Minnesota students create model of Crazy Horse Memorial

Fifteen years ago, five students and a professor from Northwest Technical College and Bemidji State University collaborated on a model of the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota. The project took a year to complete and involved using foam and plaster to create a realistic representation of the monument. The model is now displayed at the Crazy Horse Tourist Center, showcasing the students' dedication and the educational ties to the memorial.

Minnesota students create model of Crazy Horse Memorial
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Published Aug 14, 2026

Topic overview

Briefly

  • Fifteen years ago, five students and a professor from Minnesota worked on a model of the Crazy Horse Memorial.
  • The model was created as part of a graduate project and is now displayed at the Crazy Horse Tourist Center.
  • This project highlights the connection between Minnesota's educational institutions and the cultural significance of the Crazy Horse Memorial.

What happened

In the United States, specifically in Minnesota, a significant educational project took place fifteen years ago involving students from Northwest Technical College and Bemidji State University. These students, under the guidance of their professor, Lyle Meulebroeck, dedicated a year to constructing a model of the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is located near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. The project was not only an academic endeavor but also a tribute to the cultural significance of the memorial, which honors the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. The model was created using foam covered with plaster to resemble rock, and it included intricate details such as hand-planted grass made from wire. The students worked diligently, often putting in extra hours during nights and weekends to ensure the model was completed to a high standard. This effort reflects the commitment of the students to their craft and their connection to the memorial's mission. The model has since been displayed in the visitor complex at the Crazy Horse Tourist Center, serving as a reminder of the students' hard work and the educational systems in Minnesota. The memorial itself is a massive undertaking, with the final carving expected to cover about 300,000 square feet. The face of Crazy Horse took ten years to complete, while the hand took only one year, showcasing the scale and complexity of the project. The connection between the students and the memorial is celebrated by the memorial's representatives, who emphasize the importance of educational contributions to cultural heritage.

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Updated Aug 14, 2026

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