Things You'll Need:
- Camera
- Binoculars
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Step 1
Discover the Custer’s Last Loop Byway. Begin in Miles City, Montana. Miles City was historically famous during the late 1800’s, particularly on the Texas-Montana cattle drives. It became the permanent home for many of the cattle barons of the period. It is also the place where the world's greatest rodeo stocks are put up for annual sales.
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Step 2
Experience the quiet, open spaces that are here on the road from Miles City to Broadus. Get the camera and binoculars out for Chalk Butte. Broadus has one history and one art museum that might be of interest. Go west along Highway 212, and another change in scenery is evident here, which includes rock formations that were produced from untold generations of rain and wind. Highway 212 passes by the Northern Cheyenne Indian Nation and then hits the Crow Indian Nation. Stop in Ashland for a tour of the Saint Labre Indian School. It is known to be one of the most unusual buildings ever built in Montana.
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Step 3
Next, visit the Little Big Horn National Monument, which is near the intersection of 212 and Interstate 90 in Garryowen. The famous battle of Custer’s Last Stand is commemorated here. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument presents memorials of the battle that was fought by the United States Seventh Cavalry Regiment, led by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, and the Sioux and Cheyenne, who were led by Sitting Bull.
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Step 4
The Custer Battlefield Museum is also something to see. Choose a souvenir. Also located in Garryowen, the Custer Battlefield Museum is on the hilltop where Custer last stood. The battle started here on June 25, 1876, and ended a day later. 210 of Custer’s Cavalrymen, were killed by some Sioux and Northern Cheyenne Indian warriors. Exhibits on display include the weapons, archaeological finds, artifacts of Plains Indian life, and a tour including interpretive markers. While there, visit the Custer National Cemetery nearby.
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Step 5
Leaving Garryowen, 20 minutes away and to the northwest, is Hardin, Montana. Hardin is the place of the Bighorn County Museum. This museum showcases the preserved buildings and homes of the 19th century. While here, one might even want to see the Yellowtail Dam area, which is to the south of Hardin. Yellowtail Dam creates the Big Horn Lake, which is 70 miles long. The Big Horn River is located below the lake. It is spectacular and world-famous for its trout. Bird hunting is also a great sport here.
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Step 6
Arrive at Billings, Montana, next. Billings is about a little over an hour away from Hardin. This city will bring one back to the 21st century with some of its most interesting ethnic restaurants and first-class dining. The “Custer’s Last Loop” byway ends here.
