Mount Rushmore National Monument

Visitor Center | Keystone, SD

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is visited by more than three million people from all over the world annually. In order to provide the best possible park experience for their guests, the monument undergoes regular upgrades and renovations to keep with the times. In total, WPE has completed more than 20 projects on the site, including the visitor services area redevelopment in 1998.

This project involved the total redevelopment of all facilities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, including a new Interpretive Center, Amphitheater, Administrative Office, Gift Shop, Restaurant and Kitchen, as well as restoration of Historical Structures such as the Borglum Studio and Sculptor’s Residence. West Plains Engineering provided mechanical and electrical design for the complete redevelopment project.

Project design and construction occurred in phases and included variable frequency drives for ventilation systems, radio telemetry for control of site lighting, and integrated fire alarm and security systems tying all site buildings to a central monitoring and dispatch station.