There’s No Other Historical Landmark In Montana Quite Like Chief Plenty Coups State Park

Montana has a pretty fascinating history, and we do our best to preserve as much of it as possible. From our legendary Dinosaur Trail to our ghost towns, it isn't hard to see living history here in the Treasure State. But did you know we dedicated a state park to the homestead of the last great Crow chief? Chief Plenty Coups State Park is a must-see.

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Chief Plenty Coups State Park is located in Pryor, a tiny community in Bighorn County in Southeast Montana.

Pryor is part of the Crow Reservation.

The park consists mainly of Plenty Coups' home and farmstead, where he lived until his death in 1932 at the age of 84.

The state park is also a National Historic Landmark.

The park also has plenty of information on Chief Plenty Coups, who was a fascinating and well-respected man.

He was born into the Mountain Crow tribe in 1848, with the birth name Chíilaphuchissaaleesh, or "Buffalo Bull Facing The Wind." His name was later changed in accordance with Crow tradition.

Plenty Coups' grandfather predicted that his grandson would live a long life and become the chief of the Crow Tribe, and he wasn't the only one in the family with premonitions.

At a young age, Plenty Coups started having prophetic dreams and visions, and while many of them were so far-fetched that fellow tribe members didn't believe him, they certainly started listening when many of them came true.

Plenty Coups was an amazing warrior, a well-respected man, and a diplomat, working well with the white settlers while also standing his ground.

He even flew to D.C. and fought successfully against U.S. senators' plans to abolish the Crow nation and take away their lands.

The park's Visitor Center has some great information on Chief Plenty Coups and the Crow tribe, plus plenty of artifacts and tidbits from the chief's life.

The Visitor Center is temporarily closed due to current regulations, but the park remains open to visitors.

This beautiful, peaceful park is home to several annual events, including Chief Plenty Coups Day of Honor on August 31.

It's open year-round for day use only, although winter hours are more limited.

The next time you're in Southeast Montana, make sure to check out this fascinating piece of history.