Battle of the Little Bighorn re-enactment: June 26-28
Actors will re-enact the Battle of the Little Bighorn on the banks of the Little Bighorn River where Sitting Bull’s Camp was between Crow Agency and Garryowen, Montana. This is about one hour’s drive south of Billings, Montana.
This Battle has also been called Custer’s Last Stand and the Battle of the Greasy Grass.
Hosted by the Real Bird Family, the 34th Annual Battle of the Little Bighorn Re-enactment will be at 1 pm on the 26-28 June 2026 on the 150th Anniversary of “Custer’s Last Stand”. The Battle was fought on 25-26 June. The organizers may host a special gathering on June 25. Learn and experience the historic struggle for control of the West by visiting the amazing Little Bighorn Reenactment firsthand – where the Sioux Nation was encamped. The Reenactment is located just south of Crow Agency, Montana, between the historic points of Custer’s Last Stand Hill, Reno’s Charge / Retreat, and Reno – Benteen Battlefield. Held at Medicine Tail Coulee and Minneconjou Ford, this is where Custer’s Battalion was closest to the village and where E and F Troops were sent to attack the Indian village. This battle is located between the Little Bighorn National Park/Museum and Garryowen/Custer’s Battlefield Museum.
Only here will you see Native American riders riding bareback portraying warriors of the Sioux, Cheyenne and Crow tribes. No whites riding as braves! You will see them and Cavalry riders crash across the Little Bighorn River as was done on June 25th, along with 7th Cavalry Riders wearing the appropriate attire of troopers on the plains with McClellan saddles/gear. Some of the riders have been training for all week with Custer’s Last Ride eight-day adventure with U.S. Cavalry school.
Witness Bvt. Major General Armstrong Custer, and the 7th US Cavalry Troopers come out of the Medicine Tail Coulee and clash with real Indian Braves as they both cross the Little Bighorn River, showcasing their great riding ability, to recreate that famous day of June 25th and 26th, 1876. This reenactment briefly reviews the history of the interaction of the whites and the Native Americans in the West, Native American culture and horsemanship, and the major battles of the Northern Tribes. Experience with all your senses this epic battle of 600 7th US Cavalry and over 1,800-2,500 warriors of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapahoe Indian Nations. The Battle of the Little Bighorn Reenactment started @ thirty years ago, to share more of the Native American story of the Indian Wars and to have the reenactment on the ground where the teepees of the Indian Village were located and where Custer’s Companies attacked, between Custer’s Last Stand Hill and Reno-Benteen Battlefield. Other activities during this week in Montana; Crow Native days include the Pow-Wow, Crow Parade Friday morning through Crow Agency, Ultimate Warrior Competition, Indian Rodeo, and more. Hardin has hosted their Little Bighorn Days celebration during this week; it includes a fair, parades, carnival and this year a rodeo. There is a Cavalry experience training course – Custer’s Last Ride 20-28 June 2026 on site; learn horsemanship, history, and more at http://www.uscavalryschool.com. The Little Bighorn reenactment at Crow Agency/Garryowen should be the only Custer/Little Bighorn reenactment available; so come early to get your seat. Folding chairs are allowed if stands are full.
This battle has been called Custer’s Last Stand for over a century, with the National Park service renaming of the Battlefield monument and park to Little Bighorn Battlefield, “Battle of the Little Bighorn” has become more prominent. The Indian tribes have always referred to the battle as “The Battle of the Greasy Grass”, come and learn why this name is used to describe the land of the Battlefield. Ask a trooper or a brave about it.
Driving Directions: Located on the eastern frontage road between Crow Agency, MT and Garryowen, Mt.
From Billings, MT: travel south on Interstate 90 until you reach Crow Agency, MT. Exit Hi-way at Little Bighorn Memorial Exit, turn east (left) and cross over Highway. Turn Right on Frontage Rd and travel @ 2 miles then turn left on to Real Bird Loop. Follow signs to the far side of loop and the reenactment.
From Sheridan, WY: Travel North on Interstate 90 until you reach Garryowen, MT. Exit Hi-way turn right. Immediately turn left (away from Garryowen Museum and Subway) on Frontage Rd and travel @ 1.5 miles then turn right on to Real Bird Loop. Follow signs to the far side of loop and the reenactment.
Tips for Attending: Arrive early due to bleacher seating is on a first come basis. Feel free to interact with re-enactors and tour the vendor tents, Indian tepees, and (with permission) the cavalry camps. It could be sunny and hot or windy and rainy so bring sunscreen, hat, and a light coat, it’s Montana if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes it probably will change. Some re-enactments do not allow photographs or video cameras, but WE believe this re-enactment is for you – so bring your cameras!
–Battle of the Little Bighorn
