The Little Missouri River, North Dakota’s only river designated as a Scenic River, flows through Dunn County. The county includes both prairie and Badlands; its distinctive landscapes also include the Killdeer Mountains and Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge. Here, expansive uplands meet wetlands, native prairie and planted grasslands. Dunn County includes prairie and Badlands; Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge features wetlands, native prairie and planted grasslands.
Prairie, Badlands and the Killdeer Mountains
The Killdeer Mountains consist of two large, flat-topped buttes. They cover about 115 square miles and rise approximately 700 feet above the surrounding plains. Except for the forests along the floodplains of the major rivers, they are home to the largest deciduous forest in southwestern North Dakota. The Killdeer Wildlife Management Area spans the Killdeer Mountains. Together, these landscape features give Dunn County a striking contrast of open plains, Badlands and wooded ridges.
Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge offers a different combination of habitats. It encompasses 4,033 acres of wetlands, native prairie and planted grasslands. Visitor information from September 2026 lists opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature interpretation, photography and fishing. According to this information, the North Shore Trail along the lake is one mile long; near its starting point is an archaeological exhibit featuring a reconstructed stone tipi ring.
Trails and Outdoor Activities
More than 40 miles of trails wind through the North Dakota Badlands at Little Missouri State Park. The trails are open to hiking and horseback riding. The park is designated as an equestrian park and has 81 corrals, along with other facilities for riders. When planning your trip, keep in mind that trail conditions vary with the weather. Check with park staff for current conditions before setting out.
Another option is Medicine Hole Plateau. There, a scenic overlook offers wide-ranging views; a challenging trail leads to the plateau from a small park on the southeast side of South Killdeer Mountain. Confirm access to the site before your visit. These options differ not only in scenery: the state park offers a trail network of more than 40 miles, while the North Shore Trail has a set length of one mile.
There are also specific places to go for activities on wheels and golf. Dunn Center Pump Trax is a paved BMX track for non-motorized wheeled activities, suitable for children and adults. The public Medicine Hole Golf Course is a nine-hole course with elevation changes of up to 120 feet.
Historic Sites and Buildings
The grounds of the Dunn County Historical Museum are home to a log cabin, a settler’s cabin, the Iota School building and the Manning Bank building. Admission is free for all visitors. As the museum operates seasonally, confirm visiting arrangements before you arrive. The Hutmacher Farm adds to the picture of the region’s architectural history: it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered an example of German-Russian earthen construction. The Lynch Knife River Flint Quarry is one of the largest quarries for Knife River flint.
Historically, the Killdeer Mountain region was a hunting ground as well as a gathering and trading place for Sioux groups. The Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site overlooks the location of a battle fought on July 28, 1864, between troops under the command of General Sully and a group of Sioux. On September 5, 2026, the site was temporarily closed due to a road closure. Check its current status before traveling there.
Route and Travel Interests
The 64-mile Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway begins north of Manning on Highway 22, passes through Killdeer to Highway 23, then continues 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.
Discover more destinations: Halliday, Killdeer, Ward, Mountrail County, Walsh, Bottineau County, Barnes County, Mercer.
For the main travel overview: North Dakota.
