Instagram story viewer> @mountrushmorenps> Posts

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

@mountrushmorenps

14.9K

followers

127

following

Official account for Mount Rushmore National Memorial. #MountRushmore #ShareMORU #MyRushmoreExperience

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

As summer draws to a close, we invite you to join us for the final evening program of the year at the Mount Rushmore amphitheater. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a meaningful night beneath the sculpture as we wrap up the season.

Beginning October 1, the Visitor Center and Information Center will be open from 8 am to 6 pm. The Sculptor’s Studio has closed for the season. If you are planning a visit, please take a moment to review our updated hours so you can make the most of your time at the memorial. A close-up view of one of the carved presidential faces on Mount Rushmore, illuminated by warm evening light. The sculpture is framed by rugged rock formations and silhouetted pine trees against a clear blue sky. by @mountrushmorenps

179

4

16 days ago

106

0

23 days ago

The Junior Ranger Program is fun for all ages. Whether you are a Junior Ranger Trainee (ages 4 and under), a Junior Ranger (ager 5-12) or a Rushmore Ranger (ages 13 and up), you are guaranteed to have a blast! Through the activities you will be learning all about the history of Mount Rushmore as well as the nature surrounding you in the Black Hills.

If you get stuck, just ask a park ranger for help. At the end of all your hard work you will get a cool badge to show off and brag about to your friends and family at home while teaching them all the fun things you learned on your trip!

NPS Photo A person holds up a Mount Rushmore Junior Ranger booklet and a Junior Ranger badge in the foreground. The booklet features illustrated portraits of the four carved faces on Mount Rushmore. Behind the items, the granite mountain and its large carved faces rise against a cloudy sky, with pine trees scattered along the lower slopes. by @mountrushmorenps

152

0

2 months ago

For Freedom Friday during National Park Week, Mount Rushmore offers an opportunity to reflect on how the ideas of freedom and national identity have evolved throughout our history.

The four presidential figures carved into the mountain represent distinct moments in the development of the United States. George Washington helped establish the nation’s foundational principles. Thomas Jefferson supported its growth through the Louisiana Purchase. Abraham Lincoln worked to preserve the Union during the Civil War. Theodore Roosevelt advanced the country’s progress through initiatives such as negotiating the Panama Canal treaty.

Each leader contributed in different ways to shaping the nation and its ongoing pursuit of freedom.

How do these moments in our nation’s history shape your own understanding of freedom today?

NPS Photo

#NationalParkWeek View of the Mount Rushmore sculpture framed by large rock formations and pine tree branches, with all four carved faces visible against a bright blue sky. by @mountrushmorenps

405

3

2 months ago

Fire management, carried out in coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, plays an essential role in protecting the 433 National Park Service sites nationwide by reducing fire risk and responding when wildfires occur. This work is particularly important at Mount Rushmore, where much of the surrounding landscape is characterized by ponderosa pine forests.

With support from local firefighting agencies and teams from across the country, Mount Rushmore remains a place where visitors can experience both the sculpture and the natural scenery of the Black Hills.

Today, we recognize and honor the firefighters who help safeguard Mount Rushmore and all public lands. Their continued dedication is vital to the protection of these resources and the visitors who enjoy them.

Thank you to all firefighters for your service.

Caption: Firefighters work on a prescribed burn at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in October 2025.

NPS Photo/ A. Rimstidt

#NationalParkWeek #ThankfulThursday Two firefighters in yellow protective gear stand beside an NPS Fire truck while spraying water on a small roadside wildfire. Smoke rises from burning grass and branches along the road, with pine trees and rocky hills visible in the background. by @mountrushmorenps

58

0

2 months ago

Of the approximately 2.5 million visitors who come to Mount Rushmore National Memorial each year, the only ones able to move freely across the sculpture, including the carved faces, are the mountain goats.

Mountain goats can navigate the steep rock surfaces of Rushmore thanks to the structure of their hooves, which provide stability on sharp angles. Their hoof pads increase traction, and their cloven hooves help distribute their grip across uneven rock. They also have dewclaws on the back of their feet that help prevent slipping when climbing slopes reaching about 60 degrees.

Spotting mountain goats at Mount Rushmore or elsewhere in the Black Hills is relatively uncommon. The current population traces back to six goats that escaped from the Custer State Park Zoo in the 1920s. After moving into the Black Elk Peak area, their numbers gradually increased. There is now a healthy population in Spearfish Canyon as well.

