Battle of the Badlands Interpretive Site
The Battle of the Badlands Interpretive Site is the location where a historical clash between the United States cavalry and a coalition of the Lakota, Yanktonai, and Dakota Native American tribes on August 7-9, 1864.
General Alfred Sully led the US Forces during these events, and the battle was not described as overly violent or bloody, but it did result in casualties on both sides.
Sully estimated approximately 100 Native American warriors were killed (although this may have been an exaggeration). Three US soldiers were killed, and an additional ten were wounded. Sully also destroyed the Native American encampment, including tipis and food supplies.
In addition to the interpretive site, the area contains portions of the 1864 and 1876 military trails, including the Custer expedition's 1876 Snow Camp as he marched toward his final and ill-fated battle at Little Bighorn.
Read more about these and other events on the Discover History page.
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General Information
A 1,220-acre site featuring interesting archeological, paleontological, wildlife, and geologic resources.
Open 24 hours/day
No fees are required for this site
Pets are allowed but must remain leashed within the site at all times. Please clean up after your animals.
Contact Name: Medora Ranger District Station
Contact Phone: 701-227-7800
Address: 99 23rd Ave. W. Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 227-7800
Hours: Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Mountain Time (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.872468
Longitude: -103.676817
Directions
Directions
- Head West on I-94 and take Exit 23 for West River Road. Turn southward.
- Follow West River Road (Old Hwy 10) for about .90 miles until reaching a railroad crossing (on the left).
- Turn left onto West River Road (Forest Service Road (FSR 745) going over the railroad crossing.
- Follow West River Road (FSR 745) for approximately five miles and turn right onto S. Square Butte Road.
- Follow S. Square Butte Road for approximately 1.80 miles
- Turn right towards Sully's Water Hole Interpretive Site and follow the main road for about a one mile, then turn right at the Custer Trail sign. If you miss this turn and reach an oil pad, you have gone too far. You must turn around; however, do not turn around on the oil pad.
- After you make the right-hand turn, follow this road for about .25 miles, and will reach the Battle of the Badlands Interpretive Site.
Contact the Medora Ranger District for more information.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
