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Mount Rushmore National Memorial 

Numerous educational experiences are available throughout the grounds at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. Walk with a ranger along the first half of the Presidential Trail to the base of the mountain carving. This ranger led educational tour, which begins at the Grand View Terrace, highlights the natural and cultural history of Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota. A sculptor’s studio tour is available where visitors can learn about the tools and techniques used in the carving of the monumental mountain sculpture.

Talks appealing to student tours include stories from the workers, demonstrations of the tools, as well as the artist's working model. Student tours can also enjoy the free Sculpture Workshops, which are offered on the Borglum View Terrace by Mount Rushmore’s artist-in-residence. Stop by to see how participants learn clay and stone-carving techniques similar to those used by artist Gutzon Borglum.

New to the memorial is the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota Heritage Village where educational tours explore the history of the Black Hills and the American Indian tribes who have populated this land for thousands of years. Located along the first section of the Presidential Trail, this area highlights the customs and traditions of local American Indian communities. Audio tours are also available for visitors and group tours. The rentable tour allows visitors to hear the story of Mount Rushmore through music, narration, interviews, historic recordings and sound effects while walking a scenic route around the park. At the end of the day groups are encouraged to join a park ranger in the Mount Rushmore amphitheater for an inspirational program focusing on the presidents, patriotism and our nation's history.  

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