NPS Photo

#NationalParkWeek #WatchWildlifeWednesday by @mountrushmorenps

316

2

2 months ago

The National Park Service celebrates its 110th anniversary today!

Thanks to the foresight of leaders such as Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, the United States now protects a wide range of national parks, monuments, and memorials for the public to enjoy. As you explore Mount Rushmore or any public land, this anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of conserving natural and cultural resources so that you and your family can continue to experience them for generations to come.

NPS Photo/ A. Rimstidt

#NationalParkWeek #NPSBirthday Close-up view of Theodore Roosevelt's carved face on Mount Rushmore, showing detailed stone features against a bright blue sky, with part of a pine tree visible along the bottom right edge. by @mountrushmorenps

1k

16

2 months ago

A lot of movement was involved in bringing the sculptor’s vision to life at Mount Rushmore. For this America in Motion Monday, we are taking a closer look at the tram system that helped keep the carving going.

About halfway through the project, a tram line was installed that stretched from the top of Roosevelt’s head to a landing platform near the Sculptor’s Studio. The concrete platform is still visible today. The tram made it much easier and safer to move tools and supplies to the top of the mountain.

Workers were allowed to ride the tram, but most chose to take the stairs because it was a faster way to get on and off the mountain.

NPS Photo

#NationalParkWeek #AmericainMotionMonday Gutzon Borglum (right) and a member of staff (left) riding in the tram car that went to the top of Mount Rushmore. In the background are five workers working on Thomas Jefferson's face. Two workers are sitting in bosun chairs dangling off the side of the mountain and working on Jefferson's chin. Two workers are in a support basket working on Jefferson's lips. One worker is standing on scaffolding stairs behind Jefferson's nose. by @mountrushmorenps

204

2

2 months ago

Across the country, large-scale construction efforts often involve significant risks, and fatalities are not uncommon. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, however, is notable for its remarkably safe record.

From the start of carving on October 4th, 1927, to the end of the project on October 31st, 1941, none of the over 400 workers died during Mount Rushmore's carving process. This is especially impressive when you consider that about 90% of the estimated 450,000 tons of granite rubble sitting below the sculpture was removed with dynamite. In order to safely use the dynamite, workers would cut the dynamite to specific lengths, earning them the title of "powder men," and set the sticks in a detonator with copper caps and wires to allow for detonation from a safe distance. After setting the explosives, crews were lifted in bosun chairs by a winch to avoid exposure during detonation. Additional safety was provided by “call boys,” who relayed messages between the workers on the mountain face and the winch operators, helping coordinate movements and reduce risk.

NPS Photo

#NationalParkWeek #SafetySunday Two powdermen preparing dynamite for rock removal at Mount Rushmore. In front of the men sits two boxes labeled "High Explosives Dangerous I.C.C.-14" by @mountrushmorenps

31

0

2 months ago

69

0

2 months ago

As the days get a little shorter, so do our hours! These updated times will stay in place through September 30. Whether you are catching the evening program, exploring exhibits, or stepping inside the historic Sculptor's Studio, we've got you covered. It's a great time to experience the Memorial in a whole new light.

Evening Lighting Program: Begins at 8:00 pm
Visitor Center & Information Center: Open 8:00 am- 9:00 pm
Sculptor's Studio: Open 8:00 am- 4:00 pm

NPS Photo/ A. Rimstidt A wide view of a granite mountain featuring four large carved faces, lit by warm early sunlight. Pine trees fill the foreground, and the sky is clear and blue above the sculpture. by @mountrushmorenps

290

0

2 months ago

Evening Program time Update- Starting Monday, August 10th
As summer days get shorter, the sun is setting earlier which means we’re adjusting the start time of Mount Rushmore’s Evening Lighting Ceremony.
Beginning Monday, August 10, the Evening Program will start at 8:00 p.m. instead of 9:00 p.m.
This helps ensure the program aligns with sunset so you can enjoy the full lighting experience at just the right moment.
📅 New Start Time:
🕗 8:00 p.m. nightly beginning August 10 - September 30th.
We look forward to sharing this special experience with you. See you under the evening sky at the Memorial!

NPS Photo/ A. Rimstidt by @mountrushmorenps

119

1

2 months ago