- Lodge Grass - The portion of the bus tour will include a history of the Apsáalooke people, including the creation story, the sacred twins and Old Man Coyote. This portion of the tour will include a history of the town of Lodge Grass, a once bustling hub on the reservation. Please note: Guests will remain on the bus until we get to Ok-A-Beh Marina.
- Fort Smith - As we travel to Fort Smith Montana we will discuss the history of Crow leaders who have come from the Valley of the Chiefs., the history of Crow warrior and military culture, winter life in a Crow encampment, and the factors that led to the development of the Yellowtail Dam. Please note: Guests will remain on the bus until we get to Ok-A-Beh Marina.
- Ok-A-Beh Marina - Once we reach the Ok-A-Beh Marina passengers will deboard the bus for a short bathroom break. They will hear the Crow story of Big Metal and how that legend still resonates with the Apsáalooke people to this day.
- Saint Xavier - As we make our way to St. Xavier we will talk about the legacy of Catholic and Baptist day schools on the reservation, the Crow Rebellion, also known as the Sword Bearer Incident. We will then focus the tour Crow governance and the changing of the Crow constitution in 2001 and how a three-branch government has affected the tribe today. Please note: Guests will remain on the bus until we return to Edge of the Camp Gift Shop.
- Crow Agency - The tour will conclude with a discussion of the annual Crow Fair celebration and how it started as an agricultural fair and turned into the nation’s largest Indian encampment with 1,200-1,500 teepees erected every year, five days of powwow dancing and the Crow prayer ceremony known as the Dance throughout the Campgrounds. Please note: Guests will remain on the bus until we return to Edge of the Camp Gift Shop.
- Edge of the Camp Gift Shop - The tour will conclude at Edge of the Camp Gift shop.
- 20-minute post-tour Q&A session.
- Lunch
- Bottled water
This journey begins at the after bay in Fort Smith and proceeds via Ok-A-Beh Road till beyond Pretty Eagle Point, offering a commanding view of the Bighorn Reservoir, and culminates at the Ok-A-Beh Marina. Here, guests will be immersed in the rich storytelling heritage of the Apsáalooke. A narration detailing the historic background of the Yellowtail Dam, the leadership roles of Tom Yellowtail and Chief Pretty Eagle, and the progression of the Ok-A-Beh Marina will also be given. A general overview of the Crow people’s history, cultural festivities, and administration is included in the tour. Kindly note, guests will stay onboard the bus until we reach Ok-A-Beh Marina.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
