Crazy Horse Tourist Center — Attraction in Custer

I haven't entirely done my research on this place, so my rating will remain neutral until otherwise edited.

My parents visited the Crazyhorse Memorial decades ago and enjoyed it, so we recently decided to stop by while visiting the Mt. Rushmore area. At first glance, the place appeared amazing. Apparently, family members of the original sculptor/architect of the project have been supporting local tribes and have even opened a University for Native Americans to attend. Still, something seemed a bit off. I've spent the past month touring places like The South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, The Arches, Mt. Hood/Hood River and Canyonlands just to name a few. None of the places I just mentioned seemed to be as much of a cash grab as The Crazyhorse Memorial (and believe me, bring your pocket book to all of the aforementioned locations). I know the place is privately funded through admissions and donations. Also, they have historically turned down massive offers by our national government to aid in the completion of the project, which is commendable on their part. However, in the two hours I attended the memorial with my family, I saw only two Native Americans among 5,000 people that were actually attending the memorial as visitors. Also, I learned more about the sculpting family than what they were actually working on. Seems to me this place would be a Mecca for Native Americans as it commemorates one of the bravest, most vigilant, and most resourceful leaders of the Oglala Lakota Tribe. To see so many people from different walks of life enjoying the memorial was really cool, but I just expected to see more Native Americans visiting the memorial. Admission is free for Native Americans, active military members and boys and girls...

We really enjoyed our visit to the Crazy Horse Monument. The tourist center started us off with a nice short movie telling you the story of how this came to be. There are information desks right in front of you when you walk in the door. The restrooms are also right there on the left. I know they keep the restrooms clean. I actually saw them closed twice during our visit for cleaning. and that was about 3 to 4 hours max. When they are closed, they direct you down to the gift shop area restrooms. The museums share the building complex along with a gift shop and restaurant for your dining convenience . We ate there and the food was excellent and reasonably priced. They also had vendors all around with goods for folks to take an interest in. There are buses that will take you to the base of the mountain for closer looks. But it is pretty low and not that great of view. You see crazy horse's face, but not much else. Whether or not it's worth the $5 per person ticket is for you to decided. They have vans that go top the top of the mountain. But they don't start until 4:30pm. Probably after the crews are done working. for the day. I didn't check the price since we would not be there at that time. All in all a nice place to visit, reflect and learn. I recommend visiting if you have the...

Listen up folks. This place is a must see before you depart this earth. Amazing. Tickets are $15 a person to get into the museums. They have 5 museums, a theater with a film explaining the parks history and goals. They have a wide selection of Native American artifacts and history in this place. A bus tour is provided for $5 per person to take you a bit closer to the top of the mountain. Being as construction is ongoing you can't go all the way up without shelling out a few hundred per person. (We chose not too.) Parking isn't bad but we arrived later in the evening. They are open until but the last bus tour leaves at 8pm. This place is also strictly self funded and has refused federal assistance. The story and what they seek to accomplish is amazing. Please please check it out. Plus it's right up the road from Mt Rushmore which is amazing. Also this place is pet friendly. Dogs must be on a leash or carry bag. We took our small dog in a backpack and...