Located in southeastern Montana near the heart of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, Lame Deer is home to a resilient population, rich traditions, and stunning views.
Well known as the tribal and governmental headquarters for the reservation, this community was named for Miniconjou Lakota chief Lame Deer, who was killed by the U.S. Army in 1877 during a truce.
Named Meaveʼhoʼeno in the Cheyenne language, this beautiful area is home to the annual Fourth of July Northern Cheyenne Powwow, as well as the tribal community institution Chief Dull Knife College.
Delicately merging ancient cultural traditions with present-day living, the residents of Lame Deer welcome you to their Montana wonderland.
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Jessie Mullin Picture Museum
Open year-round, the Jessie Mullin Picture Museum works as an excellent visual starting point for all things Lame Deer. James and Jessie Mullin arrived in Montana in 1948, where they then bought both the Busby and Lame Deer Trading Posts.
Jessie’s personal photographs of the area began to appear in the reconditioned shops – and that’s when locals started to show up with their own photos and documents. The picture museum now houses over 400 pictures, old censuses, maps, and facts about famous Native Americans from the area.
This self-proclaimed accidental museum is a love letter to the entire community. Walk-ins welcome!
Cheyenne Indian Reservation
Naturally, the Cheyenne Indian Reservation ranks high on the list of Lame Deer sites! Get a high dose of culture at the summertime Northern Cheyenne Powwow, where you can witness and participate in competitive Indian dancing, contests, and parades.
Whether you’re in town for the Powwow, horseback-riding, or looking for Cheyenne-made moccasins and jewelry, the locals of the Indian Reservation proudly welcome you to their cultural hub.
Highly recommended: native woman-owned Warrior Trail Jewelry & Gifts!
Chief Two Moons National Monument
Located just west of Lame Deer in Busby, the Chief Two Moons National Monument was built in 1936 in honor of Chief Two Moons.
But keep your eyes peeled! If you’re not paying attention, you just may pass by this historical site on the way to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.
The revered and well-liked Chief Two Moons fought in the Battle of Little Bighorn, and as head chief, he played a crucial role in daily life for the local Native Americans.
Afterward, head back to Lame Deer for lunch at local favorite farm-to-table The Spoon & Fork.
St. Labre Indian School & Museum
If you look at the St. Labre School in nearby Ashland, you may notice it looks like a teepee. This was intentional! Designed to support Native Americans through their plight, Private George Yoakam initiated a plan in 1883 to educate and house children in need.
While a replica now stands at the current site, this s