Rosebud is located along the Yellowstone River. The region was originally explored and used by the fur traders. Rosebud Creek was popular with the beaver trappers.
Near the town of Rosebud is the spot where General Custer camped at the mouth of Rosebud Creek before traveling up that creek on his way to the Little Bighorn in his ill-fated campaign against the Indians. On June 17, 1876, just prior to Custer's Last Stand, over 1300 soldiers, scouts, and miners were met in battle by an equal number of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors along the hills of Rosebud Creek. Montana State Parks has developed a self-guided walking tour at the Rosebud Battlefield site.
A site of interest is a non-denominational church which is the oldest continuously operating church in the state.
The Far West State Recreation Area is one mile north of Rosebud on Highway 446. Drive half a mile west on the county road.
Rosebud is located in southeastern Montana, west of Miles City on I-94.