Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota: A Breathtaking Homage to the Heroic Lakota Leader

Towering above the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Black Hills and Badlands Region of South Dakota, the Crazy Horse Memorial is a work-in-progress mountain sculpture honoring the heroic legacy of the Lakota leader as well as Indigenous people of North America. The genesis of the forthcoming monument came about in the early 1900s when Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear – Crazy Horse’s cousin – and sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski became determined to create a larger-than-life carving on Thunderhead Mountain. Once complete, the sculpture will be larger than Mount Rushmore with current final dimension plans of 195 meters long by 172 meters high. For perspective, that’s as long as a cruise ship and taller than a 60-story building. Visitors can enjoy a cultural center, museum, meeting rooms and upscale-casual dining at the on-site Laughing Water Restaurant. Since the Crazy Horse Memorial is a continually evolving sculpture with no set completion date, no two visits to this stunning and culturally significant monument will be alike.

While admiring the marvel of the Crazy Horse Memorial itself is certainly the main attraction, it’s far from the only thing to do while visiting. At The Indian Museum of North America, guests can peruse exhibits and collections showcasing the rich and complex history of the North American Indigenous people. Among the museum’s collections, many of which were donated by Native American benefactors, are over 125 tribal nation flags and a covered tent adorned with colorful paintings by renowned Oglala Lakota artist Paha Ska. Visitors can also view Indigenous American art and take in traditional dances and presentations at The Native American Educational and Cultural Center. Head to the veranda for games and activities, including seasonal music and dance performances, and see various works and artifacts by Indigenous artisans on display. Recurring events at the campus include the annual Gift From Mother Earth Art Show and Volksmarch, a 10-kilometer group hike that takes you to the arm of Crazy Horse and back.

The Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota are teeming with breathtaking sites and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure. One of the state’s Great 8 Wonders, the Crazy Horse Memorial is in the center of it all, presenting you with plenty of excursions to add to your Great Plains itinerary. A few other Great 8 sites include Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Wind Cave National Park and the gold rush town of Deadwood, where you’ll trace the footsteps of notorious Old West figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. With so much to see and do in the area, you’ll need a cozy and well-appointed place to rest your head at night. From charming and rustic lodges to five-star accommodations and everywhere in between, you’ll find dozens of outstanding options near the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Memorial is 15 kilometers south of Hill City and seven kilometers north of Custer. Catch a connecting flight into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) and rent a car.