Mount Rushmore: South Dakota’s Iconic Landmark

Set against the rugged, pine-clad terrain of the Black Hills lies one of the nation’s most celebrated engineering marvels: Mount Rushmore. As the defining landmark that earned South Dakota its official moniker as the “Mount Rushmore State,” this monumental sculpture is poised to be a standout highlight in the upcoming South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator.

Towering majestically above the surrounding wilderness, the colossal granite faces depict four pivotal American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Sculpted directly into the mountain face between 1927 and 1941, this grand tribute stands as an internationally renowned destination, welcoming millions of visitors from across the globe each year.

Drivers will catch captivating vantage points of Mount Rushmore while navigating the winding highways through the Black Hills. Just down the road lies Keystone, a historic mountain hamlet serving as a bustling gateway to the memorial. Characterized by its rustic Western flair and alpine backdrop, Keystone provides an ideal detour during your journey. The town also features a terminal for the famed 1880 Train, a vintage steam locomotive that ferries sightseers along a historic 19th-century gold-mining corridor between Keystone and Hill City.

The routes leading to the monument provide an extraordinary driving experience. US-16, commonly referred to as Mount Rushmore Road, weaves through the hills and passes through a sequence of rock-cut tunnels designed to frame distant views of the memorial. For those seeking an even more immersive detour, the renowned US-16A—also known as Iron Mountain Road—delivers a masterclass in civil engineering, featuring tight hairpin curves, spiral bridges, and dense evergreen corridors.

The environment here offers a striking departure from South Dakota’s vast, open plains. Steep granite outcroppings, towering pine forests, and elevation shifts make for engaging driving conditions. The region is also deeply rooted in American motorcycle heritage; you will regularly spot touring bikes parked near roadside overlooks, bringing an extra layer of local authenticity to your hauls.

Mount Rushmore is merely a glimpse of what awaits in the upcoming expansion. Whether delivering cargo on a tight schedule or leisurely traversing the Black Hills, you will discover ample reasons to pause and take in the panoramic beauty.

Prepare for your journey across the Mount Rushmore State by heading over to the Steam Store and adding the South Dakota DLC to your wishlist. Stay updated with development by following our channels on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube, or by subscribing to our official newsletter.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3749870/American_Truck_Simulator__South_Dakota/

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