"Crazy Horse Mountain Monument" Top 5 Page for this destination Custer by basstbn

Custer Travel Guide: 44 reviews and 103 photos

Crazy Horse Mountain Monument - Custer

The year was 1939. Sioux Indians native to South Dakota and the northern plains watched the completion of Mount Rushmore in their beloved Black Hills. Henry Standing Bear was moved to action, and contacted Korczak Ziolkowski, who had just captured first prize for sculpure at the New York World's Fair.

Inspired by the character of Sioux warrior Crazy Horse and by the tribe's desire for "the white man to know that the red man has great heroes, too," Ziolkowski set out for South Dakota in 1948. He set out to turn an entire mountain into the biggest statue in the world. Although the determined sculptor died in 1982, his work did not end. His widow, most of his ten children, and even the next generation can still be seen at the site. Many predict that the work will not be finished for another fifty years.

Even in its "rough state," Crazy Horse Mountain Monument is a fascinating visit. The picture shown was taken at the visitor's center, with a model in the foreground, and the mountain behind - a mile away.

If you are in the Black Hills, Mountain Rushmore, or Custer State Park area, you should make it a point to spend several hours at Crazy Horse Monument.

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  • In a nutshell:Excellent place to stay in the Black Hills, Custer State Park area
  • Last visit to Custer: Jul 1999
  • Intro Updated Mar 19, 2006
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Reviews (6)

In another area of the visitor... - Custer In another area of the visitor... Things to Do (4)

In another area of the visitor center grounds, these highly skilled Indian musicians were performing songs which I... more travel advice

This young Indian boy... - Custer This young Indian boy... Things to Do (4)

This young Indian boy skillfully demonstrated the ring dance. more travel advice

Local tribesmen provide... - Custer Local tribesmen provide... Things to Do (4)

Local tribesmen provide entertainment in the form of traditional dancing on the observation desk. Future plans include a... more travel advice

Custer Things to Do (4)

It is difficult to convey the size and scale of this incredible project. Even when looking from the visitor center... more travel advice

Comments (2)

  • Reply
    Florida999's Profile Photo
    Jul 5, 2006 at 8:58 AM

    We will be spending a few days in SD in about a week, great tips! You have given me some more ideas.

  • Reply
    dlandt's Profile Photo
    Jul 15, 2003 at 9:18 PM

    This is a great one, really off the beaten path.

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