One of North America’s most iconic images, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an incredible sculptural achievement. Carved into the granite mountainside, the heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln represent 150 years of United States history. Each face is about 60 feet tall and sculpted in great detail.

As part of the experience, visitors first walk through the Avenue of Flags, a walkway lined with the 56 flags of the states and territories of the USA. The avenue leads to the Grand View Terrace, from where a great view can be had of the Mount Rushmore carvings. Be sure to carry on along the Presidential Trail which offers some close-up viewpoints of the famous faces.

The experience does not end there, however. At the end of the trail is the Sculptor’s Studio. This is where Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor, carried out his work. His original model can be seen here, allowing for comparisons between his initial vision and the finished work. In the Lincoln Borglum Museum, meanwhile, a short film about Mount Rushmore can be seen, as well as a collection of artwork and artefacts. If visiting during the summer, a lighting ceremony is held each night at 9.00pm, illuminating the presidential faces.

The memorial is located in western South Dakota, 23 miles south-west of Rapid City. Head for the town of Keystone on Highway 16, then take Highway 244 which leads to the memorial entrance. There is no entrance fee, and guided tours can be joined upon arrival at the site.

Picture courtesy of dean.franklin’s

People of all ages can enjoy ski holidays, and that includes young children. There are a number of family-friendly resorts that cater to groups including youngsters. An Internet search can help you find the best ski deals and one that will offer the kinds of services that will work best for your family.

Depending on the age of the children and their experience on the slopes, you may want to find a resort with a ski school offering lessons geared for kids. They will want to take lessons from an instructor who can relate to them at their level and help them stay enthused about learning how to ski.

If this is the kind of activity you want your family to enjoy together, get children interested in going on ski holidays from a young age. Make the time you spend together fun, and keep in mind that resorts offer activities other than skiing. It is unlikely that young children will be able to spend an entire day on the ski slopes without getting very tired. Find a resort with special activities for children or childcare services so that the adults can have some time together.

By taking the time to consider the kinds of winter activities that all members of the family will enjoy, you can ensure that your ski holidays will run more smoothly. Families can set a goal to have fun together at a winter resort and make it become a reality. You may even decide to make it an annual event.