay, but the lines can be long.

Visit the Mt. Rushmore web site for more information.