South Dakota is best known for two things: cold winters and Mount Rushmore. Weil-McLain, the Michigan City, IN-based boiler manufacturer, is helping to keep visitors one of the country’s most recognizable national monuments warm.

Located in Keystone, South Dakota, Mount Rushmore depicts the faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The faces on the mountain are 500 feet up, while the faces themselves are about 60 feet in length.

Weil-McLain’s connection to the famous landmark is behind the scenes. Currently, the state-run facilities that serve Mount Rushmore are using boilers created by the manufacturer. Three Weil-McLain 588 boilers are being used to heat the gift shop and concession area. Also, three Weil-McLain 888 boilers are used in the energy plant. The plant provides heat to the nearby park ranger station. Finally, two of the company’s 578 Models are used for park employees and the Mt. Rushmore dormitory and two GV’s heat the visitors’ information center and restrooms. Later down the road, the Mount Rushmore Park may install a new water filtration station using Weil-McLain systems.

Publication date: 08/20/2001