Who’d voluntarily climb to the top of the world’s largest mountain-carving-in-progress, Crazy Horse Memorial, in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota 21 times?
They would!
Meet Marty and Ray.
These retired 70+ year old Sioux Falls, South Dakota residents always permanently mark the first weekend in June on their calendar.
Making this 36th Annual Spring 10K Volksmarch (an organized hike) extra special for them was their whole family, including their two granddaughters, joining in for the 6.2-mile round trip woodland ramble.
“For two decades this event has been the hallmark for the beginning of our summer activities,” said Marty. “The weather is always an unknown in the Hills, but we revel in enjoying spring for a second time…smelling lilacs and crabapple trees in their prime.”
Unpredictable Weather
2021’s record heat made the hike on the dirt trails and gravel work roads a bit more rigorous. Organizers were prepared with four check stations on the pathway along with fund raising refreshments and port-a-potties. Roving trail monitors and medical professionals for those needing assistance were also available.
Marty nearly had to call it quits with the onset of heat stroke symptoms. The family paused while she rested in paltry shade and consumed plenty of liquids, allowing her to continue onward and reach the turn-around point: the arm of Crazy Horse directly in front of the nine-story-high face, which was completed June 3, 1998.
2021 Changes
According to Marty this year there were a few unexpected changes with a $20 fee to get on the grounds. “In the past they asked participants to bring canned goods and the fee was waived.” The hiking fee is $3 per participant or $20 for the hike and a medal. Plan your hike. https://crazyhorsememorial.org/visit/special-events/volksmarch
Their Why
Marty’s response when asked why they’ve hiked Crazy Horse 21 times?
“There is such natural beauty along the way. We enjoy visiting with guests from across the USA. And the view from the top is truly spellbinding.”
NOTE: The hike averages two to four hours to complete. Hikers are encouraged to pace themselves due to the terrain and peak elevation (nearly 6,500 feet above sea level.) The trail rises about 500 feet up to the mountain on hilly, rough terrain with some steep inclines. Infant strollers and pets are not allowed.
In addition, this year’s hikers had the opportunity to visit with the 17 workers carving the monument.
Marty added, “The monument is a true testament to the creativity of man and aptly represents the dignity of Native Americans.”
“I don’t know if our granddaughters will ever accompany us on the climb again. I do know they felt a sense of accomplishment for completing the six-mile event. They also experienced a new appreciation for the history and beauty of the Black Hills.”
Plan your visit and meet this retired teacher and health scientist on the trail in June 2022-God willing, their 22nd Volksmarch.
8 Quick Facts & Links
- The 9th Annual Fall Volksmarch Volksmarch : Crazy Horse Memorial® will be held Sunday, September 26, 2021 in conjunction with the Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Round Up September 23-25, 2021 Buffalo Round Up: Everything You Need to Know – Linda Leier Thomason
- Polish American sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski, began this granite sculpture to honor the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, in 1948.
- The memorial was commissioned by Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder. The Mountain : Crazy Horse Memorial®
- The sculpture is planned to be 563 feet high and 641 feet long, making it one of the largest sculptural undertakings in the world
- The Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation’s mission it to protect and preserve the culture, tradition, and living heritage of the North American Indians.
- This project is funded solely by private donations.
- The grounds of the sculpture include an Indian museum & plans for a University & Medical Training Center for the North American Indian.
- Plan a visit. Plan a Visit : Crazy Horse Memorial®
©Copyright. June 2021. Linda Leier Thomason
Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Complete this form below.
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Address for GPS:
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