Kay Riordan Steuerwald: A Visionary’s Legacy at Mount Rushmore

In the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, where the majestic Mount Rushmore stands as a testament to American ambition, one woman’s vision helped shape the cultural and historical experience of millions of visitors. Kay Riordan Steuerwald, a trailblazing figure in South Dakota’s tourism and cultural landscape, left an indelible mark through her stewardship of the Mount Rushmore concession and her commissioning of a remarkable artwork by David Humphreys Miller. This story celebrates her legacy, the iconic Buffalo Dining Room, and the artistic treasures that continue to honor the region’s heritage.

A Pioneer in South Dakota’s Tourism

Kay Riordan Steuerwald operated the Mount Rushmore concession from 1951, transforming the visitor experience with her dedication to hospitality and cultural preservation. Born with a keen sense of South Dakota’s unique identity, Kay was more than a businesswoman—she was a cultural ambassador. Her work elevated the state’s image by showcasing its natural beauty, Native American heritage, and historical significance. She managed an exceptional restaurant and gift shop at Mount Rushmore, welcoming millions with warmth and pride. Her efforts extended beyond the monument, as she championed institutions like the Heritage Center in Spearfish, the Center for Indian Studies at Black Hills State College, and the South Dakota Memorial Art Center in Brookings, among others.

Kay’s vision was to create a space where visitors could not only marvel at the monumental carvings but also connect with the deeper cultural and historical narratives of the region. The Buffalo Dining Room, a central hub of the Mount Rushmore visitor experience during her tenure, became a symbol of this mission. Named to honor the sacred buffalo of the Lakota and the rugged spirit of the West, it was more than a dining hall—it was a gathering place where stories of the land and its people came to life.

The Buffalo Dining Room: A Cultural Heartbeat

In the early 1960s, the Buffalo Dining Room was a vibrant space at Mount Rushmore, steeped in the ambiance of the Black Hills. Visitors savored meals while surrounded by decor that reflected the region’s Native American heritage and natural splendor. The dining room, under Kay’s stewardship, was a place where families, travelers, and dignitaries alike could feel the pulse of South Dakota’s history. It was here that Kay’s vision for cultural storytelling found a perfect canvas.

One of the dining room’s most striking features was a large painting by David Humphreys Miller, a renowned artist and historian celebrated for his work documenting Native American perspectives. Likely displayed in the adjacent concession lobby, as noted in a 1957 archival report, this artwork depicted a vivid buffalo hunt, capturing the dynamic energy of Lakota life. The painting, with its sweeping portrayal of riders and buffalo thundering across the plains, was a tribute to the region’s Indigenous heritage and a nod to the buffalo’s enduring significance. Kay’s decision to commission this piece was a testament to her commitment to honoring the cultural mosaic of South Dakota.

David Humphreys Miller: Capturing History on Canvas

David Humphreys Miller was no ordinary artist. Best known for his book Custer’s Fall: The Indian Side of the Story, Miller was a painter and writer who dedicated his life to preserving the voices and stories of Native American survivors of historical events like the Battle of Little Bighorn. His portraits and historical paintings, including those of figures like Dewey Beard and Bird Horse, are celebrated for their authenticity and emotional depth.

Kay Riordan Steuerwald recognized Miller’s unique ability to bridge cultures through art. In commissioning him to create the buffalo hunt painting for Mount Rushmore, she ensured that visitors would encounter a powerful visual narrative of the Lakota’s connection to the land. The artwork, likely installed in the concession lobby near the Buffalo Dining Room, was a focal point for visitors in the 1950s and 1960s. It invited reflection on the region’s history, complementing the monumental carvings of Mount Rushmore with a story of the people who called the Black Hills home long before the monument was conceived.

The painting’s vivid imagery—galloping horses, skilled hunters, and the sacred buffalo—brought the past to life, offering a counterpoint to the modern spectacle of Mount Rushmore. Kay’s choice to feature Miller’s work was a bold statement: the story of South Dakota was incomplete without acknowledging its Native heritage.

A Legacy Evolving, Yet Anchored in Vision

Kay Riordan Steuerwald’s influence extended far beyond her time at Mount Rushmore. Her advocacy for South Dakota’s cultural institutions and her role as a founding member of organizations like the South Dakota Memorial Art Center helped shape the state’s identity. Tragically, Kay passed away in 1995, but her vision for a culturally rich visitor experience at Mount Rushmore endured. In 1996, the Buffalo Dining Room underwent a significant transformation to accommodate the growing crowds of tourists. Reimagined as a larger, modern facility, it continued to embody Kay’s commitment to hospitality and cultural storytelling.

Under the leadership of new general manager Bruce Van Vort woriking for Xanterra the new consessionair, the redeveloped Buffalo Dining Room remained true to its roots. Van Vort commissioned artist Scott Prentice to create a new masterpiece, The Stand, a work that captured the enduring Native spirit that Kay had so passionately championed. This striking piece, echoing the vibrancy of Miller’s buffalo hunt, honored the Lakota heritage and the sacred buffalo, ensuring that the dining room remained a space where history and culture converged. Despite the physical changes to the facility, the spirit of Kay’s vision—her dedication to hospitality, culture, and storytelling—lived on in the memories of those who visited Mount Rushmore during her tenure and in the continued reverence for the Black Hills’ heritage.

A Call to Celebrate and Preserve

Kay Riordan Steuerwald’s legacy is a reminder of the power of visionaries who blend hospitality with cultural stewardship. Her commissioning of David Humphreys Miller’s buffalo hunt painting, and the later addition of Scott Prentice’s The Stand, enriched the Mount Rushmore experience with narratives of resilience and heritage. As we reflect on her contributions, we’re called to preserve the stories and artworks that define places like the Buffalo Dining Room.

Today, as Mount Rushmore continues to draw millions, we honor Kay by remembering the warmth of her welcome, the vibrancy of the Buffalo Dining Room, and the artistry that continues to tell the story of South Dakota’s past. Let’s advocate for the recognition of these cultural treasures, ensuring that future generations can experience the full tapestry of the region’s history. If you’ve visited Mount Rushmore or have stories of the Buffalo Dining Room, share them—let’s keep Kay’s legacy alive.

Kay’s Legacy at South Dakota Hall of Fame