Crazy Horse Memorial is located in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, USA. It lies between Hill City and Custer and is carved into Thunderhead Mountain. It is famous for being a huge mountain sculpture of the Native American leader Crazy Horse, which will be one of the largest in the world when finished.
Crazy Horse Memorial Location Map, Custer, South Dakota
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Top Attractions Inside Crazy Horse Memorial
- Mountain Carving (the Big Sculpture) – The massive granite carving of Crazy Horse in progress, the centerpiece of the memorial.
- Welcome Center & “Wall of Windows” View Deck – Entry point with large windows giving a clear view of the carving‑in‑progress on the mountain. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Indian Museum of North America & Cultural Center – Museums housing Native‑American art, artifacts, tribal‑nation flags and exhibits about Indigenous culture across North America. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Sculptor’s Home & Studio (Korczak’s Home / “Big Room”) – Historic log home and studio of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, offering insight into the life and work behind the memorial. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} – On‑site restaurant where you can dine while enjoying views of the mountain carving. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Gift Shop & Native Artisan Crafts – Gift shop offering Native‑American handmade items, souvenirs and crafts tied to the memorial’s heritage. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Mountain Carving Gallery & Exhibits – Gallery detailing the history and progress of the carving, tools used, and future plans for completion. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Seasonal Cultural Performances & Events – Traditional Native‑American music, dance, storytelling and cultural events held at the Cultural Center during seasons. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Special Tours / Bus Ride to Base of Mountain – Optional rides that bring visitors closer to the base of the carving for better views and photos. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Annual Volksmarch Hike – A 10 km organized hike (twice a year) that allows participants to walk up to the arm of the carving for a unique experience. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Crazy Horse Memorial Facts
| Official Name | Crazy Horse Memorial |
| Location | Thunderhead Mountain, Black Hills, Custer County, South Dakota, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 43.8203° N, 103.6401° W |
| Address | 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730‑8900, USA |
| Nearest Towns / Reference Points | 9 miles south of Hill City, 4 miles north of Custer, 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore |
| Type | Mountain carving monument / Cultural & Educational Complex |
| Designer / Sculptor | Korczak Ziolkowski (Commissioned by Henry Standing Bear) |
| Operator / Managed By | Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation (Non‑profit) |
| Construction Started | June 3, 1948 |
| Current Status | Still under construction |
| Face Completed | 1998 — 87 ft (≈ 26.7 m) tall head unveiled |
| Planned Final Dimensions | 641 ft long × 563 ft high (≈ 195 m × 172 m) |
| Purpose / Theme | To honor Native American leader Crazy Horse and celebrate the culture and heritage of North American Indigenous peoples |
| Components / Facilities | Mountain carving, Indian Museum of North America, Native American Educational and Cultural Center, visitor complex with exhibitions and gift shop |
| Funding / Financing | Visitor admissions and private donations (no federal or state funding) |
| Annual Visitors (approx.) | Over 1 million per year |
| Visitor Access / Hours | Open daily, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Nearby Airport | Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) — 45 miles / 72 km |
| Transportation | Private vehicle access, parking available; no public transit directly to site |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid admission (ticket required) |
| Official Website | https://crazyhorsememorial.org/ |
Distances from Crazy Horse Memorial to Nearby Landmarks
- Times Square – 1.6 km (1 mi)
- Rockefeller Center – 1.9 km (1.2 mi)
- Empire State Building – 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
- Metropolitan Museum of Art – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- American Museum of Natural History – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
- Columbus Circle – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- Grand Central Terminal – 2.4 km (1.5 mi)
- Broadway Theater District – 1.6 km (1 mi)
- The Plaza Hotel (Crazy Horse Memorial South) – 0.1 km (0.06 mi)
- Lincoln Center – 1.0 km (0.6 mi)
- New York Public Library (5th Ave) – 2.4 km (1.5 mi)
- One World Trade Center – 9.6 km (6 mi)
- Statue of Liberty (Battery Park ferry terminal) – 11.2 km (7 mi)
- Brooklyn Bridge – 10.4 km (6.5 mi)
- Fifth Avenue Shopping District – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Chrysler Building – 2.7 km (1.7 mi)
- Madison Square Garden – 3.2 km (2 mi)
- Hudson Yards (Vessel) – 3.8 km (2.4 mi)
- SoHo – 7.5 km (4.7 mi)
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