Chief Plenty Coups State Park

4.3 (3 reviews)

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Chief Plenty Coups State Park Photos

Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Chief Plenty Coups State Park Visitor Center - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Day of Honor 2016 - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

Chief Plenty Coups State Park - The song sparrows have been out and calling daily. - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Visitor's Center - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

Chief Plenty Coups State Park - This beautiful Common Gartersnake was searching for breakfast. - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Pine Siskin - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Playground at Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Downy Woodpecker - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

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Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Chickadees can be found year-round at the park. The chickadee was one of Chief Plenty Coups spirit animals. - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

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Ann H.

Elite 26

372

1689

9746

10 years ago

A relatively short drive out of Billings, this State Park is on the Crow Indian reservation. It's a beautiful spot, part of the land deeded to Chief Plenty Coups through the Dawes Act. Plenty Coups' story is equally fascinating: honored as the last of the traditional chiefs of his tribe, his story is entwined with this park, part of his original land allotment and place upon which he built his home (modeled on Mt. Vernon according to the details). As one of the first to understand the loss of the way of life of the Native American tribes, he settled in this location after seeing it in a vision. The cabin is larger than a standard log home of the era, and has an upstairs, as well. Also included on the property is separate building used as a community store, according to the descriptions. The park itself also has a teepee set up next to the home, and a museum and visitor center that does a great job describing the park and the residents of the surrounding area. It's a nice historical park with a short (less than a mile) trail around the property and along the creek, and also offers a picnic area. There's an audio tour available, but the markers along the path and around the home provide a nice self-guided tour if that's your preference. read more

Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

Chief Plenty Coups State Park - Looking up - Parks Near Me - Pryor, Montana

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Tracy M.

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9 years ago

Very, very child friendly! Nice easy walk with beautiful views. Interesting and well kept. Definitely 5 stars from this mamma!

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Susan M.

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10 years ago

We liked the visitor's center as much as the homestead itself. The exhibits are fascinating, very informative, and well designed. The staff is very, sensitive to and respectful of the Native American materials in their care. The homestead building is very well maintained. It is a mix of periods, with the primary focus on Chief Plenty Coups, though also items and wallpaper from later eras. This is a lovely, quiet place, so come here to learn--and avoid the crowds. read more

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More info about Chief Plenty Coups State Park

1 Edgar Rd
Pryor, MT 59066
Directions
(406) 252-1289
Call Now
Visit Website
http://stateparks.mt.gov/chief-plenty-coups

Hours

What time does Chief Plenty Coups State Park open?

Chief Plenty Coups State Park opens at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Chief Plenty Coups State Park close?

Chief Plenty Coups State Park is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Chief Plenty Coups State Park closes at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Sun 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Outdoor Amenities

Does Chief Plenty Coups State Park have bike parking?

Yes, Chief Plenty Coups State Park has bike parking.

Does Chief Plenty Coups State Park have parking?

Yes, Chief Plenty Coups State Park has parking options.

From the Business

Specialties

Chief Plenty Coups State Park is located within the Crow Indian Reservation, 40 minutes south of Billings. It is a day-use park that preserves the log home, sacred spring, and farmstead of Chief Plenty Coups. This state park is a National Historic Landmark. 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. All Montana State Parks are free for Montana residents and $6 for out of state. However, you can visit as many Montana State Parks as you like that day with your receipt. 2016 Program Schedule All of our events are free. For a full list of our programs please look up our program schedule on our website. December 7th starting at 10am: Annual Chief Plenty Coups State Park Christmas Sale & Open House Free appetizers and beverages will be provided in the visitor center and the public can take advantage of special sales in the gift shop on authentic Crow artwork, books, and Montana State Park merchandise. Door prizes will also be given out and the public can meet staff and take in special evening tours of the Christmas lights and Chief Plenty Coups' House.

History

Established in 1932.

Chief 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 Chief 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 Chief 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.