In July 2009, as part of my West 2009 Road Trip, I reached one of the most iconic destinations of my journey — Mount Rushmore National Monument. Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is famed for its massive granite sculpture of the faces of four U.S. presidents. The experience would become one of the most memorable highlights of my entire adventure.

The weather couldn’t have been better that day—clear skies, mild temperatures, and the kind of sunlight that makes every photo pop. It felt like the whole park was shining. From the moment I stepped onto the grand promenade leading to the viewing terrace, I was struck by how majestic the granite carvings of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln looked against the blue sky.

While the memorial itself gets all the attention, one of my favorite parts of the visit was the Sculptor’s Studio. Tucked away just down a short path, it was like stepping back in time into the workspace of Gutzon Borglum—the visionary behind Mount Rushmore.

Inside, I got to see the scale model he used to guide the mountain carving. The studio walls were filled with tools, notes, and photographs that brought the entire creative process to life. It gave me a deep appreciation not only for the artistry but also for the engineering challenge of carving a mountain with such precision.

As I drove toward and away from the memorial, I couldn’t help but marvel at the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. The Badlands of South Dakota—with their jagged peaks, layered rock formations, and stark desert colors—created a surreal backdrop that contrasted perfectly with the polished sculpture of the Presidents.

The combination of natural beauty and monumental art made this day unforgettable.