Broadus is a ranching town on the Powder River. Several points of interest come together here to help you plan your trip: museums and local history, a park on Highway 212, and opportunities to explore the landscape and regional history. Highway 212 runs for 60 continuous miles from Alzada to Broadus. The stretch where Broadus is located is called Warrior Trail. Depending on your interests, you can focus your stay on local history, outdoor activities, or seasonal events.
Historical Insights into Broadus and the Surrounding Area
The Powder River Historical Museum features historic buildings and artifacts. It shares stories about pioneers, ranchers, Indigenous peoples, and soldiers. The Powder River Taxidermy and Tannery Museum has a different focus: it displays taxidermy, antique and commemorative firearms, and local art. Together, they offer different ways to explore the area—stories about diverse communities at one, and collection pieces and art at the other.
The Kingsley History Project in Broadus features a mural by Northern Cheyenne artist Miah Chalfant Real Bird. Another way to explore Broadus’s historic buildings is the Historic Town Square Loop. The mural and walking tour offer different perspectives on the town’s culture and history.
The surrounding area also has historical significance. The settlement of Kingsley lies eight miles north of Broadus. It grew from scattered log cabins and earth lodges into a close-knit community. The Reynolds Battlefield Monument is about 28 miles southwest of Broadus on the Powder River. A battle took place there on March 17, 1876, described as a precursor to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. These two sites offer their own historical highlights beyond the town center.
Park, Trails, and Landscape
Cottonwood Park is in the center of Broadus, right on State Highway 212. Its pavilion can be reserved for events, gatherings, or celebrations on a first-come, first-served basis, and is available for public community use. If you’re planning a gathering there, it’s best to confirm availability in advance. Broadus also has the Moonlight Powder River Walking Trail, another option for a stroll.
For water-based activities, the Powder River and Little Powder River near Broadus are recommended for swimming and fishing. The Rolling Hills Golf Course is west of town. The nine-hole course has gentle hills and rock outcroppings that create elevation changes. You can walk the course or rent a golf cart. These options may change with local operations, so check ahead.
Broadus attracts visitors during hunting season for its local wildlife and scenery. A hunting-season visit is not tied to any one location within the town.
Planning Around Seasonal Events
The Powder River County Fair takes place every year during the last week of July at the fairgrounds. If you’re planning your trip around it, check the latest event details in advance. During the school year, the Henry Malley Memorial Library hosts a Storyhour on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Since the program may change seasonally, check the current schedule if you plan to attend.
The fair is concentrated in one particular week in July, while the Storyhour takes place weekly during the school year. The museums and Historic Town Square Loop, on the other hand, focus on historical content rather than a single event date. Broadus and its surroundings therefore offer different starting points for planning: local history, the landscape and river activities, or a stay planned around a seasonal event.
For the broader travel overview: Powder River County.
