Indian Country

Twelve Recognized Tribes on Eight Reservations

There is great diversity among the twelve tribes located in Big Sky Country in their languages, rituals, histories and governments. Each tribe has a distinct and unique cultural heritage that contributes to modern Montana. Native languages and traditions are alive and well throughout Indian Country, where visitors are welcome to experience the varied customs of each tribe.

Native American ceremonial outfit with feather bustle and painted circular fan at a cultural event

Learn about Montana's Indian Nations consisting of twelve recognized tribes on eight reservations.

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Tribes

Calm lake reflecting mountains and a cloudy sky with a row of trees along the shore in Montana

Come see for yourself all that the Native American culture has to offer. Go beyond the cinematic version seen on television and in movies, and feed your soul by experiencing the many tribal communities, diverse cultures and history of this vast, unspoiled land. Your experience is made easier by following one, or all, of our customized road trips created to guide you through the heart of the eight federally recognized Indian nations.

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Indian Country Trips

Historic tipi structure on the prairie with mountains and blue sky in the background

A native-led tour through Indian Country invites you to create a new vision of Native Americans. It invites you to open yourself up to enriching perspectives and interpretations of the traditions and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. Book a tour with a native guide and learn about the sacred views of the miles and miles of unspoiled landscapes you will encounter.

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Historic Sites & Battlefields

Wide view of Montana’s open valley and distant mountain range at sunrise or sunset with an uneven rocky foreground and grasslands

The Rollings Plains

Sleeping Buffalo Trail

Start in Great Falls in Central Montana to visit and learn more about the lives and culture of the Little Shell, Rocky Boy’s, Fort Belknap and Fort Peck tribes. If you love being on the open road, this is the perfect route for you. Leave your stress behind to cruise the rolling plains and marvel at the colorful mosaic of beauty between your destinations.

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Respecting The Land

Family rides in a decorated car at a parade during a Montana celebration, with children and a large painted vehicle on display

Respectful Travel in Indian Country

Montana’s Indian Country is a scenic, sacred, and storied destination that’s home to 12 tribes, each with unique cultures, histories, languages, and traditions.

While Montana’s Indian Country is diverse, one thing all tribal communities share is friendly people who welcome respectful visitors.

While our general advice for visiting Montana applies to Indian Country too, here are some extra tips to help set you up for a great experience.

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Bison grazing in Montana grassland with another bison in the background

The Buffalo in Indian Country

In 2016, the buffalo was officially named the national mammal of the United States for its representation of unity, resilience and importance to Native Americans. To this day, the buffalo remains an important animal to tribes across the United States. The symbolism may vary slightly from tribe to tribe; however, tribal people still hold an important spiritual connection to the buffalo.

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Additional Resources

Regional
Guidebooks

Central Montana Travel Guide Glacier Country Travel Guide Indian Country Travel Guide Missouri River Country Travel Guide Southeast Montana Travel Guide Southwest Montana Travel Guide Yellowstone Country Travel Guide