Preserves a historic homestead, sacred spring, and cultural legacy through exhibits and trails that honor the life and leadership of a visionary tribal chief.
General Information
Park Grounds (Winter): 8am to 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday
Visitor Center & Chief’s House: 10am to 5pm
Closed all federal and state holidays except Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day
Also closed December 24th and 31st
Non-resident vehicle: $8
Walk-in, bicycle, or bus passenger: $4
How to Get There
From Billings, MT (40 mi): Take I-90 E to Exit 452, then follow MT-416 S for 35 miles and turn west onto Edgar Road for 1 mile to reach the park entrance.
Overview
The Chief Plenty Coups State Park commemorates the life and legacy of Chief Plenty Coups, the last traditional chief of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation. Nestled within the Crow Indian Reservation, the park preserves his log home, sacred spring, and farmstead, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of a leader who guided his people through a time of profound cultural transition. The park’s serene setting along Pryor Creek features a 3/4-mile interpretive trail, shaded picnic areas, and a visitor center that tells the story of Plenty Coups’ journey from warrior to peacemaker.
Designated a National Historic Landmark, the park spans 195 acres of the original land deeded to Chief Plenty Coups under the Indian Allotment Act. His vision of unity and adaptation is reflected in the exhibits and preserved structures, which highlight his efforts to bridge the gap between Indigenous traditions and the encroaching modern world. With its tranquil landscape and rich cultural significance, Chief Plenty Coups State Park is a meaningful destination for those seeking to understand the resilience and wisdom of the Crow people.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Chief Plenty Coups State Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
