Summary
The Black Hills of South Dakota are a sculptor’s dream. Jagged granite rock faces have beckoned artisans for centuries to create magnificent works of art. This historical region has captured the attention of artists and tourists alike since the early 1900s.
Two of the most iconic monuments in the United States are located in the Black Hills: Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse
This article will delve into both Mount Rushmore and our experience at Crazy Horse. For those interested in Crazy Horse information and its historical context, visit the Crazy Horse section here.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Our journey to Mount Rushmore commenced roughly 30 minutes outside Rapid City, SD, featuring an evening tour. Arriving a few hours before sunset provided us an opportunity to explore the grounds and the museum, gaining insight into the monument before attending the lighting ceremony.
History of Mount Rushmore
Opened in 1941, Mount Rushmore was sculpted over 14 years by Danish-American artist Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln Borglum. The vision was clear: create a sculpture to draw tourists to the Black Hills of South Dakota, with four pivotal American presidents set to serve as the focal point.
Initially, figures such as Lewis & Clark, Sacagawea, and Buffalo Bill Cody were considered for the monument. However, the decision was made to feature presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln to attract a wider audience.
Faces of Mount Rushmore include: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The construction began during the Great Depression, with George Washington being the first face sculpted. By October 31, 1941, the monument opened, attracting approximately 3 million visitors annually.
For more details on visiting, check the Mount Rushmore National Monument.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Located just 16 miles from Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial is a tribute to the Lakota People and has been under construction since 1947 when sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski began work on this monumental project.
This project has notably avoided federal funding in favor of public support, which has led to its prolonged timeline. While Mount Rushmore had a large workforce and ample funding, Crazy Horse initially had one dedicated individual working on a massive piece of granite.
Today, the project is carried on by his family, and visitors can take tours to explore the museum and the monument.
The Story of Crazy Horse
The Lakota People sought a monument honoring their heroes, especially following the construction of Mount Rushmore on sacred Lakota land. Crazy Horse, a leader who fought against U.S. forces, became a symbol of resistance and heroism.
About Crazy Horse – The Man
Crazy Horse refused to surrender peacefully at first, desiring autonomy for his people. Tragically, after agreeing to negotiations, he was betrayed and ultimately lost his life, cementing his legacy as a symbol of strength.
Visitors can explore the museum dedicated to Native American culture and purchase local art and souvenirs that contribute to the local economy. The museum also features historical artifacts related to the sculpture’s creation.
Visit the Face of Crazy Horse
Accessible by bus, guests can get an up-close view of the monument. Tours are available that allow visitors to walk closer to the face. Fortunately, these tours are not overly strenuous, thanks to a van that takes participants most of the way up.
Standing beside the Crazy Horse face offers a unique perspective on the monumental task at hand. Once completed, this will be the largest sculpture globally, with projections for the arm and horse head to be finished in the coming years. Nonetheless, many believe it could take decades to finalize the entire project.
South Dakota Monuments
The monuments in South Dakota are truly remarkable. Experiencing Mount Rushmore in person after seeing it countless times in media was genuinely surreal. Both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse carry significant meaning and contribute to the rich cultural history of the area.
While there’s ongoing discussion about the representation in these monuments, they remain significant landmarks worth visiting for any traveler to South Dakota.
Helicopter Tour of Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore
For those seeking another perspective, helicopter tours are available to view these national treasures from the sky. Black Hills Aerial Adventures provides reasonably priced tours, giving a bird’s-eye view of both monuments and the stunning Black Hills.
While the flight doesn’t get extremely close to the sculptures, the experience is still enjoyable. For optimal views of Mount Rushmore, it is recommended to sit behind the pilot on the right side of the helicopter; the left side offers better views of Crazy Horse.
The cost of a helicopter tour is approximately $205 per person, with more economical options available for separate monument viewing starting at $110.
First-time helicopter flyers can take discovery tours starting at $49. Overall, this trip offers comprehensive exploration of both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
These monumental sites represent America’s heritage, and visiting them is highly recommended. What is your favorite National Monument?
