Battle of Little Big Horn site to have limited summer hours

 CROW AGENCY, Mont. – Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument will undergo temporary operational changes in 2025 as the park implements its program of updating key infrastructure. The ongoing Visitor Center construction and the Federal Highways roadway improvement project are essential upgrades and will improve visitor facilities, enhance accessibility, and preserve the site for future generations according to a recent Battlefield press release. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, one of the largest tourist attractions in eastern Montana, will be closed Monday through Thursday beginning this summer. The change could impact local businesses in the area.
To ensure visitor safety, the park plans to be closed Monday through Thursday, starting from April 28 through fall of 2025. It will plan to remain open Friday through Sunday, and for the Battle of the Little Bighorn anniversary June 25^th and 26th. The park expects to resume daily operations in October 2025, but this timeline is subject to change. Visitors should check www.nps.gov/libi for the latest updates.
The roadway improvement project will bring the park’s roads and parking areas up to Federal Highway standards, as well as improve traffic flow, parking layouts, and ADA-accessible parking. This work will involve heavy machinery, road closures, and shifting traffic patterns, requiring a carefully managed worksite to ensure safety for visitors, staff, and construction crews.
Additionally, construction of the Visitor Center will continue throughout the year. Once completed, the new facility will feature modern amenities, improved accessibility, and updated exhibits to better interpret the battlefield’s history. When the park is open, a temporary Visitor Contact Station and the Western National Parks Association (WNPA) bookstore will be available to provide visitor services. The Northern Cheyenne Tribe and some of the traditional allies questioned the plan under a consultation process, but did not prevail with their recommendations said Ernest Littlemouth, Vice-President, Northern Cheyenne.
“Safety remains our top priority as we complete these vital improvements,” said Acting LIBI Superintendent James Novitsky. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to enhance visitor facilities and preserve this historic site for future generations.”

During days when the park is open, visitors should expect active construction zones, follow posted safety signs, and anticipate traffic detours. Vehicle parking will be extremely limited throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to check www.nps.gov/libi before planning their trip for up-to-date information on park access, road conditions, and safety advisories.
For additional resources, visitors are encouraged to go to the Big Horn County Museum in Hardin, Montana, will offer screening of the Little Bighorn Film and bookstore on park closure days. Visit www.bighorncountymuseum.org for hours and details.

Visitor Center Construction: When the park is open a temporary Visitor Contact Station and bookstore will be available during park hours. During closures, a bookstore, and the Little Bighorn movie will be available at Big Horn County Museum in Hardin, Montana. Visit www.bighorncountymuseum.org for hours and check the NPS website for park updates.

Roadway Improvements: The Federal Highways Administration will repair and upgrade roads and parking areas, from the entrance gate to the Visitor Center. Improvements will include traffic flow upgrades, redesigned parking, and ADA-accessible spaces. Work is scheduled from May through September 2025.

Active Construction Zone: Even when open, the park will remain an active construction site with traffic pattern changes and limited parking. Visitors should follow posted signage and consult park staff for safety guidelines.

Caution for RVs, Vehicles in Tow, and Large Vehicles: No turnarounds will be available inside the park due to construction, and parking will be extremely limited or unavailable. Large vehicles, RVs, and trailers must drive the full 5-mile Battlefield Tour Road before exiting. Visitors traveling in oversized vehicles should plan accordingly to avoid accessibility challenges.

Cemetery Operations: During the partial park closure, the National Cemetery will be open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from April 28, 2025, through fall of 2025. For interments, special arrangements must be made with at least 48 hours’ advance notice. This will allow park staff to coordinate with construction crews. Visitors are encouraged to check the park website for the latest updates on cemetery access and scheduling. For the latest updates on construction and park operating hours,  visit: Park website: www.nps.gov/libi.
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, one of over 431 National Park Service units, interprets and protects the site of one of the most famous battles in American history, the Battle of the Little Bighorn. As the third largest tourist attraction in Montana it generates considerable income, including for nearby business who will experience the effects of Park closure this summer.  Ít is an amazing place that transcends time,” said Putt Thompson, owner of the Custer Battlefield Trading Post, located just across Highway 212 from the battlefield entrance.

 Thompson has run the cafe and shop with his wife for nearly 40 years, serving both locals and the thousands of tourists who travel each year to see the park.

“We get, you might say, a bumper crop of tourists that are almost guaranteed every year,” said Thompson. “It’s a fun place to be because you never know who you’re going to meet.” He acknowledged that while he knew the construction changes were coming, he is concerned about the uncertainty for his business and hopes that the closures do not deter people away.

“Our weekdays were generally busier than the weekends, so I don’t know. We won’t know until it’s over how this will affect our bottom dollar,” said Thompson.

The Crow Nation Express, a gas station, deli, and gift shop situated near Interstate 90 and the Battlefield, also relies heavily on summer tourist traffic.

“A lot of people do probably put this on their bucket list or something, and there’s a lot of people that come in and ask us for the hours,” said cashier Morriah Pretty on Top.

Despite the park’s hour changes, the gas station says that they are not as concerned about a decrease in business due to it being one of the few stops for food in Crow Agency and the closeness to the major roadways.  

Business owners are hopeful that the improvements will lead to an increase in visitors in the future. “Hopefully people will wake up that this is one of the top attractions next to Glacier and Yellowstone Park in Montana. This is probably the third right here,” said Thompson. Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennereview@gmail.com.

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