150th Anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn

On June 25, 26, and 27, 2026, the National Park Service, in partnership with Tribal nations, descendants, historians, elected officials, authors, military representatives, and cultural organizations, will honor the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. This commemoration will offer opportunities for reflection, learning, and cultural exchange.

 

 

Plan Ahead!

With up to 10,000 visitors expected to attend the commemoration, be sure to plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Prepare for a full day outside in summer conditions.
• Bring your own food/snacks and a reusable water bottle.
• Parking will be located off-site at the junction of I-90 and Hwy 212 at exit 510. Follow signs for parking.
• The Battlefield will be closed to personal vehicles; be prepared to take the free shuttle around the event locations.
• Entrance to the Battlefield will be free during the event.
• With multiple events also occurring around the Battlefield, traffic may be congested. Please plan accordingly.

More information is available below.

 

2024 Anniversary Opening Ceremonies and Speaker Series.

NPS/Zachary Hubbard

Event Dates and Hours

• Dates: June 25, 26, and 27, 2026
• Gates open - 7:00 a.m.
• Shuttle service begins - 7:00 a.m.
• Daily programming begins - 9:30 a.m.
• Programming concludes - approximately 5:00 p.m.
• Last visitor center shuttle - approximately 5:45 p.m.
• Gates close - 6:00 p.m.

The Battlefield is closed Monday through Wednesday the week of the anniversary. Leading up to the event and following the event, the Battlefield will only be open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We will return to a 7-day operating schedule on July 3rd. Please keep in mind that there will be no public access to the Battlefield in the days prior to and following the event.

No Entrance Fees

Entrance to the park on June 25th, 26th, and 27th will be free.

How To Prepare

The event will be entirely outdoors. The new visitor center is still under construction and will be closed during the event. Event parking will be located offsite and accessible by shuttle, but be prepared to bring anything you need for the day with you.

What to bring:

• Food and snacks. No food vendor will be on-site and dining options are limited in the surrounding area. Pack a picnic lunch and snacks if you plan to attend the full-day event. Help preserve the national monument by planning to pack out what you pack in.
• A water bottle. Water refill stations will be available.
• Weather appropriate clothing. All events are outdoors. June weather in southeast Montana can be hot, with the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms.

 

Shuttles will provide access from the parking area to significant event locations for the Battle of the Little Bighorn 150th anniversary commemoration. The park will be closed to all vehicle traffic during the event.

Parking and Shuttles

Parking Details

• Parking will be located off-site at the junction of I-90 and Hwy 212 at exit 510. Follow signs for parking.
• The Battlefield will be closed to regular vehicle traffic during the event.
• Free shuttles will provide transportation from the parking area to key event locations.
• Shuttles are ADA accessible.

Shuttle Routes and Schedules

Shuttle service from the parking lot to the Battlefield visitor center begins daily at 7:00 a.m. The last visitor center shuttle will depart at approximately 5:45 p.m.

Blue Route: Parking Lot to Visitor Center (VC)

• Departs every 8 minutes
• 1.2 miles, 3 minutes each way
• First shuttle departs Parking Lot at 7:00 a.m.
• Final shuttle departs Visitor Center at 5:45 p.m.

Green Route: Visitor Center (VC) to Reno-Benteen Battlefield via Last Stand Hill

• Departs every 30 minutes with a stop at Last Stand Hill
• 5.1 miles, 15 minutes each way
• First shuttle departs for Reno-Benteen at 10:00 a.m.
• Final shuttle departs for Visitor Center at 4:30 p.m.

 

Know Before You Go

Battle of Little Bighorn reenactments will be held on private property, NOT at the Battlefield. 

 

Event Details

Select each day to see full event schedule within Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. This schedule ONLY includes events within the Battlefield. Other events will also be hosted in nearby communities.

 

Event Schedule

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Friday, June 26, 2026

Saturday, June 27, 2026

 

Filming and Media

News outlets and other filmmakers interested in covering this event should visit the NPS permit website to determine whether a permit is needed for your filming activities. Please be aware that drones are not permitted. Parking will be offsite and filming equipment must all be brought into the park on shuttle buses; no filming vehicles will be permitted on site.