Interstate 90 East - Hardin to Wyoming

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Interstate 90
Interstate 90 U.S. 212 East U.S. 87 South
Interstate 90 travels mostly north-south from Hardin to a point east of Buffalo, some 60 plus miles south of the Montana state line.

Interstate 90 travels mostly north-south from Hardin to a point east of Buffalo, some 60 plus miles south of the Montana state line.

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Spanning the Bighorn River adjacent to Montana Secondary 384 (former U.S. 87 & 212) and a BNSF Railroad line. The Bighorn River flows 461 miles northward from Wind River Canyon, south of Thermopolis, Wyoming to the Yellowstone River by Government Island, east of Custer.

Spanning the Bighorn River adjacent to Montana Secondary 384 (former U.S. 87 & 212) and a BNSF Railroad line. The Bighorn River flows 461 miles northward from Wind River Canyon, south of Thermopolis, Wyoming to the Yellowstone River by Government Island, east of Custer.

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Crow Agency, a community of 1,616 per the 2010 census, is the next destination of Interstate 90-U.S. 212 east & U.S. 87 south. Sheridan, Wyoming is 83 miles away.

Crow Agency, a community of 1,616 per the 2010 census, is the next destination of Interstate 90-U.S. 212 east & U.S. 87 south. Sheridan, Wyoming is 83 miles away.

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One mile northwest of the Exit 503 diamond interchange with Dunmore Road west and Crow River Road east along Interstate 90 & U.S. 87-212. Dunmore represents a railroad siding along the former U.S. 87 & 212, which remain as a frontage road to I-90.

One mile northwest of the Exit 503 diamond interchange with Dunmore Road west and Crow River Road east along Interstate 90 & U.S. 87-212. Dunmore represents a railroad siding along the former U.S. 87 & 212, which remain as a frontage road to I-90.

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Exit 503 leaves I-90-U.S. 212 east / U.S. 87 south. Dunmore Road heads west and then south through open ranch land while Crow River Road stairsteps southeastward along the Little Bighorn River to Crow Agency.

Exit 503 leaves I-90-U.S. 212 east / U.S. 87 south. Dunmore Road heads west and then south through open ranch land while Crow River Road stairsteps southeastward along the Little Bighorn River to Crow Agency.

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Continuing southward along Interstate 90 & U.S. 87-212. River Crow Road accompanies the east side of the freeway, from the Bighorn River southward to Crow Agency, while old U.S. 87-212 follow Mountain Crow Road along the west side.

Continuing southward along Interstate 90 & U.S. 87-212. River Crow Road accompanies the east side of the freeway, from the Bighorn River southward to Crow Agency, while old U.S. 87-212 follow Mountain Crow Road along the west side.

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Interstate 90 travels through Crow Agency, capital of the Crow Nation, at Exit 509 with Makawasha Avenue east to Little Big Horn College and BIA-1 west to SSR 313.

Interstate 90 travels through Crow Agency, capital of the Crow Nation, at Exit 509 with Makawasha Avenue east to Little Big Horn College and BIA-1 west to SSR 313.

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U.S. 212 parts ways with Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south at the following exit for Little Bighorn Battlefield, Lame Dear and the Powder River County seat of Broadus.

U.S. 212 parts ways with Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south at the following exit for Little Bighorn Battlefield, Lame Dear and the Powder River County seat of Broadus.

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Eastbound Interstate 90 at the ramp departure of Exit 509 for Crow Agency and Baaxuwuaashe. Baaxuwuaashe is the tribal word for the community adjacent to Exit 509 and literally means " flour mill ". The term was added to signage in early 2006 as part of an effort for the Crow Indians to take their story to the road.1 BIA-1 meanders west 10.3 miles to Montana Secondary 313, midway between Saint Xavier and Hardin.

Eastbound Interstate 90 at the ramp departure of Exit 509 for Crow Agency and Baaxuwuaashe. Baaxuwuaashe is the tribal word for the community adjacent to Exit 509 and literally means " flour mill ". The term was added to signage in early 2006 as part of an effort for the Crow Indians to take their story to the road.1 BIA-1 meanders west 10.3 miles to Montana Secondary 313, midway between Saint Xavier and Hardin.

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A weigh station for commercial truckers resides within the median of Interstate 90 between the Little Bighorn River and Exit 510 with U.S. 212 east.

