We decided to check out Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial the same day. Both of these are only a few miles apart.
Mount Rushmore is free to enter but $10 to park. They do offer people 62 and up a half price parking deal.
Interesting facts about Mount Rushmore you may or may not know:
- There’s a secret room behind Lincolns head that is 70′ long. Stored there are 16 panels explaining the history of the United States and Mount Rushmore. The room is meant as a time capsule and is not open to the public.
- The design of the carving changed a few times. At one time, Susan B. Anthony was suppose to be carved and President Jefferson was originally suppose to be on the right side of President Washington, but was moved to Washington’s left because the rocks would not hold the carving on the other side.
- President Roosevelt’s glasses only include the bridge and the edges of the lenses, creating an illusion.
- Approximately 450 tons of stone were blasted and carved and the monument cost just under $1M in 1941 with a $40M renovation in 1991.
- Mount Rushmore is actually not finished. The presidents were originally suppose to have bodies (to the waist) but the sculptor died, funding ran out, and Mount Rushmore was left incomplete.
I didn’t have a clue what this sign meant so Mr. Google helped me out. From the NPS.gov website…..
Public Assemblies
Demonstration groups of 25 or fewer people are exempt from filing a first amendment permit unless outlined in 36 CFR 2.51. Notification to the superintendent is recommended, but not required. First Amendment activities will not interfere with other permitted demonstrations, special events or park program activities.
When you leave Mount Rushmore, if you turn right on 240, you’ll see a sign that says Profile. There’s a pull off and you get a perfect profile of President Washington.
Next Post will be our trip to Crazy Horse Memorial.