Chief Plenty Coups State Park

Chief Plenty Coups State Park holds many attractions. Our Visitor Center hosts interactive exhibits about Crow culture and on the Chief ’s life along with our book/gift shop. Chief Plenty Coups’ National Historic Landmark house and store are preserved. There is a ¾ of a mile walking trail that winds around the park going past the sacred spring, the Chief ’s apple orchard, Pryor Creek, and the grave site for the chief, his wives and adopted daughter. Many people come to the sacred spring to enjoy the tranquility. There are picnic areas with barbeques, a playground, and horseshoe pits for pleasant afternoon picnics.

Native Heritage Day

Photo by Fontana

The creation of this State Park was part of Chief Plenty Coups’ dream to have a space where all peoples could come together to learn about each other. Chief Plenty Coups’ life encompassed a period of transition from nomadic to a sedentary way of life for the Crow Tribe. There is a rich history here, preserved and protected by the Crow Tribe and the State of Montana.

The Park hosts several cultural community events throughout the year. There are programs at the Park on select day’s during the summer months, Day of Honor and Heritage Day during September. In addition to public-welcome events, Chief Plenty Coups State Park also hosts teacher trainings and school field trips with standards-based curriculum, as well as tours for groups.

During the summer, the park is an excellent choice for a day trip, a stop on a further road trip to Yellowtail Dam, or a stop-over point for travelers heading into the Pryor Mountains. Birders enjoy the park in both summer and winter as the Park hosts a stunning variety in both seasons. Winter sport lovers come to the Park in the winter time to cross-country ski or snowshoe.