Battle of Killdeer MountainAbout 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.
When to Go
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.
Air Quality:
AQI 22
Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -17° - -6° | -19° | 10 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -13° - -2° | -15° | 9 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -8° - 4° | -8° | 16 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -2° - 12° | 2° | 39 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 20° | 12° | 64 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 10° - 25° | 17° | 85 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 13° - 29° | 21° | 56 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 12° - 28° | 20° | 42 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 6° - 22° | 14° | 42 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 14° | 3° | 27 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -9° - 3° | -8° | 13 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -15° - -4° | -16° | 10 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
Getting There & Around
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.