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.

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.

• Bird Watching

• Cultural

• Exhibit

• Fishing

• Heritage

• Hiking

• History

• Horseshoes

• Photography

• Picnicking

• Visitor Center

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

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.

Restrictions and Closures

See a current list of Restrictions and Closures on State Parks and other FWP lands that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.

Visit the State Parks Fees & Regulations page for park rules.

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.

Montana Residents

• 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.

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

Mailing Address:
Chief Plenty Coups State Park
PO Box 100
1 Edgar/Pryor Road
Pryor, MT 59066

Phone: 406-252-1289
Email: akind@mt.gov