Is Little Bighorn Battlefield Worth Visiting? (2024)
Have you ever wondered, “Is Little Bighorn Battlefield worth visiting”? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
For a little background, Little Bighorn Battlefield is located in a remote region of Southeast Montana, not too far from the Wyoming border.
It’s claim to fame is that it is the site that is also known as “Custer’s Last Stand”.
This is where General Custer lost his life in the Plains Indian War in 1876, against the Lakota and Cheyenne that inhabited the area, led by Crazy Horse.
It was the US Army’s greatest defeat in the war.
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Is Little Bighorn Battlefield Worth Visiting?
Yes, Little Bighorn Battlefield is definitely worth visiting despite it feeling like it’s in the middle of nowhere.
When we visited, we were on a long road trip and had driven in from Devils Tower and continued on to Shoshone Falls in Idaho after, so it was just a short stop for us.
Little Bighorn Battlefield is a significant historical site that tells the story of one of the most important battles in American history.
The site is well-maintained and provides a unique perspective from both sides of the battle.
The National Park Service has done a great job of preserving the site.
There are also a number of exhibits and ranger programs that help to bring the history to life.
These programs are a great way to learn about the battle and the people who fought in it.
The Little Bighorn Battlefield is located in a beautiful part of Montana.
If you are interested in American history, or if you are simply looking for a beautiful place to visit, I highly recommend visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield.
Where To Stay When Visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield
There aren’t many lodging options very close to Little Bighorn Battlefield, but there are some highly rated properties within a reasonable driving distance.
✅ Best Value: Lariat Motel
Lariat Motel is a cute, rustic motel about 15 miles from Little Bighorn Battlefield.
It’s kept up very well and is very highly rated by it’s guests.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Lariat Motel Today!
✅ Best Overall: Big Horn Valley Ranch
Big Horn Valley Ranch is a little further away from Little Bighorn Battlefield.
It’s about a 45 minute drive and they have a minimum two night stay.
You’ll stay in a cabin along the river and have many amenities available such as a full service restaurant.
👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Big Horn Valley Ranch Today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield
These are the most frequently asked questions we get about visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield.
✓ How Much Time Should You Spend At Little Bighorn Battlefield?
Personally, we only spent about 30-45 minutes driving through and walking around.
However, most blogs I see say to plan for 2 hours.
If you’re planning on participating in a ranger program or hiking around the area, then definitely plan on 2+ hours.
But if you’re just looking around to see the main sites, you can easily do that in less than an hour.
✓ Can You Drive Through Little Bighorn Battlefield?
Yes, you can drive through Little Bighorn Battlefield.
There is a 4.5-mile driving tour road that takes you to the Reno-Benteen Battlefield, the second stage of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Along the route, there are waysides where you can pull over to read about the battle.
You can also follow the park’s cell phone audio tour along the tour road.
However, it is important to note that driving through the battlefield is not the same as experiencing it on foot.
There are a number of trails that allow you to get up close and personal with the site, and these trails offer a much more immersive experience.
If you are interested in learning about the battle and the people who fought in it, I highly recommend walking or hiking one of the trails.
✓ What trails can you hike at Little Bighorn Battlefield?
Here are some of the trails that you can hike at Little Bighorn Battlefield:
Last Stand Hill Trail: This trail takes you to the top of Last Stand Hill, where General George Custer and his men made their last stand.
Deep Ravine Trail: This trail takes you through the deep ravine where some of the Reno-Benteen soldiers took shelter during the battle.
Reno-Benteen Battlefield Trail: This trail takes you to the Reno-Benteen Battlefield, where the 7th Cavalry soldiers were surrounded by the Lakota and Cheyenne warriors.
✓ How Far Is Mt Rushmore?
Mt Rushmore is a little over 300 miles away from Little Bighorn Battlefield.
This comes out to about a 4 1/2 – 5 hour drive.
✓ How Much Does It Cost To Get Into Little Bighorn Battlefield?
If you’re driving in, the fee is $25 per vehicle.
This fee is waived if you have the National Park Pass which is an $80 annual pass.
If you walk in, your fee is reduced to $15 and if you’re on a motorcycle your fee is $20.
Commercial vehicles pay anywhere from $25-$100 depending on the number of people they’re bringing in.
There are a few entry fee free days throughout the year, so always check before you visit.
Resources For Planning Your Trip To Little Bighorn
If you need help planning your trip to Little Bighorn, check out our Tips For Planning A Trip To Anywhere (A Step-By-Step Guide).
Also, read our Best Tips For Staying Safe When Traveling During Extreme Weather if you’re traveling during potential heat in the Summer or the snow in Winter.
Check out our Best Tips For Staying Well While You Travel if you’re prone to getting colds or allergies when you travel or have other ailments.
Lastly, if you’re traveling on a budget, read up on our Best Tips For Traveling On A Budget: Your Guide To Planning An Affordable Trip.
Conclusion: Is Little Bighorn Battlefield Worth Visiting?
Little Bighorn Battlefield can feel like it’s quite a drive no matter where you’re coming from, but it’s definitely worth visiting at least once.
