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Rosebud Battlefield

State Park

Difficult Accessibility

Region 7 | Custer Country

Rosebud Battlefield State Park - Landscape of Rosebud Battlefield.

Rosebud Battlefield - Interpretive signs at Rosebud Battlefield.

Kittentails flower at Rosebud Battlefield State Park - Kittentails flower at Rosebud Battlefield State Park, late April.

Buffalo Jump at Rosebud Battlefield - This ancient buffalo jump site is located in Rosebud Battlefield State Park.

Rosebud State Park - Site of Rosebud Battlefield.

Marker at Rosebud Battlefield - This monument marks the site where the Battle of the Rosebud began on June 17, 1876

Park Map

Location Map

Parcel Map


Open:	Jan 1 - Dec 31
Size:	3052 acres
Elevation:	4337 ft
Nearest Town:	Hardin

This National Historic Landmark on the rolling prairie of eastern Montana preserves the site of the June 17, 1876, battle between Lakota (Sioux) and Cheyenne warriors and General George Crook's soldiers supported by Crow and Shoshone Indians. The Army was there to enforce the U.S. government's recent reservation proclamation. The Lakota and Cheyenne were defending their families and way of life. Both sides fought bravely. The battle was a draw, with each side claiming victory. Eight days later, many of the same Lakota and Cheyenne met Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, about 25 miles to the northwest. The Cheyenne call this spot Kase'eetsevo' estaneveosehaesta'tanemo - Where the Girl Saved Her Brother. Of the many heroic acts that occurred during the battle, the story of Buffalo Calf Trail Woman saving her older brother, Chief Comes in Sight, has been passed down through the generations. Remote, quiet, and undeveloped, the 3,000-acre park includes prehistoric sites and the homestead ranch of the Kobold family. Take a picnic, your camera, and plenty of time to appreciate a slice of time and place. Hear the Lakota perspective on the battle with Aaron Ten Bears or take a virtual tour with this history buff. A Big Prelude to the Little Bighorn is a 2004 Montana Outdoors article about the park. This Indian Education For All Lesson Plan for 8th graders contains Language Arts, History, and Social Studies content. To understand the modern challenges at this site, review the management plan.

Directions

25 miles east of Crow Agency on U.S. 212, then 20 miles south on Secondary 314, then 3 miles west on county road. The last 1.5 miles are on unpaved roads.
(Lat 45.218, Lng -106.973)

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Rosebud Battlefield, FWP Region 7 Office, P.O. Box 1630 Miles City, MT 59301 or call (406) 757-2219 .

Restrictions & Closures

Management Restriction: No Metal Detectors, Digging, Collecting or Removal of Artifacts.

Pet Restriction: Leash required.

Vehicle Length: Site is accessible.

Activities

Picnicking
Bicycling
Group Use
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Wildlife Viewing
Hunting
Tours - Special Request
Photography
Cultural Events

Miscellaneous

Information Kiosk/Map

Picnic Site

Picnic Table

Sanitation/Water

Garbage Bins
Pack in/Pack out
Toilet (Vault)

Trail

Bike Trail
Hiking Trail
Horseback Riding Trail

Fees

Day Use

$5.00

Non-Resident, Vehicle

Wildlife Viewing

These locations represent physical occurrences (visually confirmed) within the boundaries of the site. Many more species may be present in the area which are not listed because we do not have a visually confirmed record. If you would like to report a species sighting, a form is available.