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.
Legends in Light: Nightly performances of a multimedia Laser-Light show spotlighting Native American culture starts at dusk each night between May 24 and September 29, 2019. Stop at the Orientation Office to receive a free pass for a return visit to see the Light show.
Night blasts scheduled for 2019:
- June 26 – Ruth’s Night Blast
- September 6 – Crazy Horse & Korczak Night Blast
2019 Volksmarch Schedule: the 33rd Annual Spring Volksmarch is June 1 & 2 and the 6th Annual Fall Volksmarch is Septmeber 29.
Admission is waived to volksmarchers. A donation of three cans of food per person is appreciated. The AVA’s hike fee is $3 for each participant regardless of age. Regular admission applies to non-hikers.
The Memorial opens at 7 a.m. 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.