Crazy Horse Memorial: Complete Guide 2026
Honoring Native American culture—museum, laser show, and the monumental carving
Best Crazy Horse Memorial Tours
Combo tours pairing Crazy Horse with Mount Rushmore in a single guided day — the most efficient way to see both monumental sculptures.
Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
Experience the stunning beauty of the Black Hills on this unforgettable private afternoon & evening tour, designed to highlight the region’s most scenic drives & end with the Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony. First, we visit the tranquil Sylvan Lake, nestled among pine-covered hills & dramatic rock formations. We continue with a picturesque journey along the legendary Needles Hwy, where towering granite spires, narrow tunnels, & sweeping views create an unforgettable drive. You’ll have plenty of time for photo stops, short walks, and commentary from your knowledgeable local guide. Then, travel the engineering marvel of Iron Mt Rd, known for its pigtail bridges, scenic switchbacks, & tunnels that perfectly frame Mt Rushmore in the distance. We arrive at Mt Rushmore with time to explore, then as night falls, gather at the amphitheater for the Lighting Ceremony—a patriotic & heartfelt experience that includes a short film, tribute to veterans, & the illumination of the iconic carvings.
Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour
What makes this tour unique is the combination of three of Western South Dakota's most iconic destinations – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – into a single, comprehensive, and fully narrated experience. Over 8-9 hours, you'll not just see these landmarks, but gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. We always give the guest time to buy their lunch during the tour.
Private Mount Rushmore and Flume Trail Hike
This tour gives you incredible in-depth knowledge of the Flume Trail, the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.
Mount Rushmore Memorial Shared Tour from Rapid City, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture’s roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The site also features a museum with interactive exhibits.
Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony
Discover the best of the Black Hills on this unforgettable evening adventure. Your tour begins with a scenic drive along the world-famous Iron Mountain Road, a winding masterpiece with pigtail bridges, mountain vistas, and tunnels leading to Mt. Rushmore. Along the way, your guide shares insightful stories of the region’s history, people, and natural beauty. Arriving at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, we’ll stroll the Avenue of the Flags for a first close-up view of the monument. Your guide will bring the story of its creation to life with engaging details about the vision, artistry, and challenges behind this American landmark. As night falls, you’ll take part in the moving Evening Illumination Ceremony, where patriotic music and storytelling culminate in the dramatic lighting of the monument. This tour blends breathtaking scenery with cultural heritage and national pride, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
Shared Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour
This tour is unique because it offers a convenient and efficient way to experience two iconic South Dakota landmarks in a single day. Instead of having to drive yourself and navigate parking at both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, this tour provides shared transportation from Rapid City, maximizing your time to explore and learn about these impressive monuments. By dedicating 2 hours to each site, you'll have ample time to take photos, soak in the history, and appreciate the artistry of these incredible sculptures. This is a great option for travelers seeking a hassle-free and time-optimized introduction to these popular South Dakota attractions.
Prices and availability provided by Viator. We earn a commission on bookings — at no extra cost to you.
Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing mountain carving in the Black Hills of South Dakota that honors the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse and Native American heritage. When completed, the sculpture will stand 563 feet high and 641 feet long—the world's largest mountain carving. The memorial is about 17 miles from Mount Rushmore, so many visitors see both in one day — see our Rushmore + Crazy Horse combo tour comparison for the most efficient guided options, or private tour comparison if you're traveling as a group of 4+. The campus includes the Indian Museum of North America, one of the finest Native American artifact collections in the United States, and the Native American Cultural Center with live demonstrations. The memorial is privately funded (no federal dollars) and has been under construction since 1948.
Plan 2–3 hours for the carving, museum, and optional bus to the base of the mountain. From May through October, the evening laser light show is included with admission and projects images and storytelling onto the mountain face. The twice-yearly volksmarch (early June and early October) is the only time you can hike to the arm of the carving. This guide covers admission cost, hours, the laser show, the museum, and where to stay in Custer, Hill City, or Rapid City.
Admission, Cost & Hours
Crazy Horse Memorial charges per-person admission. The nonprofit foundation receives no government funding; your ticket supports the carving and cultural programs.
At a glance
- Adults: $32 per person
- Ages 6–17: $16 per person
- Children 5 and under: Free
- Bus to base of mountain: $5 per person (optional)
- Hours: Typically 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; summer may extend to 9:00 PM
- Laser light show: May–October at dark; included with daytime admission
Check the official Crazy Horse Memorial website for current prices and seasonal hours before your visit.
The Carving & History
Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski was invited by Lakota elders to create a memorial to Crazy Horse after the completion of Mount Rushmore. Work began in 1948; the face was dedicated in 1998. The finished sculpture will depict Crazy Horse on horseback, arm outstretched. The project is run by the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation and continues with blasting and carving. The bus to the base gets you close to the mountain for a sense of scale and progress.
Indian Museum & Cultural Center
The Indian Museum of North America holds one of the country's premier collections of Native American art and artifacts. The Native American Cultural Center offers traditional arts, crafts, and cultural demonstrations. Allow at least an hour for the museum; many visitors find it as compelling as the carving itself and a vital part of understanding the memorial's purpose.
Laser Light Show & Volksmarch
The evening laser light show runs from May through October, starting at dark. Images and narration are projected onto the mountain face. Admission is included if you have a daytime ticket—you can stay for the show. Bring blankets or chairs for the outdoor viewing area; it can get cool after sunset.
The Crazy Horse Volksmarch takes place twice a year (early June and early October). It's the only time the public can walk to the arm of the carving—about 6.2 miles round trip. No extra fee beyond regular admission; register on-site the day of the event. It's popular; arrive early.
