In the Shadow of Legends: A Day at Crazy Horse Memorial

#postandearn

Tucked deep in South Dakota’s Black Hills, the Crazy Horse Memorial is more than a carving — it’s a living tribute to Native American heritage, resilience, and vision. Still under construction (and absolutely massive), this project invites you to witness history in the making, surrounded by powerful stories, rich culture, and dramatic mountain views. 🏞️⛰️✨

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🎯 Why Crazy Horse Should Be on Your Must-See List
• 🗿 The World’s Largest Mountain Carving (In Progress!)
When finished, this sculpture of the legendary Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse will stretch 641 feet long and 563 feet high — bigger than Mount Rushmore and visible for miles. Right now, you can see his face (completed) and ongoing work on the arm and horse.
• 🏛️ Indian Museum of North America®
Home to over 11,000 artifacts and artworks from tribes across the continent. It’s beautifully curated and packed with personal stories, beadwork, tools, and modern Native art.
• 🪵 Native American Cultural Center
Watch live demonstrations of beadwork, dancing, storytelling, and carving — led by Indigenous artists sharing their craft and history in person.
• 🚐 Bus to the Base
Take a guided ride to the bottom of the mountain carving for a closer look and deeper insights into the vision of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and the Ziolkowski family’s ongoing work.
• 🎇 Nightly Laser Light Show (Seasonal)
During summer months, the Legends in Light® laser show transforms the mountain into a glowing tribute to Native American culture — bring a blanket and stay for the magic.

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🗺️ Getting There
• 🚗 Located just 17 miles from Mount Rushmore
• About 30 min from Rapid City and 10 min from Custer, SD
• Open year-round, including holidays
• 💵 Entry fee: Charged per car or per person; helps fund the privately funded project (no federal money is used)

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🌟 Tips from a Respectful Traveler
• 📸 Best Viewpoint: From the visitor deck — bring binoculars or zoom for detail shots of Crazy Horse’s features
• 🥾 Volksmarch Hike (2x/year): A rare chance to hike to the arm of the monument during spring and fall events — unforgettable views and bragging rights!
• 🛍️ Support Native Artists: The gift shop features authentic crafts and jewelry made by Indigenous creators
• 💬 Ask Questions: Volunteers and artists on-site love to share stories about the mission and progress
• 🌄 Combine with a Day Trip:
• Custer State Park for bison herds and hiking
• Jewel Cave or Wind Cave National Park for underground wonders
• Mount Rushmore if you haven’t already!