General Info:
Situated within the Crow Indian Reservation in south-central Montana, 40 minutes south of Billings, this day-use park preserves the log home, sacred spring, and farmstead of Chief Plenty Coups. This state park is a National Historic Landmark. Chief Plenty Coups (Aleek-chea-ahoosh, meaning "many achievements") was a man of war - and then a man of peace - whose vision has helped bridge a gap between two cultures. Recognized for his bravery and leadership, he was made a chief of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tribe by age 28. When Chief Plenty Coups gave up his nomadic ways in 1884, he became one of the first Apsáalooke to own and settle on a farm, which was deeded to him through the federal Indian Allotment Act. On his 320-acre tract, located a half mile east of Pryor, he opened a general store, built a home, and tilled the earth until his death in 1932 at age 84. At that time, as requested by Chief Plenty Coups and his wife, Strikes the Iron, 195 acres of his land was made into a public park. Upon his death, the Apsáalooke people voted to designate him as their last traditional tribal chief. Plan at least an hour to walk the grounds and browse through the Visitor Center that commemorates the life of this remarkable man and his efforts to lead his people into bridging the gap between two cultures and transition from a tipi and buffalo to a settled reservation lifestyle. Walk the 3/4 mile trail around the park along beautiful Pryor Creek.The tranquil, shaded picnic area is a beautiful spot to enjoy lunch and absorb the serenity of this special place. Chief Plenty Coups Day of Honor-with speakers, drummers and dancers, tours, buffalo feast and more-held annually the Saturday before Labor Day, is an event you don't want to miss. SEASON AND HOURS Park Off-Season: 9/19/16 to 5/18/17, Open Wed through Sun, 8am - 5pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Summer Season Open daily 5/19/17 - 9/17/17, 8 am - 8 pm. Visitor Center Off-Season: 9/19/16 - 5/18/17, Open Wed through Sun, 10am - 5pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Chief's House: Open is weather dependent. Visitor Center Summer Season: 5/19/17 - 9/17/2017, Open daily 10am-5pm. Chief's House: Open 10am to 5pm