Little Bighorn Battlefield

On a scorching June Sunday in 1876, over a thousand Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho people converged on a grassy ridge rising above the valley of Montana's Little Bighorn River. On the ridge five companies of 7th Cavalry fought desperately but hopelessly against many times their number. When the guns fell silent and the smoke and dust of battle lifted, General George Custer and 4 family members had fallen along with over 200 soldiers, scouts, and civilians.

Little Bighorn Battlefield was created in 1897, initially to honor only Lt. Col. George A. Custer and U.S. soldiers killed in battle June 25, 1876. Over the years, the Native Americans who fought Custer also have been memorialized in what was one of their last armed efforts to retain their lands against the continued encroachment by European cultures.

To better understand the circumstances responsible for this clash requires a detailed explanation of the June 25 & 26 events. Join Lee Christensen, a Native Montana interpretive guide, who has special experiences and knowledge of the area. He will lead you in warrior and cavalry footsteps through the facts, stories, and the research of one of the most famous battles in history. You will be traveling in the Crow Nation to the historic battle sites.

This interactive tour highlights:

• Reno / Benteen Hill and Walking Trail
• Reno Valley Fight,
• Historic Indian encampments
• Last Stand Hill
• Deep Ravine Walking Trail
• National Cemetery
• Museums and Native American Trading Posts
• Indian Memorial

This tour is 6 hours long and conducted year around. Price includes hotel pickup in Billings and Hardin area, and entrance fees. Tours are limited to 6 people per tour. Gratuity and lunch are not included.

Add On to This Tour:

• Area Horseback Riding 
• Indian Trails Tour 
• Lewis & Clark – Pompey's Pillar: 50 miles and 70 years apart exist the two most dramatic stories of the west.
• Rosebud Battlefield: Rosebud, a name inspired by the wild roses that profusely grow in Montana. Now a National Historic Landmark it is the site of June 17,1876 battle between the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians and General George Crook's cavalry and infantry. One of the largest Indian battles ever waged in the U.S. This set the stage for the Indian victory eight days later. This undisturbed site is the home to a buffalo jump and rock art.