The Grand Canyon. Niagara Falls. Old Faithful. They are the vacation destinations that define a childhood. What's magical about these spots, we've discovered, is that no matter how many times you see them in photographs, or read about them or view them on TV, they still blow you away in real life. Indeed, visiting them may well be the closest experience the modern American family has to an ancient pilgrimage. So in that spirit, we present a grand, sculpted wonder your family will remember for a lifetime, Mount Rushmore, located in Keystone, South Dakota. (For other classic family vacations, click on the following links: the Grand Canyon, Old Faithful Geyser, Niagara Falls, and the Statue of Liberty.)
KEYSTONE, SOUTH DAKOTA
WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT: As the locals say, it's a chance to see the "four most famous guys in rock"--for those of you who don't recall, that would be presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. And, it's patriotic as all get-out: Mount Rushmore was created as a monument to the birth, growth, preservation and development of the United States of America. In truth, it's as much a monument to sculptor Gutzon Borglum, a determined man who shows kids what it really means to think big.BEST TIME TO GO: Mount Rushmore looks grand in any weather condition except a thick fog. And since the main activity at this national monument is a prolonged upward stare (and indoor museum visits), it doesn't much matter when you go. If you plan to explore the surrounding Black Hills area, aim for summer or fall; winter can be very cold and spring brings snowstorms. In summer, days are warm (usually in the 80s) and nights are cool (into the 40s).
TOURING STRATEGY: Mount Rushmore is a day trip, but to get the best of it, make it a long day. Unlike most of us, the presidents look best first thing in the morning, and sunrise is particularly flattering. After entering via the Information Center, you'll follow the Avenue of Flags (56, from all US states, districts and territories) from the concession building to Grandview Terrace, the main viewing platform. From there you can descend into the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum or walk the six-tenths-of-a-mile Presidential Trail to the base of the mountain for incredible views of the 60-foot heads above you. Plan on 45 minutes for the visitor center and museum; don't miss the 13-minute video, and do sign your kids up for the Junior Ranger program--it's particularly worth doing at Mount Rushmore. Also, in summer, check out the Sculptor's Studio, which showcases Borglum's carving tools and models. Midday, skip out on the crowds (see below for activity suggestions) and return to the monument around 8:30 P.M. to snag a seat in the giant amphitheater. There, a ranger talk begins at 9 P.M., followed by a movie, the singing of the national anthem and a ceremonial lighting of the sculpture.
BEST SIDE TRIPS: The Black Hills area offers countless excursions of the cultural, natural and sheer tacky fun variety. Check out the Crazy Horse Memorial and the Indian Museum of North America (admission is $19 per carload; call 605-673-4681) and summertime pow wows (check South Dakota Travel Information for a schedule). For natural wonders, drive the scenic roads in Custer State Park, where some 1,500 bison still roam (605-255-4515). Or hike, bike or ride horseback in the Black Hills National Forest, go spelunking at Jewel Cave National Monument (605-673-2288) or visit Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, which claims to have the world's largest collection of reptiles (800-335-0275). In the town of Hot Springs, Mammoth Site is an interactive archaeological dig with excellent family programming (605-745-6017); from there it's a short drive to Evans Plunge, where you can swim in a hot spring.
BEST SOUVENIR: Look for a Native American headdress.
KIDS' HIGHLIGHT: An exhibit at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and Museum where you can, by way of touch-screen video, blast your own chosen section of the mountain into smithereens.
BEST SPLURGE: At Custer State Park, take a jeep ride to get up close to the bison. Cost is $24 for adults and $20 per child ages 12 and under; rides are two hours long. Call 800-658-3530.
BEST LODGING: Hotels and motels abound in Rapid City (25 miles from Mount Rushmore) and in the closer towns of Keystone, Hill City and Custer. If you're excited to explore the outdoors, check out the hotels in Custer State Park: Sylvan Lake Resort, Blue Bell Lodge & Resort, State Game Lodge & Resort and Legion Lake Resort. Call 800-658-3530 or click here. Nightly rates begin at $90 for a room for four.
FACTS AND FIGURES:
Where it is: South of Rapid City, South Dakota.
Annual visitation: 2.7 million people.
Sculptor: Gutzon Borglum, who began the project in 1927 and worked on it until his death in March 1941. It was completed by his son seven months later.
Fun fact: Jefferson's face was originally on the left side of Washington's (as you look at the sculpture); it was moved to the right because of flaws in the rock.
Admission: Free, but you'll probably have to pay $8 to park--the small free lot fills quickly.
RESOURCES:
General Information: 605-574-2523.
Recommended guidebooks: Compass American Guides: South Dakota. Offers great reading on the state's frontier roots and current attractions.
Free vacation guide: Call 800-S-DAKOTA for information about lodging, attractions and restaurants.
Free visitors packet: Call 800-487-3223 to get one from the local chamber of commerce.
Web sites: National Park Service: Mount Rushmore or South Dakota Travel Information.
Rani Arbo is a frequent contributor to FAMILYFUN. Steve Dupuis and Curtis Rist contributed tips to this report.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
