Discover Killdeer Battlefield State Historic Site, camping, hiking, and horseback riding in the badlands, and spectacular 178-mile-long Lake Sakakawea.
Killdeer to New Town on Route 22 is about 95 miles and takes 2 hours, that is, if you don’t stop. Starting in Killdeer, head north on Route 22 to the Killdeer Battlefield State Historic Site. In 1864 (July 28) , it was at this location that a battle was fought between troops commanded by General Alfred Sully and the Sioux Indians. General Sully’s 2,200 troops, with the help of artillery batteries, destroyed the Sioux Indian village with a reported 6,000 warriors. Sully lost 5 soldiers with Sioux losses totaling between 100-150 Native Americans; there is a symbol on the location.
Continuing north, you will view the Killdeer Mountains to the west. Just twelve miles north of the Killdeer Battlefield State Historic Site, the Badlands begin. For some horseback riding, camping, and hiking, drive the 2-mile gravel road to Little Missouri State Park. After crossing the Little Missouri River, you go through the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The Arikara, Hidatsa, and Mandan inhabit the 450,000-acre reservation. Continue on until Route 22 finishes at Route 23.
Drive east on Route 23 to Four Bears Memorial Park. After the Three Tribes Museum is the Four Bears Casino and Lodge. Crossing the Four Bears Bridge, go left to the Crow Flies High Butte. Crow Flies High provides a view of the spectacular 178-mile-long Lake Sakakawea. The journey ends as you enter New Town. This leisurely short drive is filled with rich Indian history and landscape views you can’t find anywhere else.
Starting Point:
Killdeer, ND
Distance of Drive:
95 miles
Must Eat:
Crossroads
Hwy. 22 & 200, Killdeer, ND 58640
Phone: 701-764-5927
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Mid-May through September
Points of Interest on Drive:
Four Bears Memorial Park
Killdeer Battlefield State Historic Site
Fort Berthold Indian Reservation
Tagged with: camping • hiking • horseback riding • North Dakota
Filed under: Best Road Trips