Custer National Cemetery, located in the state of Montana, is a national cemetery that holds great historical significance. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, specifically in the Crow Indian Reservation. The cemetery is just a few miles away from the town of Hardin.
The historical background of Custer National Cemetery is closely linked to the Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, which took place in 1876. This battle was a significant event during the Plains Indian Wars and resulted in the defeat of General George Armstrong Custer and his troops. As a result, the bodies of soldiers who perished in battle were initially interred on the battlefield itself. However, in 1881, the military decided to establish a new cemetery to honor these fallen soldiers.
Today, Custer National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for those who have bravely served in various branches of the United States armed forces. Veterans from as far back as the Civil War are buried here, making it a site of historical remembrance and tribute. The cemetery encompasses a serene and well-maintained landscape with rows of white marble headstones marking the graves of the fallen.
Visitors to Custer National Cemetery can take part in a somber and reflective experience. The tranquil atmosphere of the cemetery invites visitors to pay their respects and honor the sacrifice made by these brave men and women. Many visitors also find it meaningful to locate the graves of soldiers with whom they share a personal connection, adding a deeply personal element to their visit.
Nearby attractions to the cemetery include the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, which provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the historical context surrounding the battle. The monument features exhibits, a visitor center, and guided tours that delve into the events that unfolded during the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Additionally, the town of Hardin, located a short distance from the cemetery, offers visitors amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and shops where they can find provisions or mementos to commemorate their visit. The surrounding natural beauty of Montana is also an attraction in itself, with opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
Overall, Custer National Cemetery in Montana provides a poignant site for paying tribute and honoring the soldiers who have served their country. Its location, intertwined with significant historical events and surrounded by attractions like the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, make it a destination that combines historical education, reflection, and natural beauty for visitors to experience.
Custer National Cemetery is located within the picturesque state of Montana, nestled in the heart of the sprawling Custer National Forest. This solemn site is situated in a serene and serene location, boasting stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rolling green landscapes. As the final resting place for brave soldiers who valiantly served the United States, this hallowed ground is tucked away within the natural beauty of Big Sky Country. From the gentle babbling of nearby streams to the rustling of majestic pine trees, the geographical location of Custer National Cemetery truly embodies a sense of peace and tranquility.
756 Battlefield Tour RoadCrow Agency, MT 59022Driving DirectionsPhone: 406-924-9167Web: Link
The best time to visit Custer National Cemetery would be in June or September. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 79.5°F to 81.7°F, making it pleasant for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is relatively low, ranging from 1.6 in to 1.9 in. These months offer a good balance between favorable weather conditions and avoiding large crowds.
Some of the activities you can do in Custer National Cemetery National Cemetery are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Learn about these topics at Custer National Cemetery National Cemetery: Native American Heritage Military Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Grasslands Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Cavalry Indigenous and Native Warrior Indian and Frontier Wars National Cemetery
The Little Bighorn Battlefield Visitor Center is currently closed due to renovations. There is a small contact station set up near the restroom which also houses the bookstore. Visitors can access the contact station from 8 am to 4 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Little Bighorn Battlefield Visitor Center.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
With a stay at Western Motel Hardin in Hardin, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Southwest Park and Big Horn County Memorial Hospital. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 830 West 3rd Street, Hardin, Montana 59034
Web: Link
A stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Hardin Little Bighorn Battlefield places you in the heart of Hardin, within a 5-minute drive of Big Horn County Historical Museum and Southwest Park. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1324 North Crawford Avenue, Hardin, Montana 59034
Web: Link
With a stay at Lariat Motel in Hardin, you'll be 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Big Horn County Historical Museum and 16.9 mi (27.2 km) from Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 709 N. CENTER AVE, Hardin, Montana 59034
Web: Link
Located in Fort Smith, this cabin is a 5-minute drive from Bighorn River and 9 minutes from Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 688 Ok-a -Beh Road, Fort Smith, Montana 59035
Web: Link
With a stay at Homestead Inn and Suites in Hardin, you'll be 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Big Horn County Historical Museum and 17.1 mi (27.4 km) from Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Planning an event in Hardin? This motel has 900 square feet (84 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 201 14th St W, Hardin, Montana 59034
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-04-12 | Oversized Vehicles are Unable to Park in Visitor Center Parking Lot Due to construction, oversized vehicles will not be allowed to park in the visitor center parking lot due to lack of space and ability to turn-around safely. There is oversized parking along the main park road. More |
| 2025-11-13 | The Park is ONLY OPEN Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The park is closed Monday through Thursday. Visitors can expect this closure to last through the foreseeable future. There is no access to any part of the park during closures. For questions call 406-924-9167. More |
| 2025-03-05 | Little Bighorn Battlefield will be Closed Starting April 28, 2025 Starting April 28, 2025, Little Bighorn Battlefield will be closed Monday through Thursday. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. More |
| 2024-11-19 | Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Breaks Ground on New Visitor Center Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument recently awarded a construction contract to replace the park’s aging visitor center built in 1951. The National Park Service is coordinating with the park's associated Tribes and stakeholders to develop interpretive exhibits that better tell the complex stories surrounding the landscape, site, and people. Work is scheduled to begin on November 25, 2024. More |
| 2024-06-20 | Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Visitor Center Closed June 26 and 27 In preparation for the construction of the new Visitor Center, we are moving our information desk and bookstore to a temporary location within the site on June 26 and 27. During this time, the visitor center will be closed. We plan to have the temporary visitor center open on June 28 during our 2024 Summer Hours. More |
| 2023-12-19 | Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Park Closures Park Closures More |