Start this history-packed trip in Billings and travel across southeast Montana for some of the best Native American warrior history of the Great Plains. Soak in the sights of the largest city in Montana, hear tales of tribal war chiefs, see historic battlefields and explore ancient indigenous art.
ROUTE: BILLINGS > PRYOR > CROW AGENCY > ASHLAND >LAME DEER > BILLINGS
Explore Billings and walk its historic downtown, take a brewery tour or visit the Yellowstone Art Museum and Western Heritage Center for a look at art and history from the area. Bask in the beauty of Four Dances Natural Area and take a scenic nature hike overlooking the Yellowstone River. Walk the short trails of Pictograph Cave State Park and witness the unique pictographs left by ancient storytellers from hundreds of years ago. Learn about the fascinating life of the last traditional Crow war chief at Chief Plenty Coups State Park near Pryor.
For extra adventure, spend time on the water and explore the picturesque Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Rent a pontoon boat from the Ok-A-Beh Marina and float past canyon landscapes as you travel down the Bighorn River.
Step back into history on a guided tour of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument at Crow Agency. Plan ahead and watch history come alive at the Real Bird’s Reenactment of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, held annually in June.
Discover Rosebud Battlefield State Park, location of one of the greatest Indian conflicts ever to occur in America. Travel to Tongue River Reservoir State Park for a modern frontier camping adventure or head to Ashland and explore St. Labre Mission and Cheyenne Museum.
Along the route, stop by traditional gift shops in Lame Deer and find beaded leather moccasins, beaded jewelry, wild plum jelly and much more. Visit Chief Two Moons Monument, created in honor of the famous Cheyenne chief who was a model for the buffalo nickel.
