Mount Rushmore – June 2025

Mount Rushmore – June 2025

by Kim · Published June 23, 2025 · Updated July 28, 2025

Mount Rushmore – June 2025

Mount Rushmore National Monument, which is located in the beautiful Black Hills, is definitely worth the drive from Texas. The idea of creating such a sculpture was dreamed up in 1923 by South Dakota historian Doane Robinson. He wanted to find a way to attract tourists to the state. It worked. Mount Rushmore is now visited by nearly 3 million people annually. Dale and I visited four times while we were there!

The project cost $989,992.32 and took 14 years.

The viewing platform.

The Presidential Trail provided many viewpoints and information.

Washington even looks good from below!

Lakota teepees were on display.

The lighting ceremony started just at dusk.

The crowds leave after the lighting ceremony.

Great shot of the presidents after the lights were turned on.

The stars of the show.

The ice cream at the Mount Rushmore Cafe was delicious!

Bosun chairs and 3/8-inch-thick steel cables lowered drillers and finishers down the 500-foot face of the mountain.

I don't think I'd be sitting here.

A team of more than 400 men did the actual carving. Remarkably, no one died during construction.

South Dakota commissioned Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum to complete the project.

We passed this unique, three-tier bridge every time we go to Mount Rushmore.

Mount Rushmore selfie. 🙂

Our last photo with the presidents before leaving South Dakota.

Sharing a meal of chicken tenders under the watchful eye of the presidents.

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