Chief Plenty Coups
State Park on Pryor Creek
Park/Visitor Center Hours
- May 1–September
- Park open 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week
- Visitor Center open 10 AM to 5 PM
-
- October 1-April 30
- Park open 8 AM to 5PM, Monday-Friday
- Visitor Center open by appointment (406) 252-1289
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 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 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.
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. 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 in adopting the lifestyle of the white man. The tranquil, shaded picnic area is a beautiful spot to enjoy lunch and absorb the serenity of this special place.
For more information about Chief Plenty Coups State Park, read A Place of Peace.
Check out the current weather conditions at Chief Plenty Coups.
Educators, the Indian Education For All Lesson Plan contains Social Studies and Media Literacy content for 4th graders.
Chief Plenty Coups State Park is located on Pryor Creek
80 miles from the mouth
.
Chief Plenty Coups is the only access site along Pryor Creek maintained by FWP.
Billings exit #447 off I-90, 35 miles south to Pryor, 1 mile west.
(Lat 45.427, Lng
-108.549)
If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Chief Plenty Coups,
P.O. Box 100 Pryor, MT 59066
or call (406) 252-1289
.
