Crazy Horse

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Crazy Horse Memorial

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beesweet
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3 out of 5
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2
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Crazy Horse Memorial

  • August 26, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Mandan Lynn from Smithwick, South Dakota
Crazy Horse Memorial

If you thought Mt. Rushmore was big -- just wait until you see Crazy Horse, the giant sculpture in progress, created to honor the Native Americans. Standing Bear wanted the white man to know that the red man had great heroes, too, so Korczak Ziolkowski dedicated his life to carving the monument. He started in 1948 all by himself. Work continues to this day (and will continue -- I don't expect to see it completed in my lifetime) even though the sculptor died in 1982. His wife and seven of his ten children are continuing his dream.

Part of the reason the monument is taking so long to complete is because they refuse to accept financial assistance from the government. All their work is completed thanks to donations, gifts, admissions, and other purchases.

There are big plans for the Crazy Horse Memorial. In addition to the monument, there are plans to one day have a hospital and a university there.

As for now, you can pay $10 per person or $25 per carload (whichever is the best deal) and visit the large visitor center, the gift shops, the restaurant, and the sculptor's studio and home. I love the gift shop -- it's full of the usual jewelry and t-shirts, but there are also lots of South Dakota treasures, like honeys and jams made from native fruits, and lots of Native American items, such as dream catchers and jewelry.

The 20-minute video is well-worth the stop. It tells of how Korczak began the carving -- all alone and carrying the equipment up the mountain on stairs he built himself -- and how the dream continues today through his wife and children and many others. It also makes mention of the fact that Crazy Horse died on September 6, 1877 -- and the sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski, was born in 1908 on the same day. This gives me goosebumps every time. The Native Americans took it as a sign that Korczak was destined to carve the mountain in honor of their great hero.

There are lots of paintings by Native American artists, and loads of photographs and information. You could easily spend an entire afternoon here if you wanted.

Outside on the patio is a great place to view the monument, as well as to see the 1/34 scale model. That way, you know what it will look like someday, even if you never get to see the completed project.

During the summer, they do a laser light show on the mountain every night. I've never seen it myself, but I'm told it's quite moving.

On September 1-3, they will be having their Labor Day open house. In the past, this has meant that admission is a donation of a few cans of food to the food drive.

Don't miss Crazy Horse Memorial. It's right on the highway between Hill City and Custer, and it is impressive in its magnitude, as well as in the dream that made it a reality.

From journal My Black Hills

Crazy Horse Memorial

  • August 17, 2004
  • Rated 3 of 5 by beesweet from New Milford, Pennsylvania
Crazy Horse Memorial

Although this was an interesting stop, we didn't get too close to the actual monument. And at $18.00 per car, we felt it was a little pricey. I believe the cost to go up to the monument was $250.00 for two people. There was a lot of interesting memorabilia inside the museum, and there was a theater showing a film that we opted not to see.

From journal From PA to SD and back in 7 days!

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