Crazy Horse Memorial: Hours, Admission and Visitor Guide (2026-27)
The carving, the Indian Museum of North America, admission, and hours
Updated: November 7, 2026 | Winter hours now 9 AM to 4:30 PM; 2026 carving status added
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, a major collection of Native American art and artifacts, and the Native American Cultural Center with live cultural demonstrations. The memorial is privately funded (no federal dollars) and has been under construction since 1948.
Is Crazy Horse Memorial worth visiting?
Yes. Crazy Horse Memorial is the world's largest mountain carving in progress, honoring the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, and the on-site Indian Museum of North America holds a major collection of Native American art. Admission is charged per carload: $35 per car in summer, $30 from Oct 1, and most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours seeing the carving, museum, and Native American Cultural Center. The evening laser show was retired after the 2023 season. The memorial sits just 17 miles from Mount Rushmore, so most travelers see both in the same day.
Crazy Horse Memorial in 2026: where the carving stands
- Finished: the 87-foot face, dedicated June 3, 1998. The memorial's CEO puts it at about 1.7% of the full carving.
- Being carved now: the arm and hand. The foundation says its carvers average one saw cut per day, many on the upper arm.
- Next: the 219-foot horse's head. In October 2026 the CEO said it could be done within about 10 years at the current pace (Rapid City Post).
- Whole carving: no completion date has been set.
For the full measurements and timeline, see when Crazy Horse will be finished.
To decide which mountain memorial deserves more of your day, compare the cost, visitor experience, and a route for seeing both in our Mount Rushmore vs Crazy Horse guide.
“The world's largest Mountain Carving in progress.”
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 carvings.
We earn a commission on Viator bookings, at no extra cost to you. Check dates and final prices on Viator. Tour information collected May 15, 2026; not live availability.
Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
Confirm group format · 6h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (38 reviews)
Route and experience details
Experience the scenery of the Black Hills on this 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, in 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 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.
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From USD 760
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Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour
Confirm group format · 9h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (34 reviews)
Route and experience details
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.
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From USD 312
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Private Mount Rushmore and Flume Trail Hike
Private tour · 8h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (16 reviews)
Route and experience details
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.
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From USD 325
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Check dates on Viator (opens in a new tab)Mount Rushmore Memorial Shared Tour from Rapid City, South Dakota
Shared tour · 5h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (9 reviews)
Route and experience details
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.
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From USD 164
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Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony
Confirm group format · 6h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (7 reviews)
Route and experience details
Discover the best of the Black Hills on this 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 scenery with cultural heritage and national pride, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
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From USD 795
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Shared Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour
Shared tour · 7h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
Route and experience details
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.
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From USD 280
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Check dates on Viator (opens in a new tab)Plan 2-3 hours for the carving, museum, and optional bus to the base of the mountain. The twice-yearly volksmarch (early June and late September) is the only time the public can walk to the arm of the carving, about 6.2 miles round trip.
Admission, Cost & Hours
Crazy Horse Memorial charges admission per vehicle, based on how many people are in it. There is no age-based pricing. The nonprofit foundation receives no government funding; your ticket supports the carving and cultural programs.
At a glance
- May 15 to Sept 30, 2026: $35 for a vehicle with 3 or more people, $30 for 2 people, $15 for 1 person, $10 per person on a motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot
- Oct 1, 2026 to May 14, 2027: $30 for 3 or more people, $24 for 2 people, $12 for 1 person, $7 per person on a motorcycle or bicycle
- Bus to base of mountain: $5 per person (optional)
- Winter hours (checked November 7, 2026): open daily, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, per the memorial's hours page
- 2027 hours: 9 AM to 6 PM from March 17, 8 AM to 7 PM from April 14, 8 AM to 8 PM from May 15 to September 14, then 9 AM to 6 PM through September 30
- Laser light show: Retired after September 30, 2023; no evening show
Prices are from the Memorial's admission page and Visit Spearfish. Check the Hours and Schedule page or call (605) 673-4681 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; it is the world's largest mountain carving in progress, according to the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. The bus to the base gets you close to the mountain for a sense of scale and progress.
There is still no completion date. In October 2026, Crazy Horse Memorial CEO Whitney Rencountre II said the 219-foot horse's head could be finished within 10 years if work keeps its current pace. Our when will Crazy Horse be finished page breaks down what is carved and what is left.
Indian Museum & Cultural Center
The Indian Museum of North America has a substantial collection of Native American art and artifacts spanning many nations. The Native American Cultural Center runs traditional arts, crafts, and live cultural demonstrations. Allow at least an hour; the museum is as worthwhile as the carving and explains why it exists.
Is There Still a Laser Show at Crazy Horse?
No. The Legends in Light laser show ran for the last time on September 30, 2023, after nearly 20 years of nightly shows on the mountain. The Memorial said it would retire the show until it can upgrade the equipment, which it described as needing vast resources. It has not announced a return (Crazy Horse Memorial announcement).
There is no regular evening program now, so plan Crazy Horse as a daytime stop. The Memorial has held occasional ceremonial Night Blasts on the mountain, traditionally on June 26 and September 6 (West River Eagle), but none is listed on its current events calendar.
