Volksmarch

Updated on June 2, 2018  •  2 minute read  • 403 words

 3.1 mile hike  • 775 feet elevation

The Volksmarch is the largest organized hike in the United States reaching 15,000 hikers in its record year. The hike follows trails climbing to the top of the incomplete Crazy Horse Memorial. The memorial is an honor to the famous Lakota Sioux Warrior and construction started more than 50 years ago.

Event

While the hike is free during the event, the AVA requires a 3$ fee for hikers regardless of their age. Hiking the memorial at another time will run 12$ per person or 30$ for a carload more than three. No advanced registration is required for the event. Hikers may start anytime between 8 AM and 1 PM but you must register by 1 PM and be off the trails by 4 PM.

Donations of canned foods are also appreciated. Money raised goes towards keeping the monument open and the continued development of the project.

Parking is free due to the size of the event. Parking may be some distance from the beginning of the hike and may not be on paved or gravel areas. Shuttle buses operate between these locations.

The Volksmarch takes place twice a year, once in June and once in October. The June hike is the larger of the two events. The October hike is the last event of the year and is the only time the memorial is open to hikers. The memorial is closed to hikers during the winter months.

History

Crazy Horse was a Lakota Sioux warrior famous for his bravery and prowess in battle. In 1876, he led a band of Lakota warriors against Custer’s seventh U.S. cavalry. By the end of the battle, Custer, 9 officers, and 280 enlisted men were dead while only 32 Native Americans were killed. This battle was named The Battle of Little Big Horn and is commonly known as Custer’s Last Stand.

This battle resulted in the US government sending troops to round up any resisting Native Americans. The Native Americans resisted until starvation forced them to surrender. During a negotiations meeting, a disagreement broke out in which Crazy Horse was fattily wounded and later died. The disagreement was believed to have started due to the translator incorrectly translating what Crazy Horse said.

Carving of the Crazy Horse Memorial began in 1948 by Korczak Ziolkowski. Members of his family continue the work today to finish the massive status that will be 641 feet long and 563 feet tall.