Exploring Hardin Montana: Little Bighorn Battlefield

Explore the quiet town of Hardin, Montana, where history lies beneath the soil. Visit General George Custer's resting place, learn about the battle over the Black Hills through a video, and uncover the intriguing history of the Crow Tribe. Delve into stories of Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Discover where to stay, when to explore Little Bighorn, food you must try, and activities nearby. Perfect for history lovers!

Where To Camp

• In this vicinity, choices are limited so we chose to stay at Hardin KOA Journey.

• $55/ night (for members) 10% discount on nightly rate

• Full Hook Ups

• TIGHT SPOTS, our slides almost touched our neighbor’s slide out.

• Laundry Room

• Bathrooms

• Basketball Courts

• Fire Pits

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

• Best Time to Visit: May - September

• Fee: $25/ vehicle ( free for military) OR check out free days here.

• Visitor Center: Start here where you will view a video.

• Tour: Take a self guided driving tour. We saw beautiful wild horses along this 4.5 mile road.
  
  
  
  
  

• Walk: ¼ mile Deep Ravine Trail ( Be cautious of weather, it was hot!) You can also walk through Custer National Cemetery.
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Tip: This is a memorial so remember to be respectful with noise and pictures. Bring an open mind as the historical narrative can be quite controversial.

What To Eat

When at Little Bighorn, be sure to try the renowned Navajo Tacos and Fry Bread at the Trading Post Cafe, just outside the Monument.

Activities To Explore

• Custer Battlefield Trading Post- filled with artifacts, books, and passionate people.

• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area- One of the most beautiful drives to get to the lake. The drive was full of colors and wildlife. 

• The lake itself was impressive, surrounded by cliffs.

• Shop Local at The Farmers Daughter General Store. Complete with a nostalgic soda fountain, quality apparel, and unique gifts, this place has it all.
  
  

Overall Experience

I was initially irked by the KOA cost and proximity to neighbors, but my attitude shifted when I met our friendly Tennessee neighbors. They invited us to campfires, shared South Dakota tips, and even offered us a stay on their property. As always, God is good. This is just a reminder to keep an open mind and look for the positive in every situation.



The visit to the Monument was deeply humbling as I grappled with the harsh realities of how human beings treat each other. It's not easy to digest, and somewhere amidst the controversies, there lies a truth that demands reflection.


I recently read Amazing Grace by Eric Metaxas, detailing slavery in Europe, and it left me feeling a profound discomfort. It's a stark reminder of our shared history, and with humility, we must acknowledge what we, as a species, are capable of. Learning from history becomes not just a task but a responsibility, a way to humble ourselves and strive to prevent the repetition of past mistakes.

Bible Verse

Mark 3:24-25 (NIV)

"If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."

Reflection

• The first part of these verses can be applied to racism, cultural clashes, and historical conflicts such as the Battle of Little Bighorn. Discrimination and prejudice lead to division within societies which results in social unrest, inequality, and harm.

• The second part of these verses are more personal; division amongst family, friends, and community.

• We must ask ourselves:

• Do I have any divisions in my household?
• Friendships?
• Workplace?
• Neighborhood?
• Church?

• Is there anything I can do to remedy them, even if I believe I was the one wronged?

• Have I given this situation in all its fullness to God?

• Have I asked God to remove my narrative and interpretations of events and replace it with His truth?

Keep in mind that our adversary is not our family, friends, or neighbors, but rather Satan. He relies on unoriginal tactics, with "divide and conquer" being one of his consistent strategies. Let's recall this when tensions arise within our family and friendships.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for unification amongst my family, friends, and community. Help me to have your perspective, interpretations, truth, and humility. Help me to see the difficult people in my life through your eyes and to love them freely without expectations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

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