Crazy Horse Memorial is located in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. The elevation on the Mountain is 6,532 feet above sea level and ranks 27th highest mountain in South Dakota. It is made of pegmatite granite and was chosen by Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski & Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear for the Crazy Horse Memorial. The mission of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is to protect and preserve the culture, tradition, and living heritage of the North American Indians. It is in the memory of the Sioux war leader crazy horse.
How to get there
The closest airport is Rapid City which is 50 miles North of Crazy Horse Memorial. It can also be reached from the nearest towns of Hill City, SD, and Custer, SD.
Crazy Horse Entrance Fee
The entrance fee is based on the number of people in the car. It also depends on the time of year you are visiting. It is $30 in winter and $35 in summer for three or more people, $24 in winter and $30 in summer for two people in a car, and $12 in winter and $15 in summer for one person in a car. There is plenty of parking available on-site and included with the entrance fee.
Things to do at Crazy Horse Memorial
Welcome center
It is the main entrance to the Visitor Complex. You can watch the historical video in one of the two theaters, and learn about the culture, tradition, and living heritage of the North American Indians.
The Indian Museum of North America
The museum is home to a large collection of art and artifacts reflecting the diverse histories and cultures of the American Indian people.
The Native American Educational and Cultural Center
The Center hosts a number of unique educational opportunities and other special activities and programs. It also exhibits one-of-a-kind pieces from the Collections.
Sculptor Home and Studio
The original log home or “Big Room” built by Korczak remains part of the visitor’s complex. Korczak filled the home with his collection of antiques, including a Marie Antoinette mirror, chairs, and a table.
Mountain Carving Gallery
The Carving Room features the tools Korczak used in the early years of the Mountain. You will be able to learn more about the current phases of carving Crazy Horse’s Left Hand, Arm, and the Horse’s Mane and Head.
Outdoor Viewing Veranda
Cultural Programs
Many performers and storytellers perform on the veranda or covered porch if the weather permits. They perform daily at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:30 pm from the last week of May till September end.
Laser Light Show
The laser-light show is presented nightly, at dark, from Memorial Day weekend through September 30th. Check the schedule on the official website; it varies depending on the time of the year.
Additional Things to do
The bus to the base is a separate, optional experience for an additional fee of $4 per person for a closer look. The driver also shares the stories while driving. The last bus is at 4:30 pm.
Volksmarch
You can hike up the mountain twice a year during the Volksmarch event in Spring and Fall. Hikers follow dirt trails and gravel work roads up to the Crazy Horse Mountain Carving. This year it happens on Jun 3, 2023, and October 1, 2023. Check the schedule on the official website;
Where to Stay
The closest town is Custer, SD, 4 miles from Crazy Horse Memorial. If you are visiting other places in the area, it can also be done as a day trip from Rapid City, SD, Hill City, SD, or Keystone, SD. We stayed a night in Custer, SD.
When to visit Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy horse memorial can be visited year-round, but May through September is the best time to visit when all activities are open, including the cultural program and Night show.
How long to spend at Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse Memorial can be seen in 3-4 hours, including taking the bus to the base of the mountain, visiting the museums, and laser night show.
Is it worth visiting Crazy Horse Memorial?
Compared to Mount Rushmore, the fee is steep but is financed by admissions and contributions and does not get federal or state funding. Your admission dollars help it to complete the project. If you are in the area, visit it to learn the history of Native Americans.
Nearby Attractions
If you are visiting Crazy Horse Memorial as part of a road trip, you can also include Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, The Mammoth Site, and Devil’s Tower in your trip.