Crazy Horse Memorial is a monumental sculpture in the Black Hills of South Dakota, United States. The sculpture honors the culture, traditions and living heritage of Native Americans. It is the world’s largest mountain carving, depicting the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse. The memorial is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to explore the history and culture of Native Americans. Touring the Crazy Horse Monument is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the Black Hills and to learn more about Native American history. But how long does it take to tour Crazy Horse Monument?
The Average Time to Tour Crazy Horse Monument
The average time for touring the Crazy Horse Monument is about two to three hours. However, some visitors may choose to spend more or less time depending on their interests and the amount of time they have available. Visitors can take a guided tour, which usually takes an hour and a half, or they can explore the monument on their own.
What to Expect on a Tour of Crazy Horse Monument
The tour of Crazy Horse Monument begins with a film presentation at the Indian Museum of North America. The film offers a brief overview of the history of Crazy Horse and the Native American culture. After the film, visitors can take a guided tour of the monument. The tour includes a closer look at the progress of the sculpture, the Indian Museum of North America, and the Indian University of North America. After the tour, visitors can explore the memorial grounds on their own.
Things to See on a Tour of Crazy Horse Monument
The Mountain Carving
The mountain carving of Crazy Horse is the main attraction at Crazy Horse Monument. Visitors can get a closer look at the progress of the sculpture, which has been underway since 1948.
Indian Museum of North America
The Indian Museum of North America is located on the Crazy Horse Monument grounds. The museum houses an impressive collection of Native American artifacts and art. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of Native Americans.
Indian University of North America
The Indian University of North America is located on the Crazy Horse Monument grounds. The university offers educational programs and events related to Native American culture and history.
The Native American Cultural Center
The Native American Cultural Center is located on the Crazy Horse Monument grounds. The center offers a variety of educational programs and events related to Native American culture and history.
The Gift Shop
The gift shop at Crazy Horse Monument offers a variety of souvenirs and memorabilia related to the memorial and Native American culture.
Tips for Visiting Crazy Horse Monument
Here are some tips to keep in mind when visiting Crazy Horse Monument:
- Bring a camera – The views of the Black Hills from the memorial are stunning and worth capturing in a photograph.
- Wear comfortable shoes – The grounds of the memorial are quite large, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Dress appropriately – It can get quite chilly in the Black Hills, so dress appropriately for the weather.
- Pack a snack – The memorial does not offer food, so be sure to pack a snack for the tour.
- Pack sunscreen – The sun can be quite strong in the Black Hills, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen.
Additional Activities Near Crazy Horse Monument
There are many other activities and attractions to explore near Crazy Horse Monument. Here are some of the most popular:
- Mount Rushmore – Just a short drive from the memorial is Mount Rushmore, the iconic monument featuring the faces of four United States presidents.
- Custer State Park – Custer State Park offers a variety of activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
- Reptile Gardens – Reptile Gardens is a popular tourist attraction featuring a variety of reptiles and animals.
- Dinosaur Park – Dinosaur Park is a family-friendly attraction featuring life-size dinosaur sculptures.
- Wind Cave National Park – Wind Cave National Park offers visitors a unique look at one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.
Conclusion
Touring the Crazy Horse Monument is a great way to explore the history and culture of Native Americans. It takes an average of two to three hours to tour the memorial, and visitors can take a guided tour or explore it on their own. The memorial offers a variety of attractions, such as the mountain carving of Crazy Horse, the Indian Museum of North America, the Indian University of North America, and the Native American Cultural Center. There are also several additional activities and attractions to explore near the memorial, such as Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Reptile Gardens, Dinosaur Park, and Wind Cave National Park.