Crow Agency, MT Road Trips

The town has some 1,650 inhabitants (2020). It is the governmental headquarters of the Crow Native Americans and the location of the agency offices, where federal representatives interact with the Crow Tribe, pursuant to federal treaties and statutes. The Crow Tribe's reservations, and the tribe's relations to the United States were defined by treaties between the Crow Tribe and the United States, and by United States statutes. The Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1851 created extensive reservation lands for the Indian tribes in Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas at a time when the non-Indian presence in this area was limited to roving traders and the Crow tribe consisted of nomadic bands whose culture was based on hunting the migratory buffalo herds. Conflicts began when bands of the Sioux migrated westwards, and in 1863 when gold was discovered in western Montana. The Sioux went to war and forced the United States to close the trail through the Powder River country. The Crow reservation boundaries were remade in the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, as the Sioux were given land in the former Crow areas. In compensation the Crow were promised some support. Sporadic conflicts with the Sioux continued. In 1874 miners encroached on the western margins of Crow lands in the Absaroka Range, and the reservation was again reduced in 1875. Rapid transition on the plains of eastern Montana and Wyoming followed, together with gold found in the Black Hills resulting in the Great Sioux War of 1876, where the Crows provided scouts for the United States military forces.

1 Yellowtail Dam, Rte 210, Fort Smith (take Montana Highway 313 south from Hardin to Fort Smith; continue straight through Fort Smith and continue on the road (stay left at the fork after Ft. Smith, drive past the government camp, and the Bureau of Reclamation office), continuing up the hill until you see the visitor center near the top of the dam), ☏ +1 406 666-2412, [email protected]. Park is open every day. Visitor Center open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tu–Su 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Part of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, camping. Free. 2 Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (Custer's Last Stand), 756 Battlefield Tour Rd (From I-90, take Crow Agency Exit 510 at Jct 212), ☏ +1 406 638-3216. 8AM–4:30PM; Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day): 8AM–6PM. (updated Mar 2023) This area memorializes the US Army's 7th Cavalry, Crow and Arikara scouts and the Lakotas, Cheyennes, and Arapaho in one of the American Indian's last armed efforts to preserve their way of life. The Battle of the Little Bighorn, known to the Lakota and other Plains Indians as the Battle of the Greasy Grass, took place on June 25–26, 1876. The fight was an overwhelming victory for the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho, who were led by several major war leaders, including Crazy Horse and Chief Gall. The U.S. 7th Cavalry, a force of 700 men commanded by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, suffered 268 dead and 55 severely wounded.

1 Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (drive northwest to Hardin, turn south to Highway 313, which leads to Fort Smith in the recreation area). National recreation area around Bighorn Lake, created by the Yellowtail Dam (named after the Crow leader Robert Yellowtail). The area straddles the border to Wyoming. Part of the area is in the Crow Indian Reservation. Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range is partly in the park. 2 Battle of the Little Bighorn Reenactment, Real Bird Loop (off the east frontage road between Crow Agency and Garryowen; it is not a part of the National Monument). June, F-Su closest to 25-26th, 1PM. Reenactment lasts about 90 minutes but come early to visit vendors and interact with the reenactors. Reenactment on a site that was part of the actual battle. The unfolding of the war and the battle is largely told from Native American perspectives, by members of the tribes that participated in the conflict. The show features impressive displays of horseback riding by cavalry reenactors. Arrive early, bleacher seating gets crowded. Prepare for any weather. There's a few food and crafts vendors, but options are limited. $25 adults, $15 ages 7-13, under 7 free. Tickets sold at gate only. (updated Jul 2025) Crow Fair, ☏ +1 406 638-1447. Third week in August. The Crow Fair was created in 1904 by Crow leaders and an Indian government agent to present the Apsáalooke Nation. It welcomes all Native American tribes of the Great Plains to its festivities. It attracts nearly 45,000 spectators and participants.

1 Custer Battlefield Trading Post, 347 Hwy 212 (at I-90), ☏ +1 406 638-2270. (updated Jul 2025)

Interstate Highway 90 from Casper and Buffalo, Wyoming (in the south) and US Highway 212 from Belle Fourche, South Dakota (in the east) merge in Crow Agency, continuing to Billings, Montana.