Scattered throughout the Black Hills are sculptures of all shapes and sizes. The most famous sculptures in the area are those at Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorials. Like me, many of you have probably even had your photo taken with the giant green dinosaurs that live on the hill above Rapid City.

Tucked into the hills, just outside of Custer are sculptures of an entirely different sort. Not nearly as well known, but equally impressive is the collection at the National Museum of Woodcarving. This unique little attraction is a AAA star rated, family approved attraction that many visitors to the Black Hills never hear of.

The National Museum of Woodcarving is a gallery of hand-carved wooden sculptures that have been created by artists from across the country. Pieces on display are from the collections of more than 70 different carvers, many of whom offer hands-on demonstrations and classes at the museum.

One of the featured exhibits at the woodcarving museum is a display of life-like sculptures by one of Disneyland’s original animators. Dr. Harley Niblack carved amazingly detailed figurines and then created his own system of pulleys and motors to give the carvings realistic movement.

The folks at Disney were so impressed with his work that some of the animated attractions still on display there were inspired by his creativity. Dr. Niblack’s scenes were even temporarily displayed at the Smithsonian Institute before moving to their permanent home at Custer’s woodcarving museum.

The museum is typically open during the busy summer season from May through mid-October. If you plan to be in the Custer area next summer, be sure to stop and take a look. It’s one of those Black Hills attactions that is missed by many, but appreciated by those who take the time to stop.