Crazy Horse Memorial

This massive sculpture-in-progress depicts Lakota leader Crazy Horse pointing over his horse’s mane toward the sacred Black Hills. When complete, the monument will stand 563 feet high and 641 feet long — making Mount Rushmore look small by comparison. The visitor complex includes a museum, cultural center, and the sculptor’s studio where work continues year-round. Blasting occurs sporadically, and progress is slow but steady after decades of work.

Located 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore via US-16/385, the memorial sits on private land funded entirely by donations and admissions. The Indian Museum of North America houses one of the country’s finest Native American artifact collections. Summer laser light shows illuminate the carving nightly. Access remains good year-round, though winter hours are reduced.

World's largest mountain carving in progress