150th Anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn

 

Commemorate the 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 per day, be sure to plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

 

2024 Anniversary Opening Ceremonies and Speaker Series.

NPS/Zachary Hubbard

Event Dates and Hours

• Dates: June 25, 26, and 27, 2026
• Gates open - 8:00 a.m.
• Daily programming begins - 9:30 a.m.
• Programming concludes - approximately 5:00 p.m.
• Gates close - 6:00 p.m.

No Entrance Fees

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

Parking and Access

• All parking will be located off-site, with free shuttle service bringing visitors to and from the battlefield.
• The park will be closed to regular vehicle traffic during the event.
• Shuttles will run throughout the day between parking areas, the main event site, and key battlefield locations.
• The park is closed Monday through Wednesday the week of the Anniversary. Leading up to the event and following the event, the park 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 site in the days prior to and following the event.
• With multiple events also occuring around the Battlefield, traffic may be congested. Please plan accordingly.

Outdoor Conditions

• The event will be entirely outdoors. The new visitor center is still under construction and will be closed during the event.
• Please be prepared for summer weather, including sun, heat, and changing conditions. Be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing. Shade tents will be provided for some relief.
• Hydration stations will be available; remember to bring a refillable water bottle.
• Food will not be available at the park. The closest food options will be in the town of Hardin or Crow Agency. Please plan accordingly.

Additional logistics, parking details, and finalized schedules will be posted as planning continues.

 

Know Before You Go

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

 

Event Details

June 25, 2026

Commemoration and Remembrance

Opening Ceremonies

• Parade of Nations and Tribal Flags
• 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment Color Guard (Garryowen), 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas
• Tribal Veteran Color Guards Representing Various Affiliated Tribal Nations
• Flyover by the Montana Air National Guard's 120th Airlift Wing
• Opening Prayer by Chief Arvol Looking Horse
• Welcome by Crow Tribal Chairman Frank Whiteclay

Featured Participants and Presentations

• Chairman Ryman LeBeau (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe)
• Vice President Ernest Littlemouth (Northern Cheyenne Tribe)
• Governor Reggie Wassana (Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma)
• Dr. Leo Killsback – Northern Cheyenne Author
• Paul Hutton Buffalo Bill Center Curator “Little Bighorn: Triumph and Tragedy”
• Henry Real Bird
• Trina Lone Hill – Descendant and Oglala Sioux Tribe 5th Member
• Chief Phillip Whiteman Jr.
• Dale Old Horn
• Gay Kingman Great Plains Tribal Chairmans Assoc Executive Director
• Donovin Sprague Sheridan College Professor

June 26, 2026

Historical Perspectives and Legacy

Featured Participants and Presentations

• Honoring Thomas Marquis By Eugene Little Coyote
• Douglas Scott & Melissa Connor "Revealing the Battlefield: How Archaeology Shaped the Battle Narrative"
• Remembering Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell By Dion Killsback
• Crazy Horse Hunkpatila Oyate — Elvyn Douglas Bissonette and Howard Little Hawk

June 27, 2026

Reflection and Continuing Legacy

Featured Participants and Presentations

• Message from Friends of Little Bighorn President Bob Reece
• Parallels of Washita — NPS Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, NPS Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe
• Dr. Lilah Morton Pengra on Isaiah Dorman
• Dale Old Horn- Crow Historian
• 7th Cavalry Descendants Joseph J. Godfrey and Edward C. Godfrey
• Final Reflections: The Meaning of Little Bighorn 150 Years Later - A Panel of Tribal Voices

Throughout the Anniversary

• Tribal Descendant Presentations
• Cavalry Descendant Presentations
• Tribal Cultural Demonstrations
• Traditional Drum Groups
• Youth and Community Programs
• Park Ranger Programs and Battlefield Interpretation
• Special Exhibits and Partner Organization Displays

Cultural Booths

• Brinton Museum
• Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
• Inter Tribal Buffalo Council
• Museum of the Rockies

Presentation order and participant schedules are subject to change.

 

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.