Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Image credit: picture by jay galvin licenced under Attribution License.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is located in southeastern Montana, near the town of Crow Agency. The monument commemorates the historic Battle of Little Bighorn, which took place on June 25-26, 1876, between the United States Army's 7th Cavalry and the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes.

The battle, also known as Custer's Last Stand, was a significant event in American history, ultimately resulting in a Native American victory. Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and over 200 soldiers under his command were killed during the conflict. Today, the national monument preserves the battlefield and serves as a memorial to all who fought and died there.

Visitors to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument can explore the battlefield and gain insight into the conditions and strategies that led to the historic clash. The site features interpretive exhibits, memorials, and markers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the battle and its aftermath. Guided tours and audio tours are available to enhance the visitor experience.

Aside from the battlefield, the monument offers recreational opportunities such as hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking. The serene landscape surrounding the monument is perfect for leisurely walks, with several scenic overlooks providing stunning views of the surrounding area.

For those looking to delve deeper into the history of the Plains Indian Wars, nearby attractions include the Custer Battlefield Museum and the Reno-Benteen Battlefield, both located within a short drive from the national monument. The Custer Battlefield Museum exhibits artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that shed light on the conflict, while the Reno-Benteen Battlefield provides additional context to events surrounding the Battle of Little Bighorn.

In conclusion, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana is a historic site that preserves the memory of the Battle of Little Bighorn. It offers visitors the chance to learn about this important event in American history, explore the battlefield, and engage in various recreational activities. Adjacent attractions provide further opportunities to explore the region's rich history related to the Plains Indian Wars.

Location

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is located in the southeastern part of the state of Montana, in the United States. Situated in the rugged landscape of the Great Plains, the monument spans across an area of approximately 765 acres. Nestled along the banks of the Little Bighorn River, the monument is surrounded by rolling hills and expansive prairies, offering visitors a glimpse into the historic battleground where the famous Battle of Little Bighorn took place in 1876. This region is characterized by its vast open spaces, with the monument providing an immersive experience into the diverse geographical features and rich cultural history of the area.

Address & Contact

756 Battlefield Tour Road
Crow Agency, MT 59022
Driving Directions
Phone: 406-924-9167
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is in the months of April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities with average maximum temperatures ranging from 63°F to 79°F. The average minimum temperatures range from 32°F to 56°F, providing comfortable conditions for exploration. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months is between 1.6 in to 3.4 in, ensuring relatively dry conditions. These months also attract fewer visitors compared to the peak summer months of June, July, and August, allowing for a more peaceful and less crowded experience.

Things to do and learn in Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument 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

Topics

Learn about these topics at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: 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

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Little Bighorn Battlefield Visitor Center

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.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Little Bighorn Battlefield Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

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Western Motel Hardin

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

Super 8 by Wyndham Hardin Little Bighorn Battlefield

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

Lariat Motel

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

Bighorn Lodge and Angler

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

Homestead Inn and Suites

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

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-04-12Oversized 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
2025-11-13The 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
2025-03-05Little 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
2024-11-19Little 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
2024-06-20Little 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
2023-12-19Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Park Closures
Park Closures More