Visit the log home and farmstead of Chief Plenty Coups of the Crow tribe whose bravery, leadership and vision helped bridge the gap between two cultures.
About the Park
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.
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.
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.
The park is day use only; no camping.
Activities
Bird Watching
Cultural
Exhibit
Fishing
Heritage
Hiking
History
Horseshoes
Photography
Picnicking
Visitor Center
Amenities
Some amenities are seasonal. Check with the park for availability.
ADA Accessible
Gift Shop
Interpretive Display
Maps
National Historic Landmark
Pets Allowed
Picnic Shelter
Playground
Toilets (Flush)
Toilets (Vault)
Trash Removal
Seasons & Hours
Hours listed below are normal operating hours and may not apply when there is a special restriction or closure. Check Alerts and Closures in the tab below.
Park
Day Use Only. No Camping.
Summer Hours
mid-May – mid-September
Open daily 8 am - 8 pm
Winter Hours
Wed-Sunday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Visitor Center & Chief’s House
10 am - 5 pm.
Closed all federal and state holidays except Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Park is also closed December 24th and 31st.
Alerts & Closures
Stage I Fire Restriction for Big Horn County in the Billings Fire Restriction Area: The following acts are prohibited until further notice:
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire,
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Contact the park manager for open volunteer positions at Chief Plent Coups State Park.
For complete position descriptions, application forms, and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, visit the Volunteers page.
Fees
Montana Residents
Day use entrance is free*
Nonresidents
Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free
* Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don't include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Chief Plenty Coups State Park
PO Box 100
1 Edgar/Pryor Road
Pryor, MT 59066
Enjoy this aerial footage of Chief Plenty Coups State Park
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.
Aaron Kind is the Park Manager at Chief Plenty Coups State Park. He has been the ranger there since 2013 and held positions before that with the US Forest Service, the BLM and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Aaron has his degree in Anthropology, is an experienced interpreter and teacher and has done much to enhance the educational programs at the park. Aaron is originally from Centerville, MT and enjoys spending time with his family, fly fishing and rooting for the Bobcats.
CONTACT INFO Mailing Address:
Chief Plenty Coups State Park
PO Box 100
1 Edgar/Pryor Road
Pryor, MT 59066
