Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota

Perhaps you've seen this on the TV so many times! Yes, this famous granite mountainside carved with four of America's most well-known presidents- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln- is Mt. Rushmore. The mountain is renamed after Charles E. Rushmore, a prominent lawyer investigating mining claims in the Black Hills in 1885. Originally, the sculpture was meant to increase tourism in the Black Hill region and since then it has become an important historical spot.

The museum's vast collection will take you by surprise. This museum is perfect place for a family visit. There is so much to see and do in and around the museum that you can perhaps spend a whole day, enjoying a lot. The museum is primarily divided into four sections. The first section is a re-created 19th-Century Village, where you can see more than 30 old New England trade shops and businesses . As you stroll through the village, you will also find several historical buildings which are a home to many bustling maritime trades.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial sees almost three million visitors every year from all over the world. Over the decades, Mount Rushmore has been recognized as a symbol of America's freedom and democracy and a hope for people from all cultures and backgrounds. When visiting Mt. Rushmore, take some time to view the great biological diversity that this place offers. On a typical day you might see several different species of deer, mountain goats, chipmunks, turkey vultures and some wildflowers.

Besides, the memorial offers interpretive programs, exhibits and a film at the Lincoln Borglum Museum. Rangers provide guided tours. Every evening, the park's ampitheater hosts a Sculpture Lighting Ceremony, which is not to be missed!