How to Get to Crazy Horse Memorial
- From Mount Rushmore: About 17 miles (25–30 minutes). Head southwest via US-16/SD-244 and follow signs to Crazy Horse.
- From Custer: About 10 miles north. 15–20 minutes.
- From Rapid City: About 35 miles south via US-16. Roughly 45 minutes.
Attractions Near Crazy Horse Memorial
Pair Crazy Horse with Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Things to Do in the Black Hills. See our 15 Best Things to Do for a full Black Hills bucket list.
Mount Rushmore
~17 miles
Iconic presidential monument. Most visitors do Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse in the same day.
Custer State Park
~20 miles
Bison, Needles Highway, Wildlife Loop. Plan a full day if combining with Crazy Horse.
Where to Stay Near Crazy Horse Memorial
Custer and Hill City are the closest towns (about 15–20 minutes). Custer hotels put you near Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore. Hill City offers a quieter base with good access to the same attractions. Rapid City has the widest choice of hotels and is about 45 minutes north—ideal if you're also visiting Badlands or Deadwood.
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Visitor Tips
- Laser show: Stay after your daytime visit for the show at dark; no separate ticket. Bring blankets—outdoor seating can be cool.
- Volksmarch: Only twice a year (early June, early October). Register on-site; arrive early. Wear sturdy shoes; ~6.2 miles round trip.
- Bus to base: Worth the $5 for a closer view of the carving and sense of scale.
- Museum: Don’t rush—the Indian Museum is a major highlight and adds meaning to the memorial.
Crazy Horse + Mount Rushmore Tours
The most popular way to visit Crazy Horse — combo tours that pair it with Mount Rushmore in a single guided day.
Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
Experience the stunning beauty of the Black Hills on this unforgettable private afternoon & evening tour, designed to highlight the region’s most scenic drives & end with the Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony. First, we visit the tranquil Sylvan Lake, nestled among pine-covered hills & dramatic rock formations. We continue with a picturesque journey along the legendary Needles Hwy, where towering granite spires, narrow tunnels, & sweeping views create an unforgettable drive. You’ll have plenty of time for photo stops, short walks, and commentary from your knowledgeable local guide. Then, travel the engineering marvel of Iron Mt Rd, known for its pigtail bridges, scenic switchbacks, & tunnels that perfectly frame Mt Rushmore in the distance. We arrive at Mt Rushmore with time to explore, then as night falls, gather at the amphitheater for the Lighting Ceremony—a patriotic & heartfelt experience that includes a short film, tribute to veterans, & the illumination of the iconic carvings.
Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour
What makes this tour unique is the combination of three of Western South Dakota's most iconic destinations – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – into a single, comprehensive, and fully narrated experience. Over 8-9 hours, you'll not just see these landmarks, but gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. We always give the guest time to buy their lunch during the tour.
Private Mount Rushmore and Flume Trail Hike
This tour gives you incredible in-depth knowledge of the Flume Trail, the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. There is a two person minimum to book this tour.
Mount Rushmore Memorial Shared Tour from Rapid City, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture’s roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The site also features a museum with interactive exhibits.
Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony
Discover the best of the Black Hills on this unforgettable evening adventure. Your tour begins with a scenic drive along the world-famous Iron Mountain Road, a winding masterpiece with pigtail bridges, mountain vistas, and tunnels leading to Mt. Rushmore. Along the way, your guide shares insightful stories of the region’s history, people, and natural beauty. Arriving at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, we’ll stroll the Avenue of the Flags for a first close-up view of the monument. Your guide will bring the story of its creation to life with engaging details about the vision, artistry, and challenges behind this American landmark. As night falls, you’ll take part in the moving Evening Illumination Ceremony, where patriotic music and storytelling culminate in the dramatic lighting of the monument. This tour blends breathtaking scenery with cultural heritage and national pride, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
Shared Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour
This tour is unique because it offers a convenient and efficient way to experience two iconic South Dakota landmarks in a single day. Instead of having to drive yourself and navigate parking at both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, this tour provides shared transportation from Rapid City, maximizing your time to explore and learn about these impressive monuments. By dedicating 2 hours to each site, you'll have ample time to take photos, soak in the history, and appreciate the artistry of these incredible sculptures. This is a great option for travelers seeking a hassle-free and time-optimized introduction to these popular South Dakota attractions.
Prices and availability provided by Viator. We earn a commission on bookings — at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crazy Horse Memorial
How much does it cost to visit Crazy Horse Memorial?
Admission is $32 per adult, $16 for ages 6–17, and free for children 5 and under. Optional bus to the base is $5 per person. The memorial is privately funded; admission supports the foundation.
What are Crazy Horse Memorial hours?
Typically 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily; summer hours may extend to 9:00 PM. The laser light show runs at dark from May through October. Check the official website for current seasonal hours.
How far is Crazy Horse from Mount Rushmore?
About 17 miles—25–30 minutes by car. Many visitors see both in one day. Crazy Horse is southwest of Mount Rushmore.
Is the Crazy Horse laser show worth it?
Yes. The evening laser light show is included with daytime admission and projects images and narration onto the mountain. It starts at dark (May–October); bring blankets for the outdoor viewing area.
Where should I stay when visiting Crazy Horse Memorial?
Custer and Hill City are closest (15–20 min). Rapid City has the most hotel options (about 45 min north).
Plan Your Crazy Horse & Black Hills Trip
Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park form the core of a classic Black Hills itinerary. Book lodging early in summer and for the volksmarch weekends.