All photos © Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation
Four miles north of Custer on Highway 16 / 385, Crazy Horse Memorial ® is in existence to honor all Indigenous people of North America. American Indian history and cultures are shared through museums, cultural programs, and the world’ s largest Mountain Carving in progress.
The Crazy Horse Memorial ® dream began in 1939 when Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear asked sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to create a memorial to pay tribute to American Indians and the world would know“ the red man has great heroes, also.” Standing Bear and others carefully choose Lakota warrior Crazy Horse to be the subject of the Mountain Sculpture.
On June 3, 1948, the first blast took place on the Mountain with five survivors of the Battle of Little Bighorn among the spectators. Korczak and Henry Standing Bear decided the Carving would be the centerpiece of the Memorial’ s educational and humanitarian goals. Furthermore, Ziolkowski declared that it would be a project“ for the people and by the people,” turning down large amounts of government funding offers. Still today, the Memorial operates solely on donations and charitable contributions from visitors and those who believe in the project.
In the early years, Korczak, his wife Ruth, and their ten children were responsible for Mountain progress and operations at the visitor center. The Ziolkowski family operated additional businesses at Crazy Horse, including a dairy farm and sawmill, to be able to support a large family and to carry on the noble cause of the project. Together, Korczak and Ruth prepared detailed books laying out the future plans of the Memorial.
In 1982 Korczak passed away at the age of 74, leaving Ruth and the children with the task of continuing the work. As Ruth took the lead as President / CEO, the important decision was made to shift focus to Crazy Horse’ s Face, whereas Korczak planned to work on the Horse’ s Head. The June 3--, 1998 dedication of Crazy Horse’ s Face proved this a good decision as onlookers gathered to see the profile against the Black Hills sky. Later, Ruth led as Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation realized
another important goal; opening The Indian University of North America ® in 2010.
In 2014, Ruth passed away but had laid the groundwork to ensure the Memorial was in good hands which included Ziolkowski family members, a dedicated Board of Directors, and talented management and staff.
Today, there continues to be growth in all areas of the Memorial; The Indian University of North America ®, the Museums, and the Mountain Carving. Recent progress on the planned 641’ long, 563’ tall sculpture includes the removal of 130 tons of rock from the right shoulder and horse’ s mane. The installation of an industrial tower crane has been in progress since the fall of 2024. As it is incorporated into the carving process, along with the robotic arm, it will positively impact the carving process.
Although the Mountain Carving is the centerpiece of the project, able to be seen even from the highway, there is much more to see within the multi-building visitor center. The Indian Museum of North America ® is home to a large collection of art and artifacts reflecting the diverse histories and cultures of over 300 Native Nations. The Ziolkowski Family life museum features a view into the original log home and studio of Korczak and Ruth, and their family. The fascinating Mountain Carving gallery is where you can get a closer view of the work the Mountain Carving entails now, and learn more about the journey to present-day. The museum’ s cultural programming is set for an exciting season, featuring a diverse lineup of Native artists, performers, and culture bearers.
These areas are only part of what you will be exposed to at Crazy Horse Memorial ®. It is suggested to plan several hours for a visit. Dining options are available on-site at Laughing Water Restaurant ® and the snack shop, operated by the Memorial’ s official gift shop and food service, Korczak’ s Heritage, Inc.
For further information please call 605-673-4681 or visit www. crazyhorsememorial. org where you can also explore our calendar of events. Memorial visitors are welcome year-round!
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