Crazy Horse Memorial Part 3:

Siva McAteer • January 30, 2026

Exploring the Native American Educational and Cultural Center

Did you know there’s a place in South Dakota where you can literally take home a piece of history? 👀 Yep—welcome back to Part 3 of our Crazy Horse Memorial adventure, where we dive into one of the most meaningful and fascinating areas of the entire complex: the Native American Educational and Cultural Center.

Located in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Crazy Horse Memorial is already one of the most awe-inspiring monuments in the United States—but stepping into this center takes the experience to a whole new level.

First Impressions: Powerful and Welcoming

From the moment you arrive, you feel it.

Massive natural-stone gates.

Life-size, incredibly realistic sculptures.

And a touching 9/11 Memorial tucked into the grounds.

It’s not just visually impressive—it sets the tone for what this place is really about: honoring Native American history, culture, and living traditions.

Inside the Cultural Center

Walk inside, and you’ll find a large gathering area where Native American educators host talks, storytelling sessions, and live demonstrations throughout the day. Visitors can learn about beadwork, traditional instruments, dance regalia, and tribal customs—making this far more than just a sightseeing stop.

👉 Fun Fact: The Crazy Horse Memorial has always been privately funded, relying on donations rather than federal money. That independence is part of what allows the project to focus so heavily on education and cultural preservation.

Who Was Crazy Horse—Really?

Here’s something that surprises almost everyone:

There is no documented photograph of Crazy Horse.

The monumental face being carved into the granite mountain is a composite likeness, designed by the original sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowsk,i using historical descriptions from Lakota elders who knew the famed warrior. It’s a powerful reminder that this monument is meant to represent spirit and legacy—not just appearance.

Yes… You Can Take Home a Piece of the Mountain

One of the coolest and most unexpected experiences? Visitors are invited to take a stone from a designated rock bin—material that was removed during carving—and leave a donation if they’d like.

It’s literally a tiny piece of American history you can bring home with you. Perfect for gardens, memory shelves, or travel keepsakes.

The Viewing Veranda: Where It All Comes Together

Step outside and you’ll reach the viewing veranda, one of the best spots in the park. From here, you can see:

✔️ The real mountain carving in progress

✔️ A 1/34-scale model showing what Crazy Horse will look like when completed

And while you’re there, grab a bite at the Laughing Water Restaurant, browse the Gift Shop, visit the Museum, or swing by the Snack Shop—all conveniently located in the same area.

Don’t worry… we’re exploring the gift shop and museum next in Part 4, so stay tuned!

Ready to Start Exploring?

If reading this makes you think, “I really need to travel more,” take that as your sign.

I help everyday travelers turn dream trips into real adventures—whether that’s a South Dakota road trip, a tour of America’s national monuments, or a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list vacation.

✨ Follow along for more travel inspiration, and when you’re ready to plan your next getaway, message me. Let’s get you exploring this incredible world.

#CrazyHorseMemorial #NativeAmericanEducationalCenter #SouthDakotaTravel #BlackHillsAdventure #USATravel #RoadTripUSA #HistoricPlaces #NationalMonuments #TravelBlog #TravelBlogger #FamilyTravelIdeas #BucketListTrip #WanderlustLife #ExploreAmerica #TravelAgentLife #TravelCreator #AdventureAwaits #SeeTheWorld #TravelInspiration #VisitSouthDakota

< Older Post

Crazy Horse Memorial Part 2

By Siva McAteer • January 30, 2026

👀 “Would you believe me if I told you this mountain has had over ELEVEN MILLION tons of rock blasted away… and it’s still not finished? Let me show you why this $5 tour is one of the best travel deals in America.” Welcome to Part 2 of our Crazy Horse Memorial adventure — and today we’re hopping on the guided bus tour that takes you right up to the mountain itself. For just five dollars per person, this ride gets you shockingly close to the carving-in-progress — and trust me… hearing the story while standing beneath it hits completely different. Our guide, Allen, shared how this all began back in 1947, when sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski arrived in the Black Hills from Connecticut… to a place with no roads, no water, no electricity. He literally lived in a tent for seven months before clearing trees and building a log studio by hand. By the late 1950s, with ten kids to raise, the family even opened a dairy farm right on site — and today they still raise cattle here. Oh — and the very first admission to Crazy Horse in 1950? 👉 Just 50 cents per carload.

