Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial are two of the most iconic monuments in the United States. Both are located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota and are devoted to honoring important figures in American history. While both monuments are impressive, many people wonder how far apart they are from one another. This article will explore the true distance between the two monuments, as well as the history behind each one.
History of Mt. Rushmore
Mt. Rushmore is perhaps the most famous monument in the United States. It is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and features the faces of four of America’s most influential presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The monument was commissioned by the state of South Dakota in 1925 and carved into the mountain over the course of 14 years by the sculptor Gutzon Borglum.
History of Crazy Horse Memorial
The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is dedicated to the memory of the Native American leader Crazy Horse, who was a warrior and leader of the Oglala Lakota tribe. The monument was commissioned by the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation in 1948, and the monument is still being carved into the mountain.
Distance between Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore
The Crazy Horse Memorial is located about 17 miles from Mt. Rushmore. The two monuments are located on opposite sides of the Black Hills, with Mt. Rushmore located on the east side and Crazy Horse located on the west side.
Things to Do at Both Monuments
Both monuments offer a variety of activities and amenities for visitors. At Mt. Rushmore, visitors can take a tour of the monument and the surrounding area, take a hike or bike ride on the nearby trails, or explore the nearby visitor center and museum. At Crazy Horse Memorial, visitors can take a tour of the memorial, explore the visitor center and museum, and take a ride on the historic tramway.
Crazy Horse Memorial Events
The Crazy Horse Memorial hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including Native American cultural events such as the annual Lakota Omniciye Gathering in August. Other events include the annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch in June, the Crazy Horse Memorial Powwow in September, and the annual Thanksgiving Feast in November.
Mt. Rushmore Events
Mt. Rushmore hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the annual Memorial Day Ceremony in May, the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration, and the annual Mt. Rushmore Music and Art Festival in August.
How to Get to the Monuments
Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial are both easily accessible by car. Mt. Rushmore is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and can be reached via Interstate 90. Crazy Horse Memorial is located about 17 miles away, and can be reached via US Highway 16.
Accommodations Nearby
Both monuments offer a variety of accommodations for visitors. Near Mt. Rushmore, visitors can stay at the historic Cedar Pass Lodge, which is located just minutes from the monument. Near Crazy Horse Memorial, visitors can stay at the Crazy Horse Campground or the Crazy Horse Motel.
Attractions Nearby
In addition to the monuments, there are a variety of attractions to explore near both Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Near Mt. Rushmore, visitors can explore Historic Deadwood and take a ride on the 1880 Train, which is the oldest and longest running steam train in the country. Near Crazy Horse Memorial, visitors can explore the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary and take a ride on the 1880 Train.
Conclusion
Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial are two of the most iconic monuments in the United States. Despite being located in the same region of South Dakota, they are actually quite far apart, with Mt. Rushmore being located on the east side of the Black Hills and Crazy Horse Memorial located on the west side. Both monuments offer a variety of activities and attractions for visitors, and are easily accessible via car. Whether you’re looking to explore the monuments or take in the nearby attractions, both are worth a visit.