The movie "National Treasure 2" is almost a complete fabrication of American history, but Nicolas Cage was right about one thing…there most definitely IS a secret room filled with very special stuff tucked up inside Mount Rushmore. It’s called the Hall of Records, and this is how it came to be...
Gutzon Borglum, the original sculptor of Mount Rushmore, had a big vision for his massive South Dakota monument… For starters he wanted least 4 famous Americans, all from the waist-up (clearly, not how Mount Rushmore is today), but after that he wanted even more… Borglum wanted major events in United States history like the Louisiana Purchase etched into the mountain rock as well. Finally, he wanted his “Hall of Records.”
Borglum envisioned Mount Rushmore becoming the United States’ Stonehenge, something that would tell a story thousands of years after we’re gone, thus, he wanted a Hall of Records that could speak to future humans, even if it was thousands of years down the road.
Unfortunately, pretty much all his plans got scaled back: Forget the extra etchings of the Louisiana Purchase; Take the portraits of the presidents and make them busts; Forget about your little Hall of Records.
Thankfully, construction had at least started on the Hall of Records, so we’re left today with a mythical little room carved deep in the South Dakota mountains. Nearly 60 years after Borglum’s death, his vision finally became, at least partially, a reality.
More adventures around Rushmore...
After getting your fill of history, head down the road to the Rushmore Cave and immerse yourself in some ancient geological prehistory. Regardless of what time of year you visit the cave is pretty cool, temperature-wise. Also, be aware that it's a bit of a hike, but it's a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. They also have ziplining on site.
Another great tourist attraction near Rushmore, is the National Presidential Wax Museum in Rapid City. Here you can get an up-close-and-personal look at America's presidents, in all their life-like, full-size, wax-covered glory. From the framers of the Constitution, to the start of the Cold War at Yalta, the past 44 Presidents come alive in scenes that recreate pivotal moments in U.S. history.
Before calling it a day, take a trip down the Iron Mountain Road, along highway 16-A in Keystone. This hairpin, white-knuckle drive offers an incredibly-scenic view of Mt. Rushmore as well as wildlife that roam the area.
When you're ready for some delicious road food, head over to Grizzly Creek Restaurant in Keystone. It's location at the foot of Mount Rushmore couldn't be more perfect. Do yourself a favor and try the buffalo burger, and knock it back with a cold beer or one of their famous house cocktails.
At the end of the day, rest your weary head at K Bar S Lodge, just a few miles from Rushmore, and historic downtown Keystone. This beautiful hotel is close to hiking trails, and you can upgrade to a room with a hot tub and private deck! There's a free continental breakfast, and an outdoor terrace and fire pit where you can kick back and relax after a day of Black Hills adventuring.
And there you have it. There really is a secret room in Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills is the perfect place for a National Treasure adventure. Of course, the Hall of Records is not open to the public- a “safety issue,” says the National Park Service, but it still adds the the mystique and allure of one of America's most prominent monuments.