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Little Bighorn Battlefield

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Little Bighorn Battlefield (United States)

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The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, located in southeastern Montana, preserves the massive, incredibly significant site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, fought on June 25–26, 1876. This massive conflict, famously known as 'Custer's Last Stand', was a catastrophic defeat for the US Army's 7th Cavalry Regiment under Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer against a massive, allied force of Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors led by massive historical figures like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The battle represented the massive, absolute zenith of Native American resistance to US territorial expansion and forced reservation policies in the Plains, although it ultimately precipitated a massive, overwhelming military retaliation that crushed indigenous sovereignty in the region. History K8 — the Plains Indian Wars and westward expansion.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Little Bighorn Battlefield is a national memorial with a visitor center that is typically open year-round. Visitors can tour the battlefields, monuments, and cemetery on the grounds.
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Typical hours
The visitor center typically has seasonal hours, longer in summer and shorter in winter. The outdoor areas are usually open from sunrise to sunset.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds for personal use. However, please respect the memorial sites and avoid taking pictures during ceremonies.
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Time needed
One to two hours are enough to see the main points. History enthusiasts should allow two to three hours to take advantage of the audio guides and museum.
Combine with
The battlefield is near the Crow Indian Reservation and can be combined with a visit to the Little Bighorn River or the town of Hardin. Yellowstone National Park is also not far away.
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Getting there
Little Bighorn Battlefield is about 20 miles southeast of Hardin, Montana, along Interstate 90. A private vehicle is required; parking is available on site.
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Insider tip
Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the quiet of the plains. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as it can get very hot in the open landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
45.56500, -107.42800

Facts

  • The massive allied Native American encampment along the river contained an estimated 7,000 people, including 1,500 warriors.
  • Lieutenant Colonel Custer and all 210 men in the massive five companies under his direct command were killed.
  • The massive Native American victory was heavily fueled by brilliant tactical leadership from chiefs like Crazy Horse.
  • The massive battlefield is marked by white marble headstones designating where US soldiers fell, and red granite for Native warriors.
  • The massive conflict occurred precisely during the United States Centennial celebrations of 1876.
  • The massive site was originally established as a national cemetery in 1879 before becoming a monument.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Little Bighorn Battlefield (6)

Weir Point🌿 nature

A viewpoint overlooking the Little Bighorn Battlefield.

Battle Ridge🌿 nature

A ridge that was a key location during the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Calhoun Hill🌿 nature

Calhoun Hill on the Bighorn Battlefield was the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Native American Memorial🏺 historical

A memorial honoring the Native American warriors who fought at the Little Bighorn.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument📍 landmark

A battlefield monument commemorating the 1876 battle where Lieutenant Colonel George Custer was defeated.

🕒 08:00-20:00💶

Real Bird Reenactment of Last Stand - 25 June 1876🎭 culture

Annual reenactment of Custer's Last Stand by the Real Bird family on the Bighorn Battlefield.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Little Bighorn Battlefield?
A memorial field, site of the famous battle between the US Army and Indian tribes.
How do you view the site?
There is a tour road with various stops and signs.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer months offer the best weather for the open prairie landscape.
What is near there?
The area in Montana is vast and provides little infrastructure.
Is the entry free?
A small fee is charged for access to the national park.
Little Bighorn Battlefield: where is it located?
Little Bighorn Battlefield is located in United States.
Little Bighorn Battlefield: what is there to see?
Highlights include Weir Point, Battle Ridge, Calhoun Hill.
Little Bighorn Battlefield: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Little Bighorn Battlefield: why is it worth visiting?
The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, located in southeastern Montana, preserves the massive, incredibly significant site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, fought on June 25–26, 1876.
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