Windshields, Warriors & Whimsy
Today’s main plan was simple: get the windshield repaired at Safelite in Billings and then explore the area a bit.
Lynn was up at 05:30 and headed out for her morning walk just after 07:00 — already a warm, slightly humid 69°. By 08:45, Kirk was up early too, since we planned to leave ahead of schedule for Billings, about 45 minutes away, to get the windshield fixed and grab breakfast. We arrived too early for our appointment, so we made a pit stop at McDonald’s. We ordered our usual sausage and egg McMuffins, but this location had a Steak & Egg McMuffin — something we’d never seen before. Naturally, we had to try it. Verdict: underwhelming. Basically a hamburger patty wearing a McMuffin costume.
At 11:00, we were at Safelite for our appointment. They found not one but two cracks and filled both — all at $0 cost thanks to insurance. The repairs don’t look like they’ll last forever, but they’ll hold for now. We swung by a tire shop afterward since we’ll need new tires soon, but of course the ones Kirk wants would take a week to arrive… and we leave tomorrow. Tires will have to wait.
By noon, we decided to head toward Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, about an hour from Billings — the site of Custer’s Last Stand in 1876. Lynn isn’t usually a history buff, but she found this place fascinating. The Visitor Center is still under construction, so operations are currently out of a trailer. Entrance fee: $25 per vehicle.
Our first stop was the Custer National Cemetery just outside the Visitor Center. Rows upon rows of white headstones stretch across the prairie. Established in 1879, the cemetery originally honored the 7th Cavalry soldiers who died at Little Bighorn, but it grew into a national military burial ground. Today, more than 5,000 veterans from multiple American conflicts rest here. It’s a somber, quiet place.
We considered taking one of the air‑conditioned bus tours, but the next departure was an hour away and the heat was already pushing into the 90s. Instead, we opted to drive the truck and stop at overlooks along the 4.5‑mile loop. Each stop had audio‑tour QR codes that explained what happened on that piece of ground in 1876. The rolling hills, open prairie, and scattered markers tell the story of the battle between the 7th Cavalry and the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. It’s a solemn landscape, but also a beautiful one — windswept, unchanged, and easy to imagine as it was during the battle.
We followed the loop out to the Reno–Benteen Entrenchment Site, stopping at waysides and reading accounts from both sides. The red warrior markers and white soldier markers scattered across the hills make the story feel immediate and human — each one marking where a body was found. The circular Indian Memorial adds a thoughtful balance to the experience as well.
On our way back, a small group of horses briefly jammed up the road — a beautiful, unexpected pause.
By 2:15 p.m., we were ready for lunch. Just outside the monument sits Custer’s Trading Post, a combination restaurant and souvenir shop. Kirk ordered the fry bread tacos (excellent), and Lynn had a chicken salad (also excellent). We picked up a few souvenirs, including Lynn’s new highly blingy American flag hat — a steal at $25. Kirk also sported a new hat too.
By 3:00, we were off to one of Lynn’s roadside attractions: “Fordhenge” in Edgar, MT, about an hour away. Since we’d visited Carhenge in Nebraska, we had to check out this Montana version — a private property display where someone stacked old Ford vehicles into a Stonehenge‑style arrangement. As soon as we arrived, the rain started, so we hopped out, grabbed a few quick photos, and dashed back to the truck. Whimsical, a bit underwhelming…not as good as Carhenge.
Driving back through Joliet, we stopped for a few more roadside attractions — water tank art that was too fun to pass up.
We made it back to the RV by 5:30 p.m. It had been a long day. The evening was spent relaxing, sorting through photos, and finishing the last season of Game of Thrones. Rain and humidity rolled in, and a faint rainbow appeared to close out the night.
A full day of repairs, history, and whimsical roadside art — a great travel day.
Weather – High 85*, Low 66*. Wind 2-8/19 mph. Rain = 84% (0.2″). Slightly humid.
Traffic – None.
Food – Custer’s Trading Post – Fry Bread.
Notable – Windshield Repair, Custer’s Last Stand, Fordhenge, Water tank art.
