Crazy Horse Memorial Review: Is it Worth Visiting?

The Crazy Horse Memorial, set in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, pays tribute to the Native American hero, Crazy Horse. The monument commemorates his spirit and the heritage of the indigenous people of North America. After our recent visit, we’ll review and address the question we often hear: Is the Crazy Horse Memorial worth visiting? Spoiler alert: visiting Crazy Horse is worthwhile if you take advantage of the top things to do at the Crazy Horse Memorial Visitor Center.

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Crazy Horse Memorial Background

Why Was Crazy Horse Memorial Built?

The Crazy Horse Memorial was conceived as a symbol of Native American pride and a response to Mount Rushmore, which many Native Americans believe represents the oppression they endured. Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear invited Korczak Ziolkowski to build the memorial to honor the culture, tradition, and perseverance of the Native American tribes. It stands not only as a tribute to Crazy Horse himself—who played a key role in the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn—but also as a broader monument to the spirit of all Native American peoples.

When Will Crazy Horse Memorial Be Finished?

The completion of the Crazy Horse Memorial remains an open question. The non-profit foundation funding construction depends on donations rather than taxpayer money. Progress is tied to the amount of donations that come in. Unfortunately, there is no set completion date.

How to Get to Crazy Horse Memorial

The Crazy Horse Memorial is located just a short distance outside of Custer, South Dakota. It’s easy to visit in combination with Custer State Park, the Black Hills, or Mount Rushmore, any many others. The closest larger city is Rapid City, South Dakota. Given the lack of public transport, it is easiest to visit the memorial by car or by taking a guided tour.

If you are driving in for the day, we’d suggest combining a visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial with a stop at Custer State Park and/or to Mount Rushmore.

Best Crazy Horse Memorial Tours

Here are the top rated tours to visit Crazy Horse Memorial (all have 5 star reviews). Most are combined with a visit to nearby sites, or are private, so that you can customize how much time you’d like to spend at each site.

Crazy Horse Memorial Entry Fee

There is an admission fee to enter the Crazy Horse Memorial complex. Fees vary depending on the time of year, but range from $7 during the off season for individuals entering by bike, on foot, or on motorcycle, to $35 during high season for a vehicle with 3 or more people in it. Check for the latest information on the website, as the costs do vary.

The fees are used to fund the continuation of the project and the educational programs on-site. The cost includes access to all the facilities, including the museums and the viewing area for the monument. The only additional cost once there was for an optional bus tour to get a closer view of the monument, which cost $5 per person during May 2024.

Top Things to Do for your Crazy Horse Memorial Visit

A visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial can be as brief or as extensive as you wish. Some people say that it’s not worth entering the complex just to see the monument. If you don’t have time to stop and explore the memorial complex, it is possible to see the Crazy Horse monument without entering the complex. You’ll want to bring binoculars or a zoom lens in that case.

That said, taking advantage of the many other exhibits and events at the Crazy Horse Memorial Visitor Center is what made the visit truly worthwhile.

You’ll need 2-3 hours to fully explore the site, not including a potential stop at the restaurant for a meal. This includes exploring the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Educational and Cultural Center, and the sculptor’s studio, among others. There are also frequent events and laser light shows which you may enjoy attending if your schedule allows. The top things to do for your visit include:

1. Seeing Crazy Horse Memorial from the Visitor’s Center

Once you enter the gates, you’ll find a few up close parking areas. You can see the monument from the parking area, but there are better views once you enter the complex.

Our 2 recommendations on where to see Crazy Horse Memorial from the Visitor’s Center:

• The wall of windows inside the visitor’s center has very nice views of the monument.
• The deck between the restaurant and the museum is the best spot we could find to capture photos without taking the bus tour. The photo below was taken with an iPhone (with no added zoom lens), to give you a sense of what you can capture if you don’t have a camera along. As you can see, you are not quite as close as you are when visiting Mount Rushmore.

2. Crazy Horse Bus “Tour”

A bus leaves from just outside the visitor’s center to take you closer to the monument for photos. This cost an extra $5 per person for a roughly 30 minute tour (bring cash for this). The tour guide was incredibly informative, while driving us closer to the monument. This still doesn’t take you to the base, but gets you closer. You also get a lot of history in a short period of time.

See more information on the Volksmarch below, which lets you go to the base twice a year.

• Join the walk to the base during the Volksmarch, which is held twice a year (see more information below).
• Consider taking a van ride to the base, which is based on making a charitable donation to the Crazy Horse Memorial (see the Crazy Horse Memorial website for the latest details).

3. The Nature Gates

The Nature Gates at Crazy Horse Memorial are beautifully crafted gates that stand at the entrance to the mountain. Designed by Korczak Ziolkowski, these gates are adorned with intricate carvings of animals native to the Black Hills area. They serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and respecting the natural world, setting the tone for visitors.

4. The Indian Museum of North America

The Indian Museum of North America is located within the Crazy Horse Memorial complex. It’s home to an extensive collection of art, artifacts, and educational exhibits related to the lives and cultures of Native American peoples.

The museum offers visitors insights into the rich history, traditions, and contemporary issues facing North American Indigenous communities. You’ll find ancient tools and stunning artwork, and modern-day photos. The museum serves as a vital educational resource and a testament to the resilience of these communities.

Don’t miss the movie in the complex, which covers history and information about the creation of the sculpture itself.

5. The Native American Educational and Cultural Center

The Native American Educational and Cultural Center is a hub for learning and engagement. This center hosts a variety of programs, workshops, and demonstrations that educate visitors about Native American culture. Activities often include Native American storytelling, dance performances, and craft workshops. These allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures represented at the memorial. Check the calendar on the website to find events happening during your visit.

6. Korczak’s Home and Studio

Korczak’s Home and Studio, also part of the Crazy Horse Memorial complex, offers a glimpse into the life and work of the monument’s original sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski. The home and studio are preserved much as Korczak left them, filled with his personal belongings, tools, and unfinished works. This space highlights his dedication and tireless effort in sculpting the Crazy Horse monument.

7. Cultural Exhibitions

The daily cultural exhibitions provide a dynamic platform for visitors to engage directly with Native American history and culture. These exhibitions feature live demonstrations and performances by Native artists and educators, including traditional dance, storytelling, and musical performances.

8. Volksmarch

The Volksmarch, which is held twice a year, allows visitors to walk directly up to the base. This 10K (6.2 miles) round-trip walk is a hike that attracts thousands of participants. It ends at the arm of Crazy Horse, directly in front of the nine-story-high face. The march is not only a physical activity but also a cultural immersion, as it often features storytelling, local crafts, and more. This year’s dates are June 1, 2024 and September 29, 2024. The fall date is synched up with the buffalo roundup, one of many great things to do at Custer State Park. We will be trying to synch up our next visit with the Volksmarch and buffalo roundup.

Our Crazy Horse Memorial Review: Definitely Worth a Visit

Visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial offers a unique look into North American history through the lens of its Native peoples. While the monument and the project surrounding its creation are intriguing, the museum, studios, and educational events contribute to a visit being a truly memorable experience.

If you only want to visit the monument, try to visit during Volksmarch. Getting up close to the monument will make this a visit you won’t forget.

Where to Stay When Visiting Crazy Horse Memorial

There are many options for lodging for your visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial. Selecting a location will depend on what other activities you plan to combine with this visit. If you’d like to combine this with a visit to lakes, hiking trails, and wildlife, we’d recommend staying right in Custer State Park. See our post on Custer State Park lodging for more details on lodges and cabins. For campgrounds in the park, see the state park site here.

If you prefer to stay in one of the nearby towns, we’d recommend the following:

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