6 Battlefields in Montana That You Shouldn't Miss

June 26, 2021 Madelene Haan

No matter where you look in Montana, you’ll find unspoiled nature, charming small towns and relaxing hospitality. Explore Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, then hit the road to discover more natural wonders. You can hike, bike or horseback ride through rugged mountain landscapes, fly-fish blue ribbon trout streams, paddle scenic rivers and lakes, or spend winter days carving fresh powder at ski resorts — then end your day wandering a vibrant main street or relaxing in a cozy lodge.
Restaurants in Montana

1. Bear Paw Battlefield

Highway 240, Chinook, MT +1 406-357-2590 http://www.nps.gov/nepe/planyourvisit/bear-paw-battlefield.htm
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Bear Paw Battlefield

Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada

This was a sad day. Early in the morning of September 30, Colonel Miles. They the truce. Chief Joseph surrendered his rifle. Later alargerforce of the U.S. They had a6 days siege with snipers and artillery. The Bear Paw never wanted to have a war. There were hardly any American Indians/ That was a massacre against the Bear Paw. This was not a typical war. The US army came with 400 troops and 50 scouts. The last American Indians were exiled. It was so sad. How brutal troops can kill so many people.

2. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Interstate 90 Frontage Rd, Crow Agency, MT 59022 +1 406-638-3224 https://www.nps.gov/libi/index.htm
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,816 reviews

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

The soldiers who died in Custer's Last Stand, now known as the Battle of Little Bighorn, are memorialized at this monument, featuring a statue of the legendary Custer, whose men were outnumbered and slaughtered in a battle against the Plains Indians.

Reviewed By JohnD209 - Leavenworth, United States

We flew to Billings and then drove to Regina to visit an uncle. On the way back we took a detour to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (formerly known as the Custer Battlefield National Monument) and were wowed by the landscape, the fantastic visitor centre, and the monument to the native Americans that is part of the National Monument. Having studied southeastern native American history in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Tennessee, we were introduced to a whole new set of forces moving Indians onto increasingly circumscribed reservations in the western plains, of gold rushes into the Dakota Black Hills (that seemed reminiscent of the gold rushes into Dahlonega, Georgia decades earlier), and of the US Army cavalry and plains peoples experience in the post-civil war era of American history. Plan to stop at the visitor centre and watch the excellent film and look at the museum and then either hike the several trails or drive along a five-mile road between the several displays and stands. There are outdoor displays where one can telephone in and listen to explanations of what happened where. Look down at the river and imagine where the plains people were camped and think of what Custer was trying to do (historians have argued several ideas of his plans, strategy and ambitions) and marvel at the landscape. Take time at all the memorials and reflect on where we as an American people are today and our collective heritage. This is a moving monument and we are glad we visited. Worth repeated visits as other viewers have noted. In August 1983 a large prairie fire burned through the battlefield lands and uncovered artifacts from the battle time that led to four archeological explorations of the battlefield between 1983 and 1994 and caused researchers and historians to re-evaluate ideas of the battle. If you haven't visited in the last 35 years, you may be surprised at the newer theories, based on on-the-ground evidence and not just on eye-witness or immediate post-battle visitor views that had specific stories to tell. For further details of the battlefield check out the National Park Service's website, which is excellent and has links to various tribal websites, and another website entitled Little Bighorn, Crow Agency, MT. This visit has led my wife and me to do further studies of the battle and this part of American history and the settlement of the west. Isn't that what good visits are supposed to do? Visited 12 October 2018.

3. Big Hole National Battlefield

Wisdom, MT 59761 +1 406-689-3155 http://www.nps.gov/biho/index.htm
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 108 reviews

Big Hole National Battlefield

Battlefield commemorating 1877 conflict between the Nez Perce Indians and the 7th U.S. Infantry.

4. Custer Battlefield Museum

I-90 Exit 514, Garryowen, MT 59031 +1 406-638-1876 http://www.custermuseum.org/index.htm
Excellent
62%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 206 reviews

Custer Battlefield Museum

The Custer Battlefield Museum houses hundreds of Indian War Period artifacts and manuscripts related to Custer, Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and the 7th Cavalry as well as the acclaimed photograph collection of D.F. Barry. Home to Sitting Bull's death mask and the gauntlets of George Custer, the museum and town sits where the Battle of the Little Bighorn began at Sitting Bull's Camp. Located in front of the museum is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, containing one of the first 7th Cavalry Casualties.

Reviewed By morrowcm - Seattle, United States

At first glance, I was wary to enter. It was early morning and I wasn't sure when I saw the building that I had it correct. The resounding positive reviews is what brought me inside and I am so glad it did. There are no cameras allowed inside so that's why there are no pictures on reviews. It was a very informative visit into the warriors who fought in the Battle of Little Big Horn. Great collections of photographs (Fred E. Miller and David F. Barry) and one-of-a-kind artifacts. The museum is quick off the interstate and I would highly recommend a visit if you have about 45 mins to spare in your travels.

5. Custer Battlefield Trading Company

347 Hwy 212, Crow Agency, MT 59022 +1 406-638-2270 [email protected] http://www.laststand.com
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 221 reviews

Custer Battlefield Trading Company

The Custer Battlefield Trading Post is located in the heart of Crow Country, directly across from the Little Bighorn Battlefield. We carry a full range of souvenirs and collectibles. From Custer key chains, to fully beaded Crow style cradles, we have it all. We also have a full service cafe, serving world famous Indian Taco's (one of Oprah's Favorite things. Tour buses welcome! Established in 1985 by Putt Thompson and his wife, Jill, this is not your average gift shop. The massive log and frame structure is the first thing to transport you to the past, as the building was designed after the 1877 Old Fort Custer Hospital. Once you're inside, the journey continues. Rustic walls display exquisite traditional Crow Indian creations, including a beaded Warbonnets, paintings, handcrafted turquoise and silver jewelry, and a large collection of fabulously beaded Crow and Cheyenne cradles. As you place your order, you'll quickly see why patrons come back every year.

Reviewed By T2558TYmichellew

We turned around after driving by based on the sign that says “best Indian taco in the west” and they were not wrong! It was 10am and the fry bread was so fresh and delicious! Will definitely stop in again if I ever find myself in their neck of the woods!

6. Rosebud Battlefield State Park

Rosebud, MT
Excellent
33%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 12 reviews

Rosebud Battlefield State Park

A battlefield where U.S. soldiers and Cheyenne Indians fought.

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