I’ve always known I wanted to make American history a top priority for my children, and one of the best ways to do that when they’re young is to introduce them to our historic landmarks. That’s exactly what my husband and I have been doing over the last couple of years.
We know they don’t fully understand the significance of the Statue of Liberty or Liberty Bell right now, but we find it amazing when our children recall facts and information they’ve learned on our adventures – and it happens frequently.
Our latest historic monument visit was one that has been on my list of things to do since I was a child – visit Mount Rushmore. With the children in tow, we took a detour on our return from a family visit to Colorado and it was certainly worth the trip.
You can see Mount Rushmore from Highway 244. The official address is: 13000 Hwy 244 #81, Keystone, South Dakota, but I can tell you there is nothing like walking through the Avenue of Flags and seeing the historic faces.
Who is on Mount Rushmore? My kids will tell you: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.
Fun facts. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum (age 60) started the Shrine of Democracy in 1927. The task took 14 years and cost million. Each head on Mt. Rushmore is comparable to a six-story building.
Souvenirs. Then there was the gift shop. This place was hopping and just like any major landmark souvenir shop, you can purchase a smorgasbord of themed and regional items. Naturally, my kids’ eyes lit up when they saw the Mount Rushmore-themed penny machine.
The details. The charge per car is only $11 (that’s an annual pass). Even though we visited over a busy summer day we found parking immediately. I do recommend bringing water if you visit in the summer.
The day we visited was very hot and the kids were a uncomfortable. Luckily, there was a snack stand where we were able to purchase cold drinks.
If you can’t haul your children to Mount Rushmore or other historic landmarks at the moment you can still introduce them via picture books; your local library will have a nice selection.
Seeing the photos and images of different eras will paint a picture in their mind of what our country used to look like and give them a sense of American pride. That, parents, is priceless.
Stay tuned for more posts on South Dakota but in the meantime you can visit the South Dakota Department of Tourism website for more on this region.
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Seeing is believing and Kids learn fast and retain it for ever when they have a real feel of the History. Sparks in me to choose a travel destination that will also make my Kid learn and enjoy some thing new. Thanks for the wonderful post and the Inspiration, Beth.
i love this. ever since phineas and ferb had an episode on rushmore (with candace being the latest face, LOL), our daughter has wanted to go. what FUN!! and yes, we love those penny machines.
Great pics… 14 years… a very patient man!! 🙂
Definitely on our “to see” list.
Thanks!
N & S
I’ve wanted to visit Mt Rushmore since I saw North by NorthWest. Although I don’t suppose Cary Grant will be there… in case I fall off a cliff.
I’m not sure what Phineas and Ferb is, but I’ve always wanted to go to Mt. Rushmore! I was in North Dakota once, but never made it South… 🙁
I agree with TwinCitiesGal, visiting National Monuments and also the National Parks is a wonderful way to introduce children to U.S. history. A trip to Mt Rushmore would make a great excursion with the grand-kids on National Grandparents Day, which will be here in just a few days (Sept. 11).
Just came back from South Dakota. Visited Mt. Rushmore, Custer, Windcave and Badlands. It was an awesome experience. I feel like an American!
we are thinking of going there this summer (July) with our six year old daughter all she has ever know is Disney for vacations so I am interested to see how she will do. Any tips are greatly appreciated. we will be traveling from Illinois as well about a 12 hr car ride for a kid who is use to flying. However she is a great traveler and often just sleeps.