Mount Rushmore, located in the North American Plains mountain range, is a renowned landmark in South Dakota, USA. This colossal sculpture stands at an elevation of approximately 5,725 feet (1,745 meters) above sea level. Carved into the granite face of the mountain are the heads of four influential American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The memorial measures about 60 feet (18 meters) in height and is a popular tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.
During the winter season, the North American Plains mountain range, including Mount Rushmore, experiences a relatively moderate snowpack range. The region typically receives an average annual snowfall of around 40 inches (101 cm). This snowpack can accumulate from late November through early April. The runoff from the melting snow primarily feeds into nearby creeks, such as Grizzly Bear Creek and French Creek, as well as into the Belle Fourche River.
The name "Mount Rushmore" pays homage to New York lawyer Charles E. Rushmore, who visited the area in the 1880s. However, it wasn't until the early 1920s that sculptor Gutzon Borglum and a team of workers began the ambitious project of carving the presidential heads into the mountain. Over the years, Mount Rushmore has become a symbol of American identity and national pride. It is not only a testament to the country's history but also an awe-inspiring sight that showcases the remarkable skill and dedication of its creators.
Camping Area | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers |
---|---|---|---|---|
Grace Coolidge - Custer State Park | 25 | |||
Blue Bell - Custer State Park | 35 | |||
Game Lodge - Custer State Park | 60 | |||
Stockade Lake N - Custer State Park | 35 | |||
Center Lake - Custer State Park | 70 | |||
Elk Mountain - Wind Cave National Park | 75 | |||
Angostura State Rec Area | 170 | |||
Bismarck Lake | 23 | |||
Cottonwood Springs | ||||
Rifle Pit |