Battle of Killdeer Mountain

Park Site of 1864 Battle of Killdeer Mountain, historic battlefield

The Killdeer Mountain battlefield in North Dakota marks the 1864 engagement between U.S. forces and Sioux; visitors come for historical markers, prairie walks and interpretive signage.

Main image
  • Date: The engagement took place on July 28, 1864, and is commonly cited in accounts of the Sioux Wars as a significant summer campaign action.
  • Commanders: Brigadier General Alfred Sully led U.S. forces against Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne groups in the action.
Battle of Killdeer Mountain
Battle of Killdeer Mountain site vicinity, Dunn County, North Dakota, USA
47.4214, -102.9169

How to Get to Battle of Killdeer Mountain #

The site is accessible by road east of Killdeer, North Dakota, in Dunn County. Driving from Killdeer town center via local county roads is the usual approach; check local maps for the official interpretive marker location.

Tips for Visiting Battle of Killdeer Mountain #

  • Visit the interpretive markers and bring binoculars-the prairie views are wide and wildlife sightings common.
  • Respect private land boundaries-some battlefield areas are on or adjacent to ranch properties.
  • Best early or late in the day for light and fewer vehicle reflections on the landscape.

Best Time to Visit Battle of Killdeer Mountain #

Late spring through early autumn offers accessible roads and comfortable touring conditions.

Summer
June-August · 15-30°C (59-86°F)
Warm weather but potentially windy; good for driving and visiting markers.
Spring/Autumn
April-May & September-October · 0-20°C (32-68°F)
Cooler, with visual drama in grasses and skies.

Weather & Climate near Battle of Killdeer Mountain #

Climate

Battle of Killdeer Mountain's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -17°C to 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-17° -6°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -13°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-13° -2°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 12°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 85 mm of rain.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 25°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
13° 29°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
12° 28°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 14°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-15° -4°

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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