Looking for ways to enjoy Little Big Horn with kids? This guide offers top tips and activities to make your family visit both fun and educational.
Key Takeaways
Explore the family-friendly Deep Ravine Trail to enjoy nature and history together!
Engage kids at the interactive visitor center and storytelling sessions that bring the Battle of Little Bighorn to life!
Don’t forget to check parking options and visit the store for educational souvenirs to keep the learning going at home!
Family-Friendly Trails for Visiting Little Big Horn with Kids
One of the highlights of visiting Little Bighorn National Monument is the Deep Ravine Trail. This trail is perfect for families, offering a manageable hike that even younger children can enjoy. As you walk along the trail, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Bighorn River and the historic significance of the area.
Allocate at least two hours to explore the battlefield, including the Deep Ravine Trail and other points of interest along the main park. This allows ample time to soak in the history, take plenty of photos, and answer any questions your curious little ones might have.
The trail is well-marked and offers plenty of opportunities for educational discussions about the events that took place here. This trail provides an excellent opportunity to introduce kids to the history of the Battle of the Little Bighorn while enjoying a pleasant walk through nature.
Interactive Visitor Center Activities
Start your visit at the visitor center, where a range of interactive displays awaits. These exhibits are designed to teach visitors, especially children, about the history and significance of Little Bighorn Battlefield. The hands-on activities and engaging displays make learning about history fun and accessible for younger audiences.
Narrative storytelling sessions at Last Stand Hill are designed to engage and educate young visitors about the events of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The storytelling often includes reenactments and interactive elements, making the history come alive right before your eyes.
The visitor center also provides various educational materials that can enhance your child’s understanding of military service and the historical context of the battle. From books to self-guided tour pamphlets, there’s plenty to keep young minds engaged and informed.
Storytelling at Last Stand Hill
The storytelling sessions at Last Stand Hill are a must-see for families visiting Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. These sessions focus on personal accounts from both soldiers and Native American warriors, providing a well-rounded perspective on the battle.
During the sessions, you’ll hear about the movements of soldiers and the experiences of Native American warriors, enhancing your understanding of the battle’s context. These narrative stories help to paint a vivid picture of the historical events, making it easier for kids to grasp the significance of what happened here.
Educational programs at the visitor center complement these storytelling sessions, offering hands-on learning experiences that engage children and help them connect with history on a deeper level. This approach brings history to life, making your visit truly memorable.
Picnic Areas and Rest Stops
Picnic areas within Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument provide the perfect spots for families to relax and enjoy a meal together. These areas offer scenic views and a chance to take a break from exploring the reno benteen battlefield.
You’ll find picnic tables conveniently located near the visitor center, making it easy to gather your family for a meal after a morning of exploration. Some picnic spots also offer shaded areas, providing relief from the sun during warmer months.
Restrooms are available at various stops along the tour road, ensuring that families have access to essential conveniences throughout their visit. Using these picnic areas and rest stops can significantly enhance your family’s experience, making it more comfortable and enjoyable.
Custer National Cemetery Exploration
A visit to Custer National Cemetery is a poignant and educational experience for families. The establishment of national cemeteries like this one began after the Civil War, highlighting their historical significance. Open every day from dawn until dusk, the cemetery provides ample opportunities for reflection and learning. The primary purpose of the cemetery is to honor those who served, and it offers a serene place for families to pay their respects and learn about the historical figures buried there. While visiting, adhere to cemetery policies, which promote the respectful display of flowers and memorial items.
Enhance your visit with the cell phone audio tour stops and additional cell phone stops available at Custer National Cemetery. These stops provide detailed narratives that enhance your understanding of the site’s historical significance.
Indian Memorial Insights
The Indian Memorial at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument serves as a powerful tribute to the last armed efforts of Indigenous peoples in the region. The memorial’s theme, ‘Peace Through Unity,’ emphasizes the importance of harmony among different cultures. The Indian Memorial commemorates the contributions of various tribes during the Battle of the Little Bighorn, highlighting their fight to preserve their cultural values. This serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse perspectives and experiences that make up this historical event.
What makes the Indian Memorial unique is that it is the only federally mandated tribute to the Native American experience at this historical site. The design elements reflect the traditional spiritual beliefs of Plains Indians tribes, adding a layer of cultural significance to the visit.
Cell Phone Audio Tour for Kids
The cell phone audio tour effectively engages kids with the history of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. It can be accessed in any order, allowing families the flexibility to explore at their own pace.
The audio tour includes a variety of stops that feature stories from notable figures and events from the battle. Kids will be captivated by the tales of Cheyenne warriors and U.S. Cavalry soldiers, making the history feel more personal and relatable.
Tailored for younger audiences, the cell phone audio tour offers an engaging and educational experience that will keep kids interested and informed throughout their visit.
Plan Your Visit Around Construction
Starting on April 28, 2025, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument will be closed Monday through Thursday due to construction. However, the park will remain open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, allowing families to plan their visits around these open days.
With construction continuing throughout the summer season of 2025, check the park’s schedule before planning your trip to ensure optimal access to all facilities.
Keep in mind that the visitor center parking lot is not suitable for oversized vehicles due to space limitations and safety concerns. Families with larger vehicles should plan to park along the main road of the park.
Parking Tips for Families
Parking can be a breeze if you know where to go. For families with larger vehicles, designated oversized parking is available along the main road of the park. This ensures easier access and a smoother experience during your visit.
Designated oversized parking areas are particularly useful during the construction period when the visitor center parking lot has limited space and cannot accommodate oversized vehicles.
Planning ahead and knowing your parking options can make all the difference, ensuring that your visit to Little Bighorn Battlefield is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.
Educational Souvenirs and Books
Before you leave, be sure to stop by the visitor center store, where you can find a variety of educational materials. The store offers books, DVDs, and audio tours related to the Battle of Little Bighorn, all designed to enhance your learning experience.
Titles like ‘Little Bighorn Voices’ and ‘Road to the Little Bighorn and Aftermath’ provide deeper insights into the historical events, making them great additions to your home library. These resources can help keep the lessons of your visit alive long after you’ve returned home.
Purchasing items from the park store supports the preservation of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, ensuring future generations can continue to learn from this important historical site.
Summary
In summary, a trip to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument with kids can be both educational and enjoyable. From family-friendly trails and interactive visitor center activities to storytelling sessions and picnic areas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
By planning ahead and making the most of the resources available, you can create lasting memories and instill a love of history in your children. So why wait? Start planning your visit today and embark on a journey through history that your family will treasure for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best trail for families at Little Bighorn Battlefield?
The Deep Ravine Trail is the perfect choice for families! It’s not only easy to navigate but also packed with fascinating history.
Are there any interactive activities for kids at the visitor center?
Absolutely! Your kids will love the interactive displays and storytelling sessions at the visitor center that are designed just for them!
When is Little Bighorn Battlefield closed for construction?
Great news for your plans! Little Bighorn Battlefield will be closed from Monday to Thursday for construction starting April 28, 2025, but you can still visit on weekends!
Where can I park if I have an oversized vehicle?
You can park your oversized vehicle in the designated oversized parking along the main road of the park! Just keep in mind that the visitor center parking lot won’t fit larger vehicles, so head straight to those special spots!
What educational items can I purchase at the visitor center store?
You can find an amazing selection of educational items at the visitor center store, including books, DVDs, and audio tours about the Battle of Little Bighorn! It’s a great way to dive deeper into history!
See more at Family Travel Unplugged.