About Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, located near Crow Agency in southeastern Montana, preserves the site of one of the most studied battles in American history. On June 25 and 26, 1876, Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors fought against the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. The clash, often remembered as Custer's Last Stand, ended in the defeat of Custer's command and became a defining moment in the wider conflict over the Northern Plains.
Administered by the National Park Service, the monument is dedicated to honoring and reflecting on the sacrifices made on this ground. Rather than telling the story from a single point of view, the site interprets the battle's meaning for the U.S. Army, for the tribal nations who fought to defend their traditional way of life, and for Indigenous communities and the broader West today. In 2026 the battlefield marks the 150th anniversary of the engagement, with commemorations planned at the site.
What to See
The monument combines memorial grounds, interpretive sites, and the open Montana landscape where the events of 1876 unfolded. Features at the battlefield include:
- The visitor center and museum, where exhibits and ranger programs interpret the battle and its participants.
- Memorials honoring those who died, including the 7th Cavalry Memorial and the Indian Memorial recognizing the tribal nations involved.
- Markers placed across the battlefield indicating where soldiers and warriors fell.
- A tour road and overlooks that follow the terrain of the engagement.
Note that a new visitor center is under construction, which may affect access during your visit.
Planning Your Visit
The monument is located along the battlefield tour road near Crow Agency, Montana. Because construction, seasonal conditions, and anniversary commemorations can affect hours and access, check current visitor information, fees, and program schedules on the official National Park Service website at nps.gov/libi before you travel.
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