Crazy Horse Memorial, looming in the Black Hills, just north of Custer, South Dakota, presents a profile as imposing as that of the legendary Lakota leader it represents, while embodying a saga of multigenerational dedication.
Begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear, the memorial is a work-in-progress destined to become the word's largest mountain sculpture and dwarf nearby Mount Rushmore. Since Ziolkowski's death in 1982, the work has been carried on by his widow, Ruth, and their 10 children, seven of whom remain involved, joined now by grandchildren. Their inherited mission is to honor the culture and tradition of North American Natives.
Pay the car admission at the entrance, just north of Custer, South Dakota, and park at the visitor center. Pay the price of admission to the monument. Visitors can take a shuttle bus to the base of the memorial.
Visit the center. Ample displays represent various Sioux and Lakota nations and feature a Native American tepee, complete with interior decoration. There are headdresses, clothing and canoes in the center as well. A large indoor viewing area faces the memorial.
Ask volunteers and docents about the culture of the area Native Americans and the history of the memorial. There are intriguing legends surrounding Crazy Horse and the planning and construction of the site. There are several recommended books in the gift shop.
Purchase a ticket and ride the shuttle bus to the memorial. A bus leaves every 15 minutes during the summer, and the narrative from the driver is priceless. The bus stops in a parking area just below the front. The driver continues the narration from this point.
Observe any construction taking place at the memorial. Crazy Horse's face seems nearly complete as of 2009, and is similar in size to the presidents at Rushmore. The arm serves as scaffolding for the removal of debris. Often heavy equipment can be seen there pushing rock and dirt over the side. A tunnel, serving mainly for access and maintenance purposes, will eventually be the sizable opening between the arm and the mane on the finished sculpture.
Return to the visitor center and consider purchasing a souvenir stone cut from the sculpture. Original artwork is also available for sale. Several authentic dining selections are available at the café.
