Dedicated in 2000, the 40,000 square foot Welcome Center at Crazy Horse Memorial® is the main entrance to the Visitor Complex. From the Welcome Center you can take a bus ride to the base of the Mountain, watch the historic video in one of our two theaters, and enter the Museums.

The Wall of Windows

The Wall of Windows is at the end of the Welcome Center nearest The Mountain. Much of the wall facing the sculpture is windows resulting in an amazing view of the Carving in Progress.

The Promise Painting

"The Promise” painting above the information desk, by the late Steve Fountain (1921-2007), shows Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear with the scale model and Thunderhead Mountain in the background.

The Museums

The Indian Museum of North America® is home to a large collection of art and artifacts reflecting the diverse histories and cultures of over 300 Native Nations. More

The Native American Educational and Cultural Center

THE NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER® provides a number of unique educational opportunities geared to enhance the visitors' experience at Crazy Horse Memorial. More

The Gift Shop

Korczak’s Heritage, Inc. is a privately-owned business operating the gift shop at Crazy Horse. The beautiful gift shop includes exclusive Crazy Horse Gifts and a huge selection of Native American crafted items such as beadwork, jewelry, paintings, and much more.

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The work of art on the Visitor Center Viewing Veranda is a representation of what Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski envisioned, thirty-four times larger on the Mountain, 3/4 mile in the distance. The 1/34th scale model on display was originally constructed by Korczak during the winter of 1964-65, with help from some of his children. The purpose of the scale model is to help thousands of visitors catch the vision by seeing what Chief Henry Standing Bear and Korczak intended for the Carving to look like upon completion. Having the model in the foreground and the actual Mountain Carving in progress in the background brings simplicity to visualizing the future.

The Original Lobby

During the winter of 2002-2003, workers rebuilt the oldest part of the Crazy Horse Memorial® Visitor Complex, known affectionately by the Ziolkowski Family as the “Back Porch.” Finishing work continued on the lobby interior during most of 2003.

Many of the popular features of the lobby remain, including the rock box (right) allowing visitors to take home a rock from the mountain. Another popular area is the lighted exhibit showing the carving of the Mountain and progression on the face of Crazy Horse in the 1990s.

Visitors also see large models of the head of Crazy Horse and the Horse’s head.

New exhibits are also planned for the Original Lobby.

Sculptor Home & Studio

The original log home or “Big Room” as it is lovingly referred to by the Ziolkowski children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, is still used for family functions. Many Christmas dinners have been celebrated in this room for over 71 years! More

Mountain Carving Gallery

The Mountain Carving Gallery at Crazy Horse Memorial® is a wonderful visual tribute to the story of the Mountain. The story of Crazy Horse Memorial® starts with a young man, who was determined to overcome adversity and a Lakota Chief who wanted a monument to honor his people; a vision which grew into a Memorial honoring all North American Indians. More

Laughing Water Restaurant

Laughing Water Restaurant® is owned by Korczak’s Heritage, Inc., privately-owned business.

Dine in casual elegance at the Laughing Water Restaurant® where you will be treated to a spectacular view of the Mountain Carving while enjoying some of the area's best cuisine.

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