Crazy Horse Memorial®

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Crazy Horse Memorial is a stunning and unique monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota, honoring the heroic legacy of the Lakota warrior and the Native American culture. This continually evolving sculpture and surrounding cultural center is a must-see destination that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region.

The Mountain

Learn about the ongoing construction of the massive sculpture and marvel at its scale and detail.

History

Discover the rich and complex history of the Lakota people and their ongoing struggles through the exhibits and collections of the Indian Museum of North America.

Native American Culture

Experience traditional Native American art, dance, and performances at the on-site cultural center.

Events & Activities

Participate in a wide range of events and activities throughout the year, including the renowned Night Blast program, laser shows, and the annual Volksmarch.

Crazy Horse Memorial is more than just a monument, it is a living tribute to the Native American people and a beacon of hope for the future. Plan your visit today to experience this awe-inspiring destination firsthand!

Celebrating 75 years

It has been 75 years since the first blast began to reveal the likeness of Lakota leader Crazy Horse in the granite on Thunderhead Mountain in southwestern South Dakota. Over the years, as the sculpture began to take shape, so did the mission of the Memorial. “We are excited to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Crazy Horse Memorial,” said Crazy Horse Memorial CEO Whitney Rencountre. “We would like to honor the work of all those who have contributed to Crazy Horse Memorial: past, present, and into the future.”

History

It was on June 3, 1948, that Boston-born sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, equipped only with a sledge hammer, a single-jack drill and a box of dynamite, blasted the first cuts into Thunderhead Mountain as he began his lifework of depicting the great Sioux leader Crazy Horse in stone. He had answered the call of Chief Standing Bear to “let the white man know the red man has great heroes, too,” and would spend the next 34 years of his life on a tireless quest to carve the massive portrait of the legendary chief on his war pony.

Today, the 563-by-641-foot sculpture-in-the-round is known as Crazy Horse Memorial. The dimensions are staggering – the immense work is as long as a cruise ship and taller than a 60-story skyscraper.

Just as impressive is the sculptor’s family itself who are dedicated to fulfilling Korczak’s vision. Using three plan books and scale models that Korczak left them upon his death in 1982, the family has made amazing progress over the past three decades.

The family’s ferocious work ethic was rewarded with the completion of the head of Crazy Horse in 1998. The 88-foot-high face was dedicated on June 3 of that year, 50 years to the day after Korczak’s first blast. Just as telling is the visible progress on the sculpture’s other massive features over the intervening years.

Sustained by their mother’s driving spirit, up to Ruth Ziolkowski's death in 2014, the Ziolkowski's are creating much more than an artistic masterpiece. Today, the grounds include the nationally acclaimed Indian Museum of North America, along with a visitor center, dining facilities, educational center and an annual program of events and activities.

On the mountain, work now focuses on the 219-foot-high horse’s head. There’s a lot of excitement about witnessing Crazy Horse’s steed take shape as cliff-hanging explosive experts work their fleet of drilling equipment. Adding the Memorial’s unique interplay of art, education, history and family values is a guarantee that Crazy Horse Memorial will endure through the ages.

Hours:

Crazy Horse Memorial is open every day year-round. Please check crazyhorsememorial.org/visit/memorial-hours-and-schedules for a complete listing of hours of operation.

Fees:

For Crazy Horse Memorial pricing and admission, view crazyhorsememorial.org/visit/pricing-and-admission.

Directions:

Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, you can get to Crazy Horse Memorial from US Highway 16/385 (the Crazy Horse Memorial Highway). Crazy Horse is 9 miles south of Hill City, SD and 4 miles north of Custer, SD.