Crazy Horse Memorial Part 1
Siva McAteer • January 27, 2026
The Massive Monument You HAVE to See After Mount Rushmore
“If you’re going to Mount Rushmore and NOT stopping here… you’re doing South Dakota wrong.”
And honestly? I stand by that. π
Just 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, tucked into the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, sits one of the most fascinating landmarks in the United States — the Crazy Horse Memorial. This isn’t just another quick roadside attraction. It’s one of the largest mountain carving projects in the world… and it’s still being built today.
If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore road trip, a South Dakota vacation, or a national parks adventure, put this stop high on your list.
π Getting Into Crazy Horse Memorial: What It Costs & What’s Included
Entry to the Crazy Horse Memorial grounds costs $35 per vehicle, which already gives you access to the visitor complex, museums, and viewing areas.
But we decided to upgrade our visit with the guided bus tour — and let me tell you… totally worth it.
For just $5 per person, the bus takes you closer to the mountain itself, where you can really grasp the scale of this massive sculpture-in-progress.
π Pro Tip:
The ticket booth insider told us the best seats are right behind the bus driver for unobstructed views and prime photo angles. So yes… that’s exactly where we headed. π
π£οΈ What You’ll Learn on the Tour
This guided tour is packed with stories and history you don’t always get from signs and exhibits. You’ll hear about:
- The family behind the project
- The original vision for the monument
- How Crazy Horse was chosen
- Why this memorial is completely different from Mount Rushmore
- And how it continues today without federal funding
And don’t worry — Part 2 is coming, where I’ll share even more from the tour itself. For now… just sit back and enjoy the ride.
π€― Fun Facts About Crazy Horse Memorial
Because every epic travel stop deserves a few “wow” moments:
- πΏ When finished, Crazy Horse will be the largest mountain carving in the world, even bigger than Mount Rushmore.
- βοΈ Construction began in 1948 and continues today.
- π The memorial is privately funded through admissions and donations.
- πͺΆ The sculpture honors Lakota leader Crazy Horse, who is remembered for resisting U.S. government policies during the 19th century.
ποΈ More Than a Monument: A Cultural Experience
Now… full honesty.
The last time I visited was almost 40 years ago, and yes — the carving itself looks more similar than I expected. But what has expanded dramatically is the surrounding cultural experience.
On the grounds you’ll also find:
- β¨ The Indian Museum of North America — featuring Native art and artifacts from tribes across the continent
- β¨ The Native American Educational & Cultural Center — sharing Indigenous history, traditions, and modern voices
This is what makes Crazy Horse so special. It’s not just about the mountain — it’s a living tribute to Indigenous culture, history, and resilience.
π Plan Your Visit to Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse Memorial
12151 Avenue of the Chiefs
Crazy Horse, SD 57730-8900
It pairs perfectly with a Mount Rushmore visit and deserves at least a few hours on your itinerary.
β¨ Save This Stop for Later — and Let Me Plan Your Next Adventure
If bucket-list road trips and iconic American landmarks are your thing…
πβ¨ Save this post, follow for more travel inspiration, and when you’re ready to explore the world — book your next adventure with me. β¨π
I’ll handle the planning so you can focus on the fun, the photos, and the unforgettable moments.ο»Ώ
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