Crazy Horse Memorial
12151 Avenue Of The Chiefs
Crazy Horse, SD
Crazy Horse Memorial is the world's largest sculpture-in-progress, and frequent drilling and mountain blasts make each visit unique. When completed, Crazy Horse Memorial will stand 563 feet tall by 641 feet long.
The project was started in 1948 at the request of Chief Henry Standing Bear who invited sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to carve a mountain to honor the heritage, tradition and culture of North American Indians. Its namesake, Crazy Horse, was a war leader of the Oglala Lakota Tribe and a prominent leader in the Sioux resistance to white encroachment on the Black Hills. He is revered by the Sioux as one of their greatest leaders.
The visitors' complex surrounding the mountain carving includes the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Cultural Center, the Sculptor's studio home and workshop, a 40,000 square foot Orientation Center and two theaters.
Korczak and Ruth's family have continued the project working with the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. An entrance fee is required to enter the memorial, which is open year-round. Proceeds fund further development of the colossal mountain carving in progress.
Nightly starting May 28th, 2021 -September 6th, 2021
“Legends in Light” the Crazy Horse Memorial® multimedia laser-light show is presented nightly, at dark, from Memorial Day weekend through September 6th. The laser-light show effectively turns the mountainside into a giant 500-foot “screen” for the spectacular display.
“This is laser-light storytelling to illuminate our cultural diversity, celebrate our similarities and encourage better understanding and harmony among races and nations,” said Ruth Ziolkowski,(1926-2014) wife of late sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski (1908-1982)
36th Annual Spring Volksmarch June 5th and June 6th, 2021
The bi-annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch (an organized hike) is a 10K or 6.2-mile woodlands ramble to the world’s largest mountain carving in progress in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota.
9th Annual Fall Volksmarch September 26, 2021
Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation and BHVA will host the Fall Volksmarch in September. The autumn hike will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2021 and will be held the same weekend as the Custer State Park Buffalo Round-Up.
The Memorial opens at 7 am during the summer months and closes just before the nightly "Legends in Light" laser-light multimedia program, which runs Memorial Day weekend through Native American Day, September 30. The "Legends in Light" show starts at dark. Stop at the Orientation Office to receive a free pass for a return visit to see the Light show. The Memorial is open from 8 a.m. until dark during the winter months.
Booking Instructions: Please select one pass option. Leave quantity at 1 unless you have more than 1 vehicle or motorcycle. Valid for a one time admission for use anytime during your stay.