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

Battle of Killdeer Mountain at a Glance#

Address: Battle of Killdeer Mountain site vicinity, Dunn County, North Dakota, USA

About Battle of Killdeer Mountain#

  • 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.

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