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Crazy Horse Memorial - Everything You Need to Know

July 7, 2021

If you’re considering a trip to the Crazy Horse Memorial, it’s important to note that there is so much more to see here than just a monumental carving on a mountainside.

The Crazy Horse Memorial has become a sprawling cultural center that includes The Indian Museum of North America, The Native American Educational and Cultural Center, a Mountain Carving Gallery, and the home and studio of Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski.

Crazy Horse Memorial Cost

You can book a ticket to visit Crazy Horse Memorial in advance or you can just show up. 

The admission rates range between $10-$35, depending on whether you’re a single motorcycle rider or you’re in a car with 3 or more people. There’s no additional parking fee for the site, however, there is an additional $4 fee per person to take a bus ride for a closer view of the mountain.

Guests can also book a guided van ride trip to the top of the mountain through a charitable gift of $125 per person. 

Crazy Horse Memorial Progress

As technology advances, exponential progress has been made to the Crazy Horse Memorial since the death of Korczak Ziolkowski. The face was completed and unveiled in 1998, access road benches on the mountain are added, the outstretched arm and hand have been created, and definition in the shoulder and horse’s mane are taking shape.

To get a better idea of what the Crazy Horse Memorial campus might look like once the project is completed, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial Donation Page and consider making a contribution.

Crazy Horse Memorial facts

Korczak himself has become a symbol of pride and perseverance. After being asked to carve the Crazy Horse Memorial by Lakota Chief Standing Bear, Korczak devoted the remainder of his life, over 36 years, to the tremendous task.

Upon arrival at the memorial, visitors can view a short film honoring the life of Crazy Horse, Chief Standing Bear, the Lakota people, and the inception of the Crazy Horse Memorial as triumphed by Korczak, his wife, Ruth Ziolkowski, and now subsequent generations of their family.

How Close Can You Get to Crazy Horse?

Almost all of the views of the Crazy Horse sculpture are from its side at a considerable distance away from the mountain. There are a few ways to get a closer look if you have the time and money. First, you can ride a tour bus for $4 a person, which stops just underneath the mountain. Alternatively, if you’d like to ride to the top of the mountain, you can pay a $125 contribution and take a guided van tour.

How Long Do You Need at Crazy Horse Memorial?

If you only have 1 hour to spare, you could easily view the mountain and tour some of the museums on the Crazy Horse Memorial campus. To not feel rushed, I would recommend allowing at least 2 hours at the site, especially if you’d like to take the bus ride to the lower viewing point for $4 per person. 

Camping Near Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse is located in the Black Hills, and there are several camping options (both paid and free) that you can explore nearby. 

Not far from the memorial is Echo Valley Park, an RV and tent campground that also offers rustic cabins and campers for rent. 

If you’re looking for free campsites, there are several options within the Black Hills National Forest and surrounding areas. If you don’t already know about FreeCampsites.Net, check out this amazing online resource for where to camp for free all across the US and beyond!

Things to do Near Crazy Horse

There are so many things to do in the Black Hills near Crazy Horse Memorial. Whether you love history, gambling, nature, scenic drives, or all of the above, you can’t go wrong with all these amazing options!

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Image Credits:

Crazy Horse profile - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Crazy Horse entrance - Steve Cukrov - stock.adobe.com; Crazy Horse progress - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Crazy Horse Memorial facts - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities;  Jim Bowen/https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamiedfw/4863080462; Custer State Park - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Needles Highway - ipivorje - stock.adobe.com; Wonderland Cave, Spearfish Falls, Badlands, Devil’s Bathtub- Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Deadwood aerial - Jacob - stock.adobe.com; Nomad Goods product images courtesy of Nomad Goods; Trail Ridge Road - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; for Pin image credits, please click on the relevant pin