Chief Plenty Coups State Park
Chief Plenty Coups State Park
Chief Plenty Coups State Park is named for the last traditional chief of the Crow Nation, Chief Plenty Coups (Aleek-chea-ahoosh, meaning "many achievements"). Plenty Coups 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 chief of the Apsáalooke (Crow) tribe by age 28.
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Looking to camp?
On his land, Chief Plenty Coups built a log home, began farming, and eventually opened a general store.
You won’t find camping at Chief Plenty Coups State Park, but you will find a day’s worth of activities!
- Hike the ¾ mile trail around the grounds and near the creek.
- Take in the beauty and serenity while enjoying lunch in the picnic area.
- Bird watching.
- Learn more about Chief Plenty Coups’ life and Native American culture at the visitor center.
- Have a fishing license? Try and catch a fish in the creek!
While traveling to Washington D.C., Plenty Coups toured George Washington's estate, Mount Vernon, and was struck by the idea of a national monument open to all.
In 1932, at age 84, Chief Plenty Coups passed away and at his and his wife, Strikes the Iron’s, request, a portion of their homestead was made into a state park which eventually grew to 195 acres for all people to visit and learn from and still operates as such today!
At the burial of the unknown soldier at Arlington Cemetery in 1921, Chief Plenty Coups attended as a representative of all the Indian Nations. While the ceremony commenced, Chief Plenty Coups placed his headdress and two coups sticks on the tomb in honor of the fallen soldiers.
The headdress and coups sticks can still be seen today on display in the Virginia cemetery. Chief Plenty Coups was a well-known statesman and ambassador, he knew several U.S. Presidents and met many foreign leaders during his life.
Chief Plenty Coups is remembered for helping to bridge the divide between Native American people and white settlers during a time when the Native American people were being coerced into giving up their traditional ways.
Through the Indian Allotment Act, Chief Plenty Coups received an allotment of land which included a sacred spring, something that Plenty Coups envisioned as a young man, and became one of the first Apsáalooke to own and settle on a farm.
Curious what other visitors have had to say about the park?
Park
Day Use Only. No Camping.
Summer Hours
mid-May – mid-September
Open daily 8 am - 8 pm
Winter Hours
Wed-Sunday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Visitor Center & Chief’s House
10 am - 5 pm.
Closed all federal and state holidays except Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Park is also closed December 24th and 31st.Location
1 Edgar/Pryor Road
Pryor, MT 59066
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