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
In addition to Little Big Horn Battlefield you can elect to see 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.
Tour Add On's
Horseback Ride on the Little Bighorn (Custer) Battlefield - Two Hour Ride
Enhance your tour with a once in a life time experience of riding where Crow Scouts and the Custer’s 7th cavalry once rode. You will ride in Medicine Trail Coulee, and then re-trace Crazy horse’s route from the village to Calhoun Hill, stopping at each significant site within the story of the engagement. Experience Weir Point on the ride from Cedar Coulee into Medicine Tail Coulee.
Ride details:
You will need to book both Little Bighorn (Custer) tour and Battlefield horseback Ride on the same day.
Rides available most days May though October except Last Sand Reenactment week (nearest to June 25 from Wednesday – Sunday but there is usually a ride on Monday) and Crow Fair (third weekend of August) see event page on website for more details on the tours that are available. These events are family time and time is taken up with prep for the events.
Wranglers are experienced horsemen as you will find anywhere in the world. This family’s life style is raising and working horses.
FAQs
What should I wear:
Be comfortable. Jeans are fine, and if a hot day, long sleeves are a good idea to avoid sunburn- there is no shelter from the sun out on the battlefield. You need shoes/ boots with heels. Please don not try to ride without – it is not safe.
Do I Need to be a good ride:
No. You do not need to be an experience rider, and the wranglers will make sure you know what you are doing before you leave the corrals.
Will the wranglers tell the story as we ride?
The wranglers will point out land features and historical places but they are not historians and will not be telling the full story.
Is there restrictions for riders on age and weight?
We need to know if anyone in the party is 230 lbs or above. This doesn’t mean you can not ride but we do need the right horse available. We don’t have a specific age, but don’t recommend the ride for youngsters. This is not a nose-to – tail riding. We do not have an upper limit either-people know their own ability and usually know if you can sit on a horse for two hours.
Am I insured to ride?
Like everyone who rides in the western states, you must sign a waiver form indemnifying us and holding us harmless in the event of any injury you may sustain on the Horseback Ride on the Little Bighorn ( Mt Fun Adventures Tours and the Real Bird Family) are not responsible for any injury you may sustain on a ride.
Rosebud Battlefield Add On
In addition to Little Big Horn Battlefield you can elect to see 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.