Plenty Coups was the last traditional chief of the Crow Nation. He was a visionary who led his people from the “buffalo days” into the 20th century. He and his wife, Strikes–the Iron, willed their property as a place for all cultures to come together in a cooperative nature. For an inspirational, educational, and cultural experience, visit their two–story log cabin and a modern interpretive center.

This historic location marks the spot where council between the Territorial Gov. Isaac Stevens and the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille Indians was conducted in 1855. The council resulted in the Hellgate Treaty, or the creation of the Flathead Indian Reservation. A monument commemorates this event. In addition, this park offers unique bird watching opportunities, scenic views, picnic tables, and access to fishing on the Clark Fork River.

Prehistoric hunters camped here as long as 10,000 years ago and left behind marks on the cave and thousands of artifacts. Now, with binoculars, you can see the pictographs. A printed guide, signs, and on-site staff assist visitors in learning about the ancient site and why Pictograph is called, “the birthplace of Montana Archaeology.”

Before the use of horses and guns, Native Americans had to rely on more immediate resources. Buffalo were herded over jumps such as Madison to their death. The Indians would use all parts of the animal for food, shelters, tools, and clothing. You can hike to the top for some great views of the Madison River below.

As one of the largest buffalo jump sites in the world, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park represents native people’s way of life and the importance of the buffalo. Thousands of people gathered here to hunt, celebrate, and feast. A modern visitor center, featuring buffalo mounts, dioramas, and hands–on activities, helps to explain the importance of the buffalo to the native people of the Plains.

On June 17, 1876, the hills surrounding Rosebud Creek were the setting for one of the most intense battles ever waged between Native Americans and the Army. The intense battle lasted over six hours and encompassed an area over 10 square miles.The fight taught the Sioux and Cheyenne many things and bolstered their confidence for the battle that would occur eight days later in the Valley of the Little Bighorn with Lt. Col. George Custer.

Take a stroll down the deserted boardwalks of Bannack and listen to the stories the old buildings have to tell. When gold was discovered in Grasshopper Creek in 1862, the strike set off a massive gold rush. The town's population grew to over 3,000 in less than a year. As soon as the gold ran out, people left as quickly as they had come, leaving behind a rich and colorful history of early–day mining and settlement. Bannack is preserved, rather than restored. As one of Montana’s best preserved ghost towns, Bannack is open year-round and is the site of many events throughout the year .

The previous residents of Elkhorn, a small mining town, left behind two impressive structures, Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall. These buildings have been preserved as outstanding examples of frontier architecture. During Elkhorn’s heyday the population swelled to 2,500, but soon was deserted when the price of silver dropped.

Nicknamed, “Montana’s Silver Queen,” Granite had its heyday in the early 1890s with a population reaching 3,000. One of the most famous buildings was the Miner’s Union with a large auditorium and the “Northwest’s Finest Dance Floor.” Presently the park contains the Superintendent’s House.

Many of Montana’s “firsts” occurred at Fort Owen. It was home to Montana’s first Catholic Church, founded by Father DeSmet in 1841. Also here were the state’s first sawmill and grist mill, first agricultural development, first water right, and first school. John Owen came to this area in 1850 and began trading with the Indians and growing number of immigrants. Interpretive signs detail the site’s history.

The Anaconda Copper Company built one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world at 585 feet. The stack was completed in 1919 and the smelter operated until 1980. Now you can view the stack from a distance while reading interpretive displays that detail its history.

As Capt. Clark searched for a portage route around the Great Falls of the Missouri, he stumbled on present–day Giant Springs. In his journal, he described a spring that “ boils up from under the rocks near the edge of the river and falls immediately into the river 8 feet, and keeps its colour for ½ mile which is immencely clear and of a bluish cast.” The park offers biking and hiking trails, picnic sites, a fish hatchery, and interpretive programs.

This landmark was noted by Capt. Meriwether Lewis in his journal on July 16, 1805. The igneous rock formation is 424 feet high and stands at the mouth of the canyon where the Missouri River flows from the mountains onto the plains.

On July 27, 1805, Capt. Lewis stood on a limestone cliff and saw three rivers that formed the Missouri River. He called this place “an essential point in the geography of this western part of the continent.” Interpretive signs, picnic spots, short hiking trails, and a convenient location make this a fun and informative spot to follow in the steps of Lewis and Clark.

As the Corps of Discovery traveled into the present–day Dillon area, Sacagawea recognized Beaverhead Rock as a location where her people, the Shoshone, often camped in the summer. This homecoming was important for her, but also to the expedition because they were able to obtain horses for their journey across the Rocky Mountains. The Shoshone called this landmark, “Beavers Head,” because of the natural formation resembling that of a swimming beaver’s head.

Capt. Clark climbed this rock outcropping August 13, 1805, to see what lay ahead for the expedition. He took compass readings on three different landmarks. Today, a compass marker at the top of Clark’s Lookout documents those three readings. Interpretive signs at the park explain navigational techniques used by the expedition.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition established camp at Travelers' Rest on September 9, 1805, as it took a much–needed break before the arduous journey over the Rocky Mountains. The explorers camped there again on their return journey in 1806. Archaeologists have found physical evidence of the Corps’ latrine and fire pit, making this National Historic Landmark one of only two sites in the nation with proof of Lewis and Clark's presence.

Capt. Clark, his crew, Sacagawea, and her baby Pomp were believed to have camped at Pirogue Island, near present-day Miles City, on their return trip east. The island in the Yellowstone River, shaded by cottonwood trees, is an excellent spot to view wildlife and birds.