A weigh station for commercial truckers resides within the median of Interstate 90 between the Little Bighorn River and Exit 510 with U.S. 212 east.

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Crossing the Little Bighorn River, a waterway Interstate 90 parallels south from Hardin. The 138 mile long tributary of the Bighorn River flows northward from Sheridan County, Wyoming. Its banks were the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.2

Crossing the Little Bighorn River, a waterway Interstate 90 parallels south from Hardin. The 138 mile long tributary of the Bighorn River flows northward from Sheridan County, Wyoming. Its banks were the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.2

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During periods of operation, truckers depart from the left side of Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south as U.S. 212 east prepares to split for Broadus. A second median-located weigh station for I-90 lies west of Haugan (Exit 16).

During periods of operation, truckers depart from the left side of Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south as U.S. 212 east prepares to split for Broadus. A second median-located weigh station for I-90 lies west of Haugan (Exit 16).

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U.S. 212 constitutes a 949 mile route from Yellowstone National Park to Edina, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. The route follows a rural path through southeastern Montana, reentering Wyoming beyond Alzada, before continuing east to South Dakota. Within Montana, the route was designated as the Warrior Trail by the 2007 Montana Legislature.3

U.S. 212 constitutes a 949 mile route from Yellowstone National Park to Edina, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. The route follows a rural path through southeastern Montana, reentering Wyoming beyond Alzada, before continuing east to South Dakota. Within Montana, the route was designated as the Warrior Trail by the 2007 Montana Legislature.3

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U.S. 212 partitions from Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 at a diamond interchange. Frontage roads tie into both sides of the interchange, connecting the freeway with Crow Northern Cheyenne Hospital and local ranches to the west. U.S. 212 intersects Montana Secondary 342 (Battlefield Tour Road), the access road to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, 0.7 miles to the east.
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U.S. 212 partitions from Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 at a diamond interchange. Frontage roads tie into both sides of the interchange, connecting the freeway with Crow Northern Cheyenne Hospital and local ranches to the west. U.S. 212 intersects Montana Secondary 342 (Battlefield Tour Road), the access road to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, 0.7 miles to the east.

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Interstate 90 East U.S. 87 South
Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 continue from U.S. 212 and Crow Agency on what was a super-two freeway until 1976.

Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 continue from U.S. 212 and Crow Agency on what was a super-two freeway until 1976.

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The Little Bighorn River shifts east of Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Interstate 90 overlaid U.S. 87 on this stretch, with southbound traffic utilizing the original 1956 bridge and northbound motorists spanning the river on a 1976 bridge.

The Little Bighorn River shifts east of Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Interstate 90 overlaid U.S. 87 on this stretch, with southbound traffic utilizing the original 1956 bridge and northbound motorists spanning the river on a 1976 bridge.

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Garryowen, another railroad siding, is the next exit of Interstate 90 east in three miles. Lodge Grass, a town of less than 500, follows in 19 miles.

Garryowen, another railroad siding, is the next exit of Interstate 90 east in three miles. Lodge Grass, a town of less than 500, follows in 19 miles.

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A BNSF engine heads northward as Interstate 90 continues toward Garryowen. The BNSF Railroad and I-90 parallel one another to third crossing of the Little Bighorn River.

A BNSF engine heads northward as Interstate 90 continues toward Garryowen. The BNSF Railroad and I-90 parallel one another to third crossing of the Little Bighorn River.

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One mile north of the Exit 514 diamond interchange with Montana Secondary 451 south to Benteen. SSR-451 travels 38.05 miles along old U.S. 87, from Garryowen and I-90, to the Wyoming state line south of Wyola.

One mile north of the Exit 514 diamond interchange with Montana Secondary 451 south to Benteen. SSR-451 travels 38.05 miles along old U.S. 87, from Garryowen and I-90, to the Wyoming state line south of Wyola.

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Exit 514 departs Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south for Garryowen and the Reno-Benteen Battlefield Memorial. SSR-451 overtakes the west side frontage road while Garryowen Road lines the east side to the Little Bighorn River.

Exit 514 departs Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south for Garryowen and the Reno-Benteen Battlefield Memorial. SSR-451 overtakes the west side frontage road while Garryowen Road lines the east side to the Little Bighorn River.

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Reassurance markers and guide sign posted for Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south, 16 miles from Lodge Grass and 29 miles from the final Montana destination of Wyola. Sheridan is less than an hour away.
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Reassurance markers and guide sign posted for Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south, 16 miles from Lodge Grass and 29 miles from the final Montana destination of Wyola. Sheridan is less than an hour away.

