Crazy Horse Memorial, near Custer, has interesting events throughout the year, but they have especially big things planned for next Monday October 12th, in honor of Native American Day.

South Dakota is the only state in the nation that celebrates Native American Day, on the day when all other states are observing Columbus Day. It is fitting that South Dakota honors this part of its cultural heritage, as the state is located in the heart of Indian Country and is home to nine tribes of Sioux peoples.

Monday’s celebration at Crazy Horse Memorial will be a wonderful opportunity to see authentic Native American singing, dancing, art and storytelling. There will be educational programs for visitors and fun activities for the children.

Weather permitting, there is also a blast on the mountain scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday. Seeing a live blast at the memorial is an incredible sight – hopefully the Black Hills weather holds out through the weekend, allowing it to take place.

Following the scheduled blast, all visitors are invited to stay for a free lunch of traditional Native American buffalo stew. The 40,000 square foot welcome center will be open all day as well, so there will certainly be something for everyone at the event.

Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing mountain sculpture in progress. The enormous project was begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and is continued today by his surviving wife and family.