Crazy Horse Memorial Part 1

By Siva McAteer • January 27, 2026

“If you’re going to Mount Rushmore and NOT stopping here… you’re doing South Dakota wrong.” And honestly? I stand by that. 😏 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.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 5

By Siva McAteer • January 26, 2026

Think the best views at Mount Rushmore are only at the beginning? 👀 Think again. Welcome to Part 5 — the grand finale of my Mount Rushmore tour series — where the Presidential Trail keeps delivering jaw-dropping scenery right up until the very end. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore vacation, a South Dakota road trip, or a Black Hills adventure, this is your reminder that this iconic destination is so much more than a quick photo stop. It’s a full-on experience.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 4:

By Siva McAteer • January 25, 2026

Another passport?! 👀✈️ Yes, please — and this one doesn’t even require airport security or a middle seat. Welcome back to Part 4 of my 5-part Mount Rushmore series, where we stop at one of the most fascinating (and underrated!) spots at Mount Rushmore National Memorial: the Sculptor’s Studio. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore trip, a South Dakota road trip, or exploring the Black Hills, this is one stop you absolutely cannot skip.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 3:

By Siva McAteer • January 24, 2026

This is as close as you can get to Mount Rushmore without climbing the mountain itself — and honestly? Most visitors have no idea this trail even exists. 👀 Welcome to Part 3 of my five‑part Mount Rushmore travel series, where I’m continuing along the legendary Presidential Trail and showing you why this scenic walk completely changes how you experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial. If Mount Rushmore is on your USA bucket list, keep reading — this is where the magic really happens.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 2:

By Siva McAteer • January 24, 2026

Most visitors snap a photo from the viewing terrace and move on… but if you really want to experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you have to get on the Presidential Trail. Welcome to Part 2 of my five-part Mount Rushmore travel series, where I’m sharing insider tips, fun facts, and smart planning advice so your South Dakota adventure feels unforgettable — not rushed.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 1:

By Siva McAteer • January 22, 2026

Think Mount Rushmore is just a quick photo stop you squeeze in between road trip snacks and your next destination? 👀 Think again. Welcome to Part 1 of my 5-part Mount Rushmore tour series, where I’m breaking down everything you need to know so you can visit like a pro, skip the rookie mistakes, and actually enjoy this iconic American landmark.

Celebrity Cruise & The Bittersweet Flight Home

By Siva McAteer • October 30, 2025

There’s that one moment every traveler knows too well — when you slip into your comfiest travel slippers, grab your airplane blanket, and realize… it’s time to head home. After sixteen incredible days exploring Japan and South Korea, I still can’t believe our journey has come to an end. This trip was everything — relaxing, inspiring, and filled with memories that will stay with us forever. From mouthwatering sushi in Tokyo to breathtaking temples in Busan, every single day felt like a new adventure.

Celebrity Cruise Day 12: The Airport That Feels Like the Future

By Siva McAteer • October 29, 2025

Only in South Korea would a robot greet you the moment you step into the airport. Welcome to Incheon International Airport, where technology meets tranquility — and yes, your travel expectations will never be the same after this. The first thing that hit me wasn’t the size (though it’s massive) — it was how quiet and calm everything felt. No rushing crowds, no blaring announcements — just peaceful background music and mesmerizing floor-to-ceiling digital screens showing relaxing visuals. It honestly felt like I stepped into a luxury spa disguised as an airport. 🤖 Smart Travel at Its Finest Incheon Airport is one of the most advanced smart airports in the world, powered by big data, robotics, and biometric technology. From self-check-in kiosks and face-recognition immigration to helpful robots roaming around ready to assist, it’s clear that South Korea has travel innovation down to a science. Every detail here is designed to make travel effortless — even the seating areas have wireless charging stations built right in!

South Korea Day 12 – Farewell from Seoul: Celebrity Cruise Departure Day

By Siva McAteer • October 28, 2025

All good things must come to an end—and today, it’s time to say goodbye to the Celebrity Millennium after an unforgettable 12-day cruise adventure from Tokyo to Seoul. Bittersweet? Absolutely. After twelve incredible days of exploring Japan and South Korea, eating amazing food, and watching spectacular shows, our hearts (and suitcases) are full. 🎒 Organized Chaos: The Cruise Departure Dance From above, the scene was mesmerizing—like a well-choreographed ballet of luggage. You could tell this wasn’t their first rodeo. Crew members worked in perfect harmony, pushing suitcases one by one to their assigned spots beneath white tents. The precision and teamwork were truly impressive—a testament to just how smoothly Celebrity Cruises operates. Fun Fact: On large cruise ships like the Celebrity Millennium, thousands of pieces of luggage are sorted and delivered in just a few hours! Every bag is tagged, scanned, and routed with near-perfect accuracy. Talk about efficiency at sea! 🚢 Fair Winds and Following Seas As the sailors say, “Fair winds and following seas.” It’s the perfect farewell for a journey like this one. My daughter Olivia, who’s now a pro at cruise life thanks to her work behind the scenes as a stitcher, handled departure like a seasoned traveler. Watching her confidently roll her suitcases down the hallway was a proud mom moment. We took one last look out the glass doors at the Korean mountains in the distance—a peaceful goodbye to a country that’s filled our trip with culture, flavor, and unforgettable beauty.