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Approaching the Little Bighorn River again, Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 separate from Montana Secondary 451 (old U.S. 87) at Reno Creek Road. Old U.S. 87 stays to the west through Benteen, Lodge Grass and Wyola while Interstate 90 veers eastward.

Approaching the Little Bighorn River again, Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 separate from Montana Secondary 451 (old U.S. 87) at Reno Creek Road. Old U.S. 87 stays to the west through Benteen, Lodge Grass and Wyola while Interstate 90 veers eastward.

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The third and final set of bridges across the Little Bighorn River lie a short distance north of the Benteen railroad siding. Southbound travelers utilize a 1956 bridge while northbound traffic takes a 1980 span.

The third and final set of bridges across the Little Bighorn River lie a short distance north of the Benteen railroad siding. Southbound travelers utilize a 1956 bridge while northbound traffic takes a 1980 span.

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Beyond the Reno Creek Road underpass, Interstate 90 climbs 150 feet to over 3,300 feet in elevation.

Beyond the Reno Creek Road underpass, Interstate 90 climbs 150 feet to over 3,300 feet in elevation.

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Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 approach Long Otter Creek and a local ranch road under crossing.

Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 approach Long Otter Creek and a local ranch road under crossing.

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Continuing southward across the hills east of the Little Bighorn River valley, Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 make several more curves, rising to over 3,400 feet above sea level.
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Continuing southward across the hills east of the Little Bighorn River valley, Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 make several more curves, rising to over 3,400 feet above sea level.

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South from Slaughter Creek, motorists along Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south see several tree stands as the elevation increases to 3,500-3,600 feet.
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South from Slaughter Creek, motorists along Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south see several tree stands as the elevation increases to 3,500-3,600 feet.

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Montana Secondary 463 begins from the forthcoming diamond interchange (Exit 530) with Owl Creek Road east in one mile.

Montana Secondary 463 begins from the forthcoming diamond interchange (Exit 530) with Owl Creek Road east in one mile.

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Interstate 90 lines the bluffs overlooking both Little Bighorn River valley and the town of Lodge Grass.

Interstate 90 lines the bluffs overlooking both Little Bighorn River valley and the town of Lodge Grass.

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Exit 530 departs Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south from a valley just east of Lodge Grass. SSR-463 heads west 0.7 miles to SSR-451 (Old Highway 87) on the east edge of town.

Exit 530 departs Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south from a valley just east of Lodge Grass. SSR-463 heads west 0.7 miles to SSR-451 (Old Highway 87) on the east edge of town.

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Overall a 14.20 mile route, Montana Secondary 463 follows Main Street and Harding Avenue through Lodge Grass, exiting the town along Lodge Grass Creek Road to Willow Creek Dam Road near Lodge Grass Storage Reservoir.

Overall a 14.20 mile route, Montana Secondary 463 follows Main Street and Harding Avenue through Lodge Grass, exiting the town along Lodge Grass Creek Road to Willow Creek Dam Road near Lodge Grass Storage Reservoir.

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Ranchester, Wyoming debuts on Interstate 90 eastbound distance signs at 34 miles out. Wyola, 13 miles to the south, is the next and second to last, interchange in Montana.

Ranchester, Wyoming debuts on Interstate 90 eastbound distance signs at 34 miles out. Wyola, 13 miles to the south, is the next and second to last, interchange in Montana.

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Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 make an S-curve and cross Owl Creek onto another set of hills southeast of Lodge Grass.
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Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 make an S-curve and cross Owl Creek onto another set of hills southeast of Lodge Grass.

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The Bighorn Mountains spread into view along the southern horizon.
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The Bighorn Mountains spread into view along the southern horizon.

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Agricultural fields abut the east side of Interstate 90 along the long exit-less stretch south to Wyola. The railroad siding of Spear lies west of here along SSR-451 (old U.S. 87).

Agricultural fields abut the east side of Interstate 90 along the long exit-less stretch south to Wyola. The railroad siding of Spear lies west of here along SSR-451 (old U.S. 87).

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A handful of trees grow next to Halfway Creek, which parallels Interstate 90 southward for a stretch north of Exit 544.

A handful of trees grow next to Halfway Creek, which parallels Interstate 90 southward for a stretch north of Exit 544.

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A final set of curves lead drivers toward the diamond interchange with Montana Secondary 457 west and Bear Creek Road east as Interstate 90 increases to over 3,900 feet in elevation.

A final set of curves lead drivers toward the diamond interchange with Montana Secondary 457 west and Bear Creek Road east as Interstate 90 increases to over 3,900 feet in elevation.

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SSR 457 constitutes a 1.51 mile connector (Wyola Access Road) between Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 (Exit 544) and SSR-451 (Old U.S. 87) at Wyola.

SSR 457 constitutes a 1.51 mile connector (Wyola Access Road) between Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 (Exit 544) and SSR-451 (Old U.S. 87) at Wyola.

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Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south at the Exit 544 off-ramp to SSR 457 west to Wyola and Bear Creek Road east.

Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south at the Exit 544 off-ramp to SSR 457 west to Wyola and Bear Creek Road east.

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Aberdeen lies west of the final Treasure State exit in five miles. Ranchester is the second Wyoming exit, located 21 miles to the southeast.

Aberdeen lies west of the final Treasure State exit in five miles. Ranchester is the second Wyoming exit, located 21 miles to the southeast.

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Now over 4,000 feet in elevation, Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south meander southward with the Bighorn Mountains from Wyoming as the backdrop.
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Now over 4,000 feet in elevation, Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south meander southward with the Bighorn Mountains from Wyoming as the backdrop.

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A chain up area precedes the Exit 549 diamond interchange with Aberdeen Road along Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south.
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A chain up area precedes the Exit 549 diamond interchange with Aberdeen Road along Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south.

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Aberdeen Road leads west 0.9 miles to Montana Secondary 451 (old U.S. 87) at Pass Creek Road. The railroad siding of Aberdeen lies nearby.

Aberdeen Road leads west 0.9 miles to Montana Secondary 451 (old U.S. 87) at Pass Creek Road. The railroad siding of Aberdeen lies nearby.

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Sheep Creek Road stems east from Exit 451 and Interstate 90. Old U.S. 87 and the BNSF Railroad part ways from Aberdeen south to Parkman, Wyoming, where the two reconvene and parallel one another east to Ranchester.

Sheep Creek Road stems east from Exit 451 and Interstate 90. Old U.S. 87 and the BNSF Railroad part ways from Aberdeen south to Parkman, Wyoming, where the two reconvene and parallel one another east to Ranchester.

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The last set of shields for Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south posted in Montana.

The last set of shields for Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 south posted in Montana.

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U.S. 14 combines with Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 at Ranchester, Wyoming in 15 miles and leaves at Sheridan, Wyoming in 30 miles.

U.S. 14 combines with Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 at Ranchester, Wyoming in 15 miles and leaves at Sheridan, Wyoming in 30 miles.

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Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 increase to over 4,400 feet in elevation through the hills west of the Wolf Mountains and east of Twin Creek, a tributary of the Little Bighorn River.
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Interstate 90 east & U.S. 87 increase to over 4,400 feet in elevation through the hills west of the Wolf Mountains and east of Twin Creek, a tributary of the Little Bighorn River.

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A ranch access overpass spans Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 at milepost 552.

A ranch access overpass spans Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 at milepost 552.

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Interstate 90 gradually lowers from over 4,400 feet in elevation to around 4,280 feet at the state line. A chain removal area lines the eastbound lanes 0.6 miles ahead of the Wyoming state line.
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Interstate 90 gradually lowers from over 4,400 feet in elevation to around 4,280 feet at the state line. A chain removal area lines the eastbound lanes 0.6 miles ahead of the Wyoming state line.

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Signs advise eastbound drivers of both the departure from Crow Country and Montana as Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 enter Sheridan County, Wyoming.
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Signs advise eastbound drivers of both the departure from Crow Country and Montana as Interstate 90 & U.S. 87 enter Sheridan County, Wyoming.

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References:

  1. "Tribes seek traditional names for highway signs." trib.com, April 25, 2006.
  2. Little Bighorn River @ Wikipedia.org.
  3. "About The Warrior Trail – Hwy 212 That Runs Through Broadus and The Region." http://ranchpropertypro.com/2010/11/about-the -warrior-trail-hwy-212-that-runs-through-broadus-and-the-region/ Mills Auction and Real Estate, November 29, 2010.

Photo Credits:

Page Updated Wednesday July 17, 2013.