Dunn County: Badlands, Trails and History

Prairies and badlands define Dunn County. The Little Missouri River flows through the county; it is North Dakota’s only river designated as a Scenic River. The landscape ranges from open plains to striking buttes, along with wetlands, natural areas, and places with a complex history.

Badlands, Buttes and Trails

The Killdeer Mountains consist of two large, flat-topped buttes. Together, they cover about 115 square miles and rise around 700 feet above the surrounding plains. Apart from the forests in the floodplains of major rivers, they are home to the largest deciduous forest in southwestern North Dakota. The Killdeer Wildlife Management Area extends across the mountains.

Little Missouri State Park offers more than 40 miles of trails through North Dakota’s badlands. The trails are open to hikers and horseback riders; conditions can change with the weather. Check trail conditions with park staff. Designated as an equestrian park, the park has 81 horse corrals and other facilities for riders. For a scenic viewpoint, Medicine Hole Plateau offers sweeping views of the landscape. A challenging trail leads there from a small park on the southeast side of South Killdeer Mountain. Confirm current access across the property before your visit.

Nature at Lake Ilo

Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 4,033 acres of wetlands, native prairie, and planted grasslands. Visitor information dated September 2026 lists opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature interpretation, photography, and fishing. The North Shore Trail along the lake is one mile long. Near its starting point is an archaeological exhibit with a reconstructed stone tipi ring. The refuge combines nature experiences with a glimpse into the region’s history.

History and Cultural Heritage

The grounds of the Dunn County Historical Museum include a log cabin, a settler’s cabin, the Iota School building, and the Manning Bank building. Admission is free for all visitors. Since the museum operates seasonally, it’s best to confirm visiting opportunities before you travel.

The Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site overlooks the site of a battle fought on July 28, 1864, between troops under the command of General Sully and a group of Sioux. The Killdeer Mountain region was also historically a hunting ground and a gathering and trading place for Sioux groups. As of September 5, 2026, the site was temporarily closed due to a road closure. Check whether access has reopened before traveling there.

Lynch Knife River Flint Quarry is one of the largest Knife River Flint quarries. The quarries were used by Paleo-Indians as early as 11,000 B.C. For another perspective on architectural history, visit Hutmacher Farm: it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered an example of Russian-German earthen construction.

Routes and More Things to Do

The 64-mile Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway begins north of Manning on Highway 22, passes through Killdeer to Highway 23, and then runs east to New Town. The route connects the badlands landscape with the culture and history of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara, as well as cowboy and rodeo traditions in west-central North Dakota. The Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo takes place every year on the weekend of July 4; check the dates and program for your travel year.

For more variety, Dunn Center Pump Trax offers a paved BMX track for non-motorized wheeled activities, designed for children and adults. Medicine Hole Golf Course is a public nine-hole course with elevation changes of up to 120 feet.

Discover more destinations: Halliday, Killdeer, Richland County, Nelson, Traill County, Cavalier County, Ward, Barnes County.

For the main travel overview: North Dakota.