Past 2026 events
The 14th Annual Fall Volksmarch took place on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The volksmarch runs twice a year, in early June and late September, and it is the only time the public can walk to the arm of the carving: a rugged 5K or 10K, about 6.2 miles round trip. Check the official Volksmarch page for the next date.
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 4 miles north, a short drive.
- From Rapid City: About 38 miles south via US-16. Roughly an hour.
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.
Both Black Hills caves are close enough to combine with Crazy Horse in a single day. Jewel Cave National Monument sits 13 miles west of Custer, roughly half an hour away, and Wind Cave National Park is about 40 minutes south. Both hold a constant 49 to 54 degrees, which makes either one a useful escape from a hot afternoon on the mountain.
Mount Rushmore tours
~17 miles
The presidential carving. 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 hotels offer a quieter base with good access to the same attractions. Keystone hotels sit closest to Mount Rushmore if you are stacking both memorials in one day. Rapid City hotels have the widest inventory and are about an hour north, ideal if you're also visiting Badlands National Park or historic Deadwood.
Visitor Tips
- Volksmarch: The twice-yearly hike to the arm of the carving runs in early June and late September. The fall 2026 date has passed; check the official page for the next one.
- Bus to base: Worth the $5 for a closer view of the carving and sense of scale.
- Museum: Don’t rush the Indian Museum; give it at least an hour.
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.
We earn a commission on Viator bookings, at no extra cost to you. Check dates and final prices on Viator. Tour information collected May 15, 2026; not live availability.
Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
Confirm group format · 6h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (38 reviews)
Route and experience details
Experience the scenery of the Black Hills on this 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, in 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 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.
Confirm pickup town, admission inclusions and cancellation deadline for your date.
From USD 760
Confirm whether the price is per person or per group. Cached price; check your dates.
Check dates on Viator (opens in a new tab)Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour
Confirm group format · 9h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (34 reviews)
Route and experience details
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.
Confirm pickup town, admission inclusions and cancellation deadline for your date.
From USD 312
Confirm whether the price is per person or per group. Cached price; check your dates.
Check dates on Viator (opens in a new tab)Private Mount Rushmore and Flume Trail Hike
Private tour · 8h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (16 reviews)
Route and experience details
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.
Confirm pickup town, admission inclusions and cancellation deadline for your date.
From USD 325
Confirm whether the price is per person or per group. Cached price; check your dates.
Check dates on Viator (opens in a new tab)Mount Rushmore Memorial Shared Tour from Rapid City, South Dakota
Shared tour · 5h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (9 reviews)
Route and experience details
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.
Confirm pickup town, admission inclusions and cancellation deadline for your date.
From USD 164
Confirm whether the price is per person or per group. Cached price; check your dates.
Check dates on Viator (opens in a new tab)Stars & Stripes: Mount Rushmore Night Ceremony
Confirm group format · 6h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (7 reviews)
Route and experience details
Discover the best of the Black Hills on this 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 scenery with cultural heritage and national pride, making it one of the most memorable ways to experience Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
Confirm pickup town, admission inclusions and cancellation deadline for your date.
From USD 795
Confirm whether the price is per person or per group. Cached price; check your dates.
Check dates on Viator (opens in a new tab)Shared Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Tour
Shared tour · 7h
Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
Route and experience details
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.
Confirm pickup town, admission inclusions and cancellation deadline for your date.
From USD 280
Confirm whether the price is per person or per group. Cached price; check your dates.
Check dates on Viator (opens in a new tab)Frequently Asked Questions About Crazy Horse Memorial
How much does it cost to visit Crazy Horse Memorial?
Admission is priced per vehicle, not by age. From May 15 to Sept 30, 2026 it is $35 for a car with 3 or more people, $30 for 2, $15 for 1, and $10 per person on a motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot. From Oct 1, 2026 to May 14, 2027 it drops to $30, $24, and $12, and $7 per person on a motorcycle or bicycle. The optional bus to the base is $5 per person. The memorial is privately funded; admission supports the foundation.
What are Crazy Horse Memorial hours?
Open daily year-round. On November 7, 2026 the official hours page listed 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM for winter. Summer 2027 hours run 8 AM to 8 PM from May 15 to September 14. Call (605) 673-4681 to confirm. There is no longer an evening laser show.
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 there still a laser light show at Crazy Horse Memorial?
No. The Legends in Light laser show ran for the last time on September 30, 2023, and the Memorial has not announced a return. There is no regular evening program. Occasional ceremonial Night Blasts have been held on the mountain, traditionally June 26 and September 6, but none is on the Memorial's current events calendar.
Where should I stay when visiting Crazy Horse Memorial?
Custer hotels and Hill City hotels are closest (15-20 min); the hotels near Crazy Horse Memorial guide compares them. Rapid City hotels have the most hotel options (about 38 miles, roughly an hour north).
Plan Your Crazy Horse & Black Hills Trip
Most Black Hills visitors combine Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park. Book lodging early in summer and especially for volksmarch weekends in early June and late September.