Things To Do Near Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Learn about the real-world effects of westward expansion at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. The visitor center does a great job of explaining the ideas behind the 7th U.S. Cavalry's plan of attack and showing how it failed; from there, you can hike through the battlefields and drive the auto tour to visualize the troop movements. Throughout the park, historic markers and interpretive signs bring this historic fight to life.
Hiking Trails
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Deep Ravine Trail
Imagine the fierce battle that raged on the rolling hills as you hike the short Deep Ravine Trail. Keep an eye out for the white marble posts that honor the fallen U.S. soldiers and the red granite markers that stand in memorial to fallen Lakota and Cheyenne men. Historians and scholars aren't sure why the men of the 7th U.S. Cavalry entered the ravine, but they were quickly defeated. The red and white markers are the exact places where each fighter fell. The path is wide and level, so it's easy to navigate.
Location
Visitor Center
Length
0.5 mile round-trip
Intensity
Easy
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Reno-Benteen Trail
Explore the Reno-Benteen Battlefield on the Reno-Benteen Trail. This short trail loops around the field, taking you down the slopes of the bluff and offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. As you hike, keep an eye out for the ridge that housed Sioux and Cheyenne sharpshooters, the marker that sits on the former field hospital, and the ravines used by Major Reno and his troops as they retreated from the Native American warriors.
Location
Reno-Benteen Battlefield parking area
Length
0.8 mile round-trip
Intensity
Easy to Moderate
Sightseeing
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Last Stand Hill
Last Stand Hill is the location where Custer made his famous last stand. Historians aren't sure of the specifics of the battle — none of Custer's men survived to tell the tale — but the fallen soldiers were all buried on the hill. Eventually, they were moved to their current graves, which are marked with white stones in a protected area. On top of the hill, the white marble 7th US Cavalry Memorial is visible from all directions. Park at the visitor center and walk over to the memorial on the paved path.
Location
Visitor center
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Tour Road
Experience the scale of the Battle of the Little Bighorn as you drive the Tour Road from the visitor center to the Reno-Benteen Battlefield. At each stop, you can dial into the National Park Service's audio tour line to hear the story of the troop movements and different skirmishes. Illustrated panels help you picture the scene as you look out over the landscape. Along the 4.5-mile route, you'll pass 30 different points of interest, including the site of the Native American village, Wooden Leg Hill, the site where Crazy Horse and his warriors charged the troops, and Medicine Tail coulee.
Location
Visitor center
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Custer National Cemetery
The men and women who fell during the Battle of the Little Bighorn are interred at the Custer National Cemetery. Some gravesites are marked with names and ages while others mark the resting place of unknown soldiers, women and children who lived in the area and Native Americans.
Location
Visitor center
Museums
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Custer Battlefield Museum
Go deeper into the history of the Battle of the Little Bighorn at the Custer Battlefield Museum. Located a short drive from the monument, this small museum features an interesting collection of artifacts, informative signs, and monuments to the soldiers and warriors who fought nearby.
Location
514, I-90 exit 500 I-90, Garryowen, MT 59031
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Big Horn County Museum
The Big Horn County Museum is spread out over a variety of historic buildings that bring the past to life. As you walk around the grounds, you'll see a farmhouse, blacksmith shop, homestead, Crow teepees, a railroad depot, and more. Some of the structures are original to the site; others were moved from other places in Wyoming. Inside the main museum, explore the gallery and a range of exhibits that focus on local Native American people, missionaries, soldiers, and frontier settlers.
Location
1163 3rd St. E., Hardin, MT 59034
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Medicine Turtle Trading Post
Pick up a souvenir or a snack at the Medicine Turtle Trading Post, which is located right down the road from Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Look out for the locally raised ground bison, which makes great burgers at your campsite.
Location
149 US-212 #4, Crow Agency, MT 59022
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Custer Battlefield Trading Post
With a large selection that includes beadwork, statues, furs, and blankets, the Custer Battlefield Trading Post is the perfect place to find a memento of your trip. The store offers a range of Native American crafts, including moccasins, toys, and jewelry.
Location
347 US-212, Crow Agency, MT 59022
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Wellknown Buffalo Coffee House and Gifts
Enjoy a cup of coffee while you shop at Wellknown Buffalo Coffee House and Gifts. Run by The Center Pole, a Native American non-profit organization that benefits the Crow community, it's a great opportunity to support the local reservation and find one-of-a-kind treasures.
Location
3391 I-90 Frontage Road, Garryowen, MT 59031
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Custer Battlefield Trading Post Cafe
If you're looking for a quick meal, stop at the Custer Battlefield Trading Post Cafe. Try an Indian taco, which is made with fry bread, or enjoy a hearty buffalo steak or burger from local ranches. After your meal, explore the shop next door.
Location
347 US-212, Crow Agency, MT 59022
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Lariat Country Kitchen
Fill up on a classic egg-and-toast breakfast or a hot sandwich at the Lariat Country Kitchen. Add a side of tater tots, and finish up with a slice of homemade pie, and you're ready for a day of exploring.
Location
721 N. Center Ave., Hardin, MT 59034