Indian Museum of North America — Attraction in Custer

This is entrance to Crazy Horse Monument if that's what you're looking for. The place is basically a big pricy tourist trap. You pay $15 per person or $35 per car for the privilege of going to the museum (which you'll find out at the entrance booths as you drive up toward the monument). Once inside, you can browse the exhibits and museum, or pay additional money to actually go up closer to the monument (it's not accessible by foot/hiking), or buy things in the gift shop, or spend money in the restaurant. The museum is very random, with a bunch of Native American artifacts, beads, and artwork of "Indians" scattered over the building. There is no flow to the artifacts, no exhibits that educate & showcase through a well-placed layout. Instead seems like artifacts just thrown in randomly wherever as decoration. I found some interesting info about Crazy Horse's life in a back corner, but was basically like a college essay printed out and stuck to the wall rather than an exhibit. Also interesting letter from a witness on his death, and some nice historical photographs of Native Americans from that time, and some very nice (IMO) artwork. But again, scattered super randomly, minimal explanation or info on photos other than donor info, artwork was hung with glare from bright building lights, etc. So, some nice artifacts/info, could have potential under new management, but they just have built a tourist trap instead and be prepared to pay extra for everything. And view of monument is basically same as you'll see from highway/road outside the venue. One nice point was they did have a musician give a short concert on flute, and guitar I think 3-5 songs which was a pleasant addition/touch in a pretty patio and courtyard with view...

The Crazy Horse Memorial was a Bucket List Destination for me as was the entire area around the Black Hills. I arrived and paid the entrance fee and was left on my own to find a parking spot. There was no one directing visitors to the appropriate parking lot. I pulled into one lot and after walking away from my car was told by a staff member that lot was not open. I ended up parking in a gravel and dirt lot about a 5-minute walk from the Visitors Center. Most of the staff I encountered are professional but not necessarily friendly. Once in the Museum/Visitors center I enjoy the exhibits and displays. They were well done and informative. I was able to tour the museum at my own pace. I was not too crowded as most of the visitors were out on the deck viewing the Monument. I spent most of my time on site in the museum. After finishing in the Museum.. I made my way out to the observation deck. This area is where you can get you best photos of the Memorial. It is still a work in progress and many years away from completion. The area was very crowded and surrounded by food and souvenir shops sell their merchandise at tourist inflated prices. All this does tend to give it a little bit of a tourist trap feel. The Staff could be a little more friendly and not so regimented when dealing with visitors. The monument and displays in the visitors are a must see for anyone visiting the Black Hills. The monument is impressive, and I am glad I was...

The Indian Museum of North America is a part of visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial. Cars of 3 or more will pay $35 between 5/27- 9/30, for our group of four this worked out to $8.75/person. This price includes parking and admission to the facility, if you wish to get closer to the monument as you might at Rushmore, the cost of the bus tour is an additional $4/person, we did not opt for this on this trip. The museum is large with with informtion and items from many different Indian groups, it also has very interesting pieces for Crazy Horse himself and does a great job of telling his story if you read through the different exhibits. The museum itself is a gorgeous building, well laid out with a large gift area as well. Be sure to watch the videos to learn about the history of the muesum, momuement and the developing college, it is very interesting. If you bring kids I highly recommend visiting the guest relations counter and getting the treasure hunt form. It is a great way to explore the museum while checking items off a list. At the end, kids can show the docentes their forms and get a special suprise. This museum and momument take no money from the federal government and provide a great learning experience. I think everyone should visit this facility at least once in...