The Crazy Horse Memorial is one of the most powerful and meaningful monuments in the United States. It honors Crazy Horse, a great Lakota leader, and represents Native American history, strength, and culture. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this massive mountain carving is still under construction, which makes it even more special. Many visitors are surprised to learn that it is larger than Mount Rushmore and completely privately funded.
People often ask, what is the Crazy Horse Memorial, why it is unfinished, and when it will be completed. Others want to know practical details like tickets, tours, photos, and how far it is from Mount Rushmore. This guide answers all of those questions in simple, clear language. I’ve visited the Black Hills myself, and seeing the memorial in person feels emotional and unforgettable.
In this article, you’ll learn about the memorial’s history, ownership, progress, and future plans. You’ll also find tips on what to do, how long to visit, and why it matters so much today.
What Is the Crazy Horse Memorial?
The Crazy Horse Memorial is a massive mountain sculpture carved into Thunderhead Mountain. It shows Crazy Horse riding a horse and pointing toward his people’s land. When finished, it will be the largest mountain carving in the world.
The project began in 1948 and was started by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. Unlike Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial receives no federal funding. It survives on donations, admission tickets, and gift shop sales. This independence is important to many Native American supporters.
The memorial is not just a sculpture. It is also a cultural center. Visitors can explore the Indian Museum of North America, Native art galleries, and educational programs. This makes the Crazy Horse Memorial more than a monument—it is a living place of learning and respect.
Where Is the Crazy Horse Memorial Located?
Many travelers ask, where is the Crazy Horse Memorial located or where is the Crazy Horse Memorial. It is located in the Black Hills near Custer, South Dakota. The exact location is about 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore.
If you are driving, signs make it easy to find. You can also wonder, can you see the Crazy Horse Memorial from the road? Yes, you can see parts of it from Highway 16/385, though the best view is inside the memorial grounds.
The natural surroundings are beautiful. Pine forests, rolling hills, and open skies surround the site. This peaceful setting adds to the emotional power of the memorial and makes it a must-see stop in South Dakota.
Crazy Horse Memorial Progress and Current Status
The Crazy Horse Memorial progress has been steady but slow. This is because the project is carved by hand and uses careful blasting. Today, the face of Crazy Horse is complete and clearly visible.
Many people search for finished Crazy Horse Memorial or Crazy Horse Memorial finished, but the monument is not fully complete. The horse’s head and front legs are still in progress. According to updates, Crazy Horse Memorial 2024 and Crazy Horse Memorial 2025 focus on shaping the horse’s face and mane.
If you’re wondering how long will Crazy Horse Memorial take, the answer is uncertain. The family has never given a final deadline, which leads to many questions about the Crazy Horse Memorial completion date.
When Will the Crazy Horse Memorial Be Finished?
One of the most common questions is when will the Crazy Horse Memorial be finished. The honest answer is that no exact date exists. Even finished Crazy Horse Memorial 2024 or finished Crazy Horse Memorial 2025 timelines are not confirmed.
The Ziolkowski family believes the journey matters more than speed. They want to preserve cultural respect and accuracy. This long timeline also teaches patience and dedication.
Some estimates suggest it could take several more decades. So if you’re asking when will Crazy Horse Memorial be finished, know that each visit shows new progress, even if completion is far away.
Crazy Horse Memorial Compared to Mount Rushmore
The Crazy Horse Memorial compared to Mount Rushmore is larger, deeper, and more detailed. Crazy Horse’s face alone is taller than the heads on Mount Rushmore.
Another key difference is purpose. Mount Rushmore honors U.S. presidents. The Crazy Horse Memorial honors Native American culture and resistance. Many visitors say the Crazy Horse Memorial feels more emotional and personal.
When comparing Mt Rushmore Crazy Horse Memorial, you’ll notice Mount Rushmore is finished, while Crazy Horse is evolving. That ongoing work is part of its story.
How Far Is the Crazy Horse Memorial from Mount Rushmore?
People often ask, how far is Crazy Horse Memorial from Mount Rushmore or mt rushmore to crazy horse memorial. The distance is about 17 miles, or a 30-minute drive.
The route is scenic and easy to follow. Many travelers visit both in one day. If you plan wisely, you can enjoy both without rushing.
So if you wonder how far is the Crazy Horse Memorial from Mount Rushmore, the short distance makes it very convenient for tourists.
Crazy Horse Memorial Tickets, Tours, and Reviews
Crazy Horse Memorial tickets are affordable and help fund the project. Prices vary slightly by season. Guided Crazy Horse Memorial tours are available and highly recommended.
Reviews are mostly positive. Many Crazy Horse Memorial reviews mention the educational value and emotional impact. Visitors enjoy learning directly from Native guides and seeing real progress on the carving.
Special events, night blasts, and cultural talks add extra value to your ticket. I personally found the museum alone worth the visit.
What to Do at Crazy Horse Memorial
If you’re wondering what to do at Crazy Horse Memorial, there is plenty. You can explore museums, watch films, view Crazy Horse Memorial photos, and attend cultural demonstrations.
You can also take a bus tour closer to the carving during summer. Kids enjoy the hands-on exhibits, while adults appreciate the deep history.
This makes the Crazy Horse Memorial a full experience, not just a photo stop.
How Long to Spend at Crazy Horse Memorial
Many people ask how long to spend at Crazy Horse Memorial or how long to visit Crazy Horse Memorial. Most visitors spend 2–4 hours.
If you love history, plan more time. Museums and tours can easily fill half a day. So when asking how long will Crazy Horse Memorial take, it depends on your interest level.
Who Owns the Crazy Horse Memorial?
Another common question is who owns Crazy Horse Memorial. The memorial is owned and managed by the Ziolkowski family.
This private ownership allows full control over design, funding, and cultural respect. Many Native leaders support this independence.
| Image | Detail | Information |
|---|---|---|
 |
Name | Crazy Horse (Tȟašúŋke Witkó) |
| Tribe | Oglala Lakota | |
| Birth Year | Circa 1840 | |
| Death Year | 1877 | |
| Known For | Leader in Battle of Little Bighorn and Native Resistance | |
| Memorial Start Date | 1948 | |
| Sculptor | Korczak Ziolkowski | |
| Ownership | Ziolkowski Family | |
| Location | Black Hills, South Dakota | |
| Funding Source | Private Donations & Ticket Sales | |
| Main Purpose | Honor Native American History & Culture |
FAQs About the Crazy Horse Memorial
1. Is the Crazy Horse Memorial finished?
No, the Crazy Horse Memorial is still under construction.
2. Can you see Crazy Horse Memorial from the road?
Yes, parts of it are visible from nearby highways.
3. Is Crazy Horse bigger than Mount Rushmore?
Yes, it will be much larger when finished.
4. Where is the Crazy Horse Memorial located?
It is in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
5. How far is it from Mount Rushmore?
About 17 miles or 30 minutes by car.
6. Is the Crazy Horse Memorial worth visiting?
Yes, especially for history and culture lovers.
Conclusion: Why the Crazy Horse Memorial Matters
The Crazy Horse Memorial is more than stone and rock. It is a symbol of pride, patience, and respect. Even unfinished, it teaches powerful lessons about Native American history and perseverance.
Visiting the memorial supports education and cultural preservation. Whether you come for photos, tours, or learning, the experience stays with you.
