Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Cheyenne tipis backlite by sunset

The Washita River in winter covered in ice and snow

The Washita River looking much the same as it did during the attack on November 27, 1868

A Cheyenne Dog Soldier tells stories inside his tