Dunn County

Take a drive while it’s still nice weather — Snapshot Saturday

Killdeer Mountain Scenery

It’s encouraging to see the number of people who echo our appreciation for the scenic drive up Highway 22 through the Badlands, past the Killdeer Mountains.  The series of stories seem to bring back many memories for people who have traveled the scenic route through the Badlands.  

The mid-section of the drive is the ancient landmark of the Killdeer Mountains, a battlefield between the U.S. Government and the Sioux Nation that began in southern Minnesota and escalated to a battle here.

The contours of the prairies leading up to the Killdeer Mountains are well-suited for cowboys and cattle.

The Killdeer Mountains were a landmark for cattle drives when after months on the trails, herds of longhorn were brought here from Texas and New Mexico.  Only a rare longhorn can be seen in the Killdeer Mountains today. 

To enjoy the Killdeer Mountain scenery on your day trip through the Badlands, turn off Scenic Highway 22, follow the road signs, and loop around the mountains.  It will add an hour or two to your drive, but you will be rewarded with a landscape you cannot find anywhere else in North Dakota.

Road Trip!

Our series of stories began here.

The second installment that includes the Killdeer Mountains, Lost Bridge, and the Little Missouri State Park is here.

The third installment will be next week.  We just wanted to leave with you a couple of snapshots from our road trip that will entice you to take the scenic drive yourself.

And if you time your trip to be hungry about the time you are in Killdeer, check out the Buckskin or the Pipe in Killdeer.

If you like day-long road trips, here’s another idea from Beach to Marmarth.

We’ve got more ideas for you, so just add your email to the subscription box and when each idea is posted, you’ll get a note in your inbox. 

Come back Monday for a story on the ruthless killer Three Toes.

Friend us on Facebook to get even more ideas, tips, and stories from the Beautiful Badlands of North Dakota.

Mike Kopp

Love to tell stories -- romantic, nostalgic stories of our explorations in the Northern Plains. 15 years a television reporter/anchor, 12 years radio news director, 3 years newspaper editor, 6 years documentary producer -- a lifetime of communication.

Recent Posts

A Delicious Twelve Course Ukrainian Christmas Dinner in the Beautiful Badlands

Twelve Course Ukrainian Christmas Christmas in the Beautiful Badlands brings friends and families together.  Traditions…

1 year ago

A Killer Blizzard Convinced People to Restore the Bison Herds

Bison Power Bison may be the largest North American animal in North America, and that's…

1 year ago

16 Yummy Christmas Cookie Recipes from the Beautiful Badlands

    Christmas Cookies, Sweet Treats for the Holidays What could be better than family…

1 year ago

Drive One of These 3 Spectacular Backyard Winter Road Trips

Stay warm while you are on a winter road trip Yeah, I don’t want to…

1 year ago

5 Random Curious Facts about North Dakota Turkeys

Turkeys are not supposed to be here...but here they are! 1. Immigrant Turkeys That's right. …

1 year ago

YIKES! The Wild North Dakota Badlands earn the name “Badlands.”

6 exciting books about the Badlands: myths, and legends, lynchings, murders and killer blizzards that…

1 year ago