BLACK HILLS MORNINGS TURN CRISP, the crowds begin to thin and autumn color settles across the landscape.
At Crazy Horse Memorial ®, the change of seasons also brings some of the year’ s most unique opportunities to experience the Memorial, including cultural programs, special events and the chance to hike onto the Mountain itself. For those who haven’ t visited in a while, fall is also a chance to see just how much is changing.
Crazy Horse Memorial is perhaps best known for the Mountain Carving, but the Memorial’ s mission to protect and preserve the cultures, traditions and living heritage of the North American Indians extends far beyond the granite. A typical visit will include museums, Native American art, cultural programming and opportunities to learn about both the history and the living cultures represented at the Memorial.
Native American cultural programming continues through September 30, with Native American stories, dance and more, featured on the outdoor Veranda Stage and indoor Covered Porch Stage. Dance performances are scheduled daily at 11:30 a. m., 1:30 p. m. and 3:30 p. m. through the end of September. Visitors can also meet and interact with Native artists working in a public studio space within the Native American Educational and Cultural Center ® through the Artist in Residence program.
On Saturday, September 26, the Memorial will host Honoring the Tatanka Day, a family-friendly day highlighting the significance of the bison in Great Plains Tribal cultures. The event coincides with the annual Buffalo Round-Up at Custer State Park.
The following day, Sunday, September 27, brings the Autumn Volksmarch and one of only two annual opportunities for the public to hike to the Arm of Crazy Horse. The route at the top changes each time as the shape of the Mountain changes! Participants can choose a 5K or 10K round-trip route, traveling from the parking area through woodland trails before reaching the arm of Crazy Horse.
For hikers, it is an opportunity not only to stand face-to-face with the carving, but to see the Mountain and surrounding Black Hills from an entirely different perspective.
Fall programming continues with Native Americans’ Day on October 12, featuring programs, hands-on activities and performances throughout the day. The Crazy Horse Memorial ® Educator of the Year will also be announced.
On October 20, Crazy Horse Memorial observes Korczak Ziolkowski Remembrance Day. Weather permitting, visitors may walk to the family cemetery and tomb of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to pay respects to him and members of his family who are laid to rest there.
Events continue into November which is recognized as Native American Heritage Month. Included in the month’ s happenings are the Native American Tourism Summit and Crazy Horse Memorial ® Film Festival on November 4, bringing together tourism leaders, tribal organizations, and award-winning Native filmmakers.
For those who live in the Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial can easily become a place saved for visiting friends and relatives. But no two visits are quite the same. Support the mission by becoming a storyteller( annual donor) and received waived admission – then return often!
The Mountain continues to change. Artists and performers bring new experiences. Special events offer opportunities that happen only once a year. Add in the colors and cooler temperatures of a Black Hills autumn, and September and October could be the perfect time to come back and see what’ s changed.
Dates, times and events are subject to change. Crazy Horse Memorial is open yearround. Please visit CrazyHorseMemorial. org for current information. myblackshillscountry. com
Photo © Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation Down Country Roads
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