Monthly Archives: November 2013

Crazy Horse – South Dakota

Posted on November 29, 2013 by write4jan

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A trip to the Black Hills to Mount  Rushmore would not be complete without going to see Crazy Horse.  The Crazy Horse Memorial was started June 3, 1948 by Sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear.  The mission of the Crazy Horse memorial is to honor the culture, tradition and living heritage of North American Indians.

The work on the largest stone sculpture continues by the Ziolkowski family.  Korczak and his wife Ruth had ten children many of which have worked on the Crazy Horse Memorial and continue the work there today.

There is a wonderful Indian Museum of North America on the Crazy Horse Memorial Grounds.  Several years ago my grandmother told me we are Choctaw Indian.  Ever since that revelation I have become more interested in the Native American Heritage and the museums.  There are beautiful arts and crafts on display.  The Museum is home to a massive tribal flag collection that is on display.  There are amazing artifacts which bring the history and culture of the Native American Tribes to life.

I encourage you to include this as a destination on a trip to South Dakota. They have events and displays for all ages including children of all ages. It is a full day to see both Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore in the same day.

For more information see the Crazy Horse website:   http://crazyhorsememorial.org/

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Dakotas – Mt Rushmore

Posted on November 12, 2013 by write4jan

First Glimpse of Mt Rushmore  DSC01763

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The Black Hills of South Dakota were beathtakingly beautiful as we meandered around the mountains.  We saw chipmunks, Rocky Mountain Goats and various birds.  Coming around a curve in the road I got the first glimpse of Mount Rushmore.   It is one of those National treasures that I felt I had to see on my trip to the Dakotas.  I had no preconceptions only the occasional photo or post card someone shared with me.  From a distance it was beautiful and easily recognizable.  It was interesting the National Park has no entrance fee but there was an $11 parking fee for cars (more for RVs and buses).

Do not deprive yourself of going into the park itself.   Mount Rushmore is a beautiful symbol for hope, and unity in these United States.  There is an awesome trail around the mountain with plaques detailing the history and the making of Mount Rushmore.  There are places to sit and take it all in as well as on the walking path.

For more information on Mount Rushmore see their website: http://www.nps.gov/moru/index.htm

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