Spending time in the Black Hills means a trip to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. They are very close together so I am including both in this post. Mount Rushmore is on everyone’s itinerary, but Crazy Horse Memorial is even more spectacular and is an amazing education center.
Mount Rushmore
Overview
Mount Rushmore is almost a rite of passage. You have to see it once. The monument was sculpted in granite between 1927 and 1941 by the artist Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln. The faces are over 60 feet high and are quite impressive when viewed up close. There is a lot more to do than just view it. Plan on spending 2-3 hours and really explore the area
The Avenue of Flags
The Avenue of Flags is a great view of the monument and makes for a great picture. Alway nice to walk and view all of the flag channeling our inner Sheldon. The states are listed in alphabetical order and makes for a nice entrance to the monument.
Viewing Area
Walking past the flags you come to a viewing area under the sculptures. We enjoyed the view and then had to ask ourselves “now what”. It appeared to be the end of the road. There are more activities so don’t miss them after you enjoy the viewing area.
Visitor’s Center
I always recommend spending time in the visitor’s center. This one has a short film and other information that will give you the history of the monument and the sculptor. May spend 15-30 minutes here depending on how long you view the exhibits. See the NPS site for more information.
Presidential Trail
Not really a hike, but a short walk on pavement. You are able to get different views of the monument and also enjoy other views of the area as well. Depending on your pace you may spend 30 – 40 minutes on this walk.
Ranger Talks
The ranger gives quick talks in the center where you exit. We were incredibly hot so decided to enjoy the air conditioning. The quick 15 minute talk really gave a great overview of the times when this was built and the logistics behind it. This is a must do.
Evening Sculpture Lighting Ceremony
From end of May to end of September there is a lighting ceremony at 9:00 pm each night. The ceremony is usually very crowded and will last about 45 minutes. Get there early to find a great spot. It is definitely worth the time and weathering the crowds.
Crazy Horse Monument
Very near Mount Rushmore is an equally historic monument celebrating Crazy Horse. He fought the advances of the Americans as they advanced on the Indians taking their land and changing their way of life. He led the fight against Custer that led to his death. Crazy Horse is honored as a hero to the Native American people and this monument is a testament to preserving the Native American culture
History
The carving of the monument began in 1948 by the sculpture, Korczak Ziolkowski. He worked with the local community to plan the memorial that when finished will be the largest carved monument in the world. The monument work continued until his death in 1982. His wife and children have taken over the project and continue to work on this monument today. When will the monument be finished? That is the question asked by many. The latest estimate in 2050.
Visiting Crazy Horse Monument
Fees
The monument is fully funded by the fees collected for visiting the monument. It accepts no funds from either state or federal governments as the monument is meant to be a tribute to the Native American people. It costs $15 per person or $35 per car for 3 or more. The America the Beautiful pass does not work here, but know that your fees are going to supporting this important project. For more information see the official Crazy Horse Memorial site
Parking and Hours
There is plenty of parking even during peak times. The parking is close to the visitors centers and the museums. The monument is further away, but the view at the center is very impressive.
The welcome center and museums are open based on time of year. It is usually open at 8 am and closes at 8pm during the summer months and closes 30 minutes after dark during the other times of year. Check the website for hours before your visit.
Seeing the monument.
You will see the view from our pictures. For those wanting to get closer you can take a $4 bus ride to the monument for up close look under the monument. It is well worth the cost and gives a real sense of the enormity of this sculpture. There are opportunities to pay more for a visit to the work site, but this is not offered often and most will be fully impressed by the trip to the base.
Other Things to Do During Your Visit
The visit to the center is so much more than just viewing the monument. Make sure to allow several hours for your visit. The museum holds one of the largest collections of Native American artifacts. Among the artifacts is education on Native American life, history, and culture. The exhibits are extremely well done and deserve the time to view and learn.
The video did a great job of describing the vision of this site and monument that goes well above the sculpture. The design of the center is to not only venerate Crazy Horse. It even goes beyond the education of the visitors of the Native American story. Additionally, there is an education center that houses the Indian University of North America. The center works to educate Native American students who may attend school here or may attend other universities in the region. There are leadership programs, scholarships and work training programs. Students within the program have a 71% college completion rate due to the support and training provided by the program.
Restaurants
The Laughing Water Restaurant deserves a stop. It is not just an overpriced cafe that coincidentally is located at a historical site. It is a restaurant that is owned by the foundation with revenue going to support the monument and the center. There are amazing views of the sculpture and the restaurant staff are employees or students of the Indian University. You must try either the Native American taco or the Tatanka Stew. Great comfort food and a little bit of culture.
For more information on things to do in the Black Hills, visit my blog Obie Travel Plans
