Borglum Viewing Terrace

printer iconPrintemail iconEmailfavorites iconSave to Favorites

From the Grand View Terrace, follow the concrete pathway located on the Lincoln side of the monument to the Borglum Viewing Terrace, the site of Borglum’s first temporary studio, where he worked before a more spacious studio was built closer to the mountain. This site is not wheelchair accessible.

Just yards away from the Grand View Terrace, the Borglum Viewing Terrace offers a completely different view of the monument. More natural in its overall feel, here the view of the presidents is framed by large ponderosa pines—and the faces of Washington and Roosevelt dominate.

Mount Rushmore has an artist-in-residence program through which sculpture classes are offered at the Borglum View Terrace. The classes are held outside, so if classes are going on you are free to watch budding sculptors in action.

Registration for the weeklong classes is available online through the monument’s website. Information is also provided at the information desks located at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center or at the Information Center. The classes are open to anyone over the age of 13 and are free. All tools are provided.

The Borglum View Terrace is the only area in the park available for weddings. Couples wishing to use the terrace for their wedding may do so by permit only. With the exception of the period between June 25 and July 4 and Christmas Day, weddings are allowed year-round. The cost of using Mount Rushmore as a wedding site is based on the number of rangers assigned to the special event and to the length of the wedding.

Buy Moon Travel Guides

Loading books
loading
For more Moon travel information, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter for updates on new travel guide releases, travel tips and trip ideas for those seeking adventure or relaxation, and expert advice from our on-the-go Moon travel authors.

Find Activities>>

Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.