Gov. Gianforte visits Chief Plenty Coups State Park

PRYOR, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte recently visited Chief Plenty Coups State Park to recognize and honor the history of Chief Plenty Coups and to encourage Montanans to enjoy the many state parks across the Treasure State.

“Chief Plenty Coups State Park gives visitors the chance to step back in time and learn about the life, leadership, and legacy of Chief Plenty Coups,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Across Montana, dedicated staff at Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks operate state parks like this one to preserve and protect our state’s cultural, natural, and recreational heritage. I encourage all Montanans to get out and enjoy them.”

Gov. Gianforte and First Lady Gianforte visited Chief Plenty Coups State Park in Pryor.

Located within the Crow Indian Reservation, Chief Plenty Coups State Park is a day-use park operated by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) to preserve the log home, sacred spring, and farmstead of Chief Plenty Coups. Plenty Coups was the last traditional tribal chief of the Apsáalooke tribe and became one of the first in the tribe to own and settle a farm where he opened a general store, built a home, and farmed until his death in 1932 at age 84.

Before his death, Chief Plenty Coups requested that 195 acres of his land be made into a public park, including his home. In 1972, the land was recognized as a Montana state park, and in 1999, the chief’s home was designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Last year, Chief Plenty Coups State Park welcomed roughly 21,000 visitors, including students and families from across Montana and around the world.

During the governor’s visit, he toured the museum and vault of artifacts. During the vault tour, the governor had the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the artifacts left at the chief’s home, including his sunglasses, moccasins, crayons, photos, and letters. After the vault tour, the governor toured Chief Plenty Coups’ home, which was inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon.