Borglum View Terrace

Borglum View Terrace is the historic site of Gutzon Borglum’s first studio, where he planned the carving from 1927 to 1939. It’s a short stop, but the setting connects the mountain view to the work behind it. This is separate from Grand View Terrace and the later Sculptor’s Studio. The approach includes a stone staircase, so factor that in if steps are difficult for you.

Look toward the mountain from the terrace: this is the perspective Borglum used while planning the sculpture, and it gives you a different photo angle from the main viewing terrace. Benches, interpretive information and potable water are available; restrooms here are seasonal.

The original building came down in the late 1950s. Two fireplaces are its surviving remains, and the framework now on the terrace marks the studio’s original size and location. The framework makes the footprint easier to picture, but the fireplaces are the actual pieces left from the building.

In 1934, Borglum and the Hearst newspapers held an essay contest asking people to summarize the first 100 years of U.S. history. The winning words were meant for the mountain, but Borglum later decided against carving text there. William Andrew Burkett of Nebraska won the college-age category and later donated the bronze plaque displayed by the studio remains; take a moment to read it.