How to Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse fought with a group of Native Americans in the attack on Gen. George Custer and the 7th Calvary at Little Bighorn in 1876. Nearly 75 years later, a monument to the Indian war hero began to spring from the side of a mountain in South Dakota. When the memorial is completed, it will be the largest sculpture in the world.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hiking boots, if you participate in the annual Volksmarch

1. Stop at the Welcome Center first. Learn about the history of the Crazy Horse project through exhibits and information available here.

2. Explore the Indian Museum of North America. The museum’s collection of Native American artifacts has been growing since 1965. Among the most popular displays are the authentic Plains tipi and an extensive collection of tribal flags.

3. Visit the Native American Cultural Center. Built with stone blasted away from the mountain where the Crazy Horse Memorial is taking shape, this facility houses additional exhibits on Native American culture and artwork. At times, Native American artists and artisans are on hand for demonstrations.

4. Try a Native American dish at the Laughing Water Restaurant. Sample the Tatanka Stew, featuring buffalo meat slow cooked with vegetables. Or you can choose a Native American taco, made with Indian Fry Bread. While filling up, enjoy the view of the Crazy Horse Memorial from the eatery’s seating area.

5. Stay until the sun goes down and the lights go up. From Memorial Day through October, “Legends in Light” celebrates Native American heritage with a laser light show each evening. The mountain and the South Dakota skies light up as images flash on its side in step with a special musical score.

6. Take a bus ride to the bottom of the mountain for a closer look at the memorial. These trips are available daily for a fee.

7. Participate in the annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch. Get an up-close look at the face of the Crazy Horse Memorial by hiking from the Welcome Center up the mountain. This event occurs only one weekend each year so check the Crazy Horse Memorial website (see Resources below) for dates.

Tips & Warnings

• The Crazy Horse Memorial is in the Black Hills of South Dakota on U.S. 16 near Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. Plan to stay for a few days and visit these other attractions as well.
• If you plan to visit during the winter months, be prepared for harsh weather. It can get pretty cold in the Black Hills.

Resources

• Learn more about the Crazy Horse Memorial.