Trading Post Cafe in Montana

​Dining in Crow Country
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This past September, Don and I had a different kind of dining experience.

We stopped for lunch on a Crow Reservation.

A Memorial Visit First
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​In the morning we visited Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument.   There was a lot to ponder as we wandered over the beautiful landscape and learned about those who died during "Custer's Last Stand" in 1876.

 It hasn't been all that long since they began inviting us to learn about both sides of the Little Big Horn Story. The Indian Memorial, was added in 2003.

A Tourist Lunch?
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Across the road we saw a touristy looking attraction with flags and teepees and patriotic banners.  This seemed like an odd choice for lunch, but there were few options in this area, which is part of the Crow Nation.
 

Inside The Trading Post
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​We walked past a couple of white teepees, towards  the entrance of the cafe and gift shop.  We were seated by a blond waitress, although rest of the staff appeared to be Native American.  

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From our table there was a lot to look at from beaded vests and cradles to artwork, depicting scenes of the bloody battle... that had happened just across the street.

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The Menu
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​It was a little odd to be handed a menu with more reminders of the horrific battles. There were photo images and write ups to keep us from forgetting what we had just learned.  

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There was also a reminder of the Trading Post's 30th anniversary.  I wonder what this place was like 30 years ago, when the focus was all on "Custer and his brave men".

A Lively Atmosphere
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​It became pretty clear that we didn't need to feel guilty as we dined in the cozy dining room with log walls.  About half of the diners were tourists, who like us were in the area visiting the National Memorial.

The other half seemed to be locals from the Crow reservation.  There were Native American families eating nearby and quite a crowd of young kids in green and yellow sports jerseys, taking over the back room.  We were surrounded by voices and laughter and clinking dishes on a sunny Saturday afternoon.  I allowed myself to enjoy a little honey with my fry bread!

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And I also enjoyed my Indian Taco, made with fry bread instead of a tortilla... even if the serious face of a man with braids and Native dress, looked down on me. 

​Blending Worlds
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​It had been interesting to eat lunch while observing the locals and tourists all enjoying the same food and atmosphere.  The cafe got a little quieter when much of the crowd in uniform excited outside towards a school bus.  

Back in the corner, one table was still occupied.  A blond woman shared a table with a man who was most likely Native American. It made me wonder how much these worlds mixed 30 or 50 years ago. 

Through the Gift Shop
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​Before heading out, I wandered through the impressive gift shop in search of the restroom.  

A young boy darted past me and slipped. His grandmother reprimanded him, in what I assume was the Crow language.  I so wish he would have bumped into me, so we could have laughed and had a brief conversation.  I so regretted having no real "people encounter" at this cafe.

Back on the Road
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​We drove out of the parking lot, past the colorful teepees and I had to laugh at myself.  

I guess I haven't changed that much since I was a little kid, when I so wished I could grow my hair long and wear two braids.  For as long as I can remember, I've been in awe of this world that I'm not really a part of.  
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