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FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2003

Minneapolis Star Tribune travel editor Chris Welsch visits the Black Hills of South Dakota, stopping at the sacred Bear Butte and the Crazy Horse monument.

Bear Butte is considered a church to Sioux and Plains tribes, and many go there to pray and make offerings. But since it is a state park, there's often tourists who interrupt private ceremonies.

Tribal activists are currently fighting plans to locate a shooting range just miles away. The case is before a federal judge, with the state promising not to move forward without court approval.

As for the monument to Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, it is not complete but Welsch describes it as a "shocking sight." When finished, it will be 63 feet high and 641 feet long.

Some Lakota oppose the monument, saying Crazy Horse was a humble and spiritual man. But others support the monument and its aim to educate others about Indian culture.

Get the Story:
Bear Butte: A sacred mountain in modern times (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 7/25)
Crazy Horse Monument: Caught between two worlds (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 7/25)
Continuation of history and literary excerpts, Black Hills (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 7/25)
If you go to the Black Hills (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 7/25)
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Related Stories:
Protections for sacred sites called inadequate (06/19)
Federal funds used for shooting range near sacred site (03/25)
Judge to hear tribal suit against shooting range (3/19)
Four tribes file lawsuit to stop shooting range (03/04)