Hardin

History Hardin lies at the edge of the Crow Reservation, in country the Crow have lived in for centuries. Early in the 20th century, Thomas Campbell operated what was then the nation's largest wheat farm on 95,000 acres near here and pioneered the use of industrial machinery in farming. The town became the seat of Big Horn County, serving the ranches and farms of the Bighorn Valley. The battle that brought the area lasting fame took place a few miles south on 25 and 26 June 1876, and 2026 marked its 150th anniversary.

What to See Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, about 16 miles from Hardin near Crow Agency, includes Last Stand Hill, Custer National Cemetery and the Reno-Benteen site about 3 miles to the south-east, linked by a tour road of 4.5 miles one way. In summer (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day) the gate is open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and battlefield sites close at 5 pm; the rest of the year it is open 8 am to 4 pm, with the tour road closing at 3:30 pm. Arrive by 4 pm in summer or 3 pm in winter to drive the full road. The main visitor centre is closed for construction, with a temporary contact station and bookstore in its place. In Hardin, the Big Horn County Historical Museum preserves about two dozen historic buildings on a former farm; hours differ between summer and winter, so check before visiting.

Outdoors Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area's North District is reached via Fort Smith, south of Hardin. Yellowtail Dam created Bighorn Lake in 1966; the lake is 71 miles long, about a third of the recreation area lies on the Crow Reservation, and no road links the north and south districts inside the park. The Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range lies along the canyon. Much of the surrounding land is Crow Reservation or private land, so respect tribal permit rules and posted boundaries.

Getting There Hardin is on Interstate 90. Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), the nearest with scheduled flights, is about 53 miles by road. Big Horn County Airport, 3 miles west of town, is for general aviation. There is no passenger rail. Most visitors base themselves in Hardin or Billings and drive to the battlefield. Much of the land south of town is Crow Reservation; stay on public roads and follow posted rules.

When to Go Late May to early September brings longer battlefield hours and the town's events. Late June is the busiest time, around the battle anniversary and Little Bighorn Days; the re-enactment is a private event, not held on the battlefield, so book rooms early. Summer heat on the open battlefield is strong, so carry water. Winter visits are quiet, but the tour road closes earlier.