If you’re a biker who loves open roads, pristine nature, and American history, take the time to explore the Montana Little Bighorn Battlefield Loop along Highway 212. This scenic trail features many points of interest that bring the Custer Battlefield to life.
Here’s an overview of some attractions you may visit on this historical tour.
Billings and Pompeys Pillar
Start your tour by visiting the Yellowstone County Museum and the Western Heritage Center in Billings, Montana, to learn more about the conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. Army. From Billings, head northeast to Pompeys Pillar.
Pompeys Pillar National Monument, a 51-acre park on the Yellowstone River, features a gigantic sandstone formation that the Crow and other native people had traditionally used as a campsite on hunts, trading trips, and war expeditions. In 1873, Sioux warriors attacked George Armstrong Custer and his 7th Cavalry group near the rock.
Rosebud County Pioneer Museum
Keep following the loop east and you’ll reach Forsyth, MT. If you’d like a glimpse into American Frontier life, visit the Rosebud County Pioneer Museum and view turn-of-the-century items like antique garments, farm equipment, and even an authentic steam engine, contributed by founding families in the area.
Miles City
About 45 miles east of Forsyth via I-94 E is Miles City, a town of rich historical and military heritage. Miles City is home to the Ranger Riders Museum, a notable Old West museum with many fascinating fossils, artifacts, tools, and firearms that trace Montana’s history from prehistoric ages to 20th-century ranchers.
Broadus, MT
From Miles City, take MT-59 S. A little over an hour’s ride will take you to Broadus, MT, a little town that serves as Powder River County’s seat. On June 13, 1876, just a few days before the Little Bighorn Battle, some of the 7th Cavalry passed through Broadus before heading to Little Bighorn. You can learn more about local history at the Powder River Historical Museum in Broadus.
Continue the Montana Little Bighorn Battlefield Loop by following the Warrior Trail east of Broadus. The route will take you to Ashland, where you can explore the Cheyenne and Crow culture in the St. Labre Cheyenne Museum. Then keep riding west through the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation toward Little Bighorn Battlefield.
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Located near Crow Agency deep in Crow Country, you’ll find the site of one of the most famous battles between Native American warriors and U.S. armed forces. At this location, Lt. Col. Custer suffered a smashing defeat by a formidable force of Cheyenne and Sioux warriors and lost his life, along with all his soldiers.
The Little Bighorn Battlefield Park offers a cell phone audio tour that will allow you to take a deeper dive into the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Chief Plenty Coups State Park
Before you finish the loop and head back to Billings, visit Chief Plenty Coups State Park in the Crow Indian Reservation. This 195-acre park hosts the log house and farmstead of Chief Plenty Coups, a revolutionary leader who initiated the Apsáalooke people’s transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled farming.
Law Tigers: Protecting the Rights of Bikers in Montana and Across the U.S.
As you discover the Montana Little Bighorn Battlefield Loop, we hope you enjoy your ride and stay safe. However, if you ever end up a victim of a motorcycle accident, Law Tigers is always here to protect your rights and help you recover compensation. Our talented motorcycle accident lawyers represent bikers and their families from coast to coast.
Call 1-888-863-7216 24/7 for a free case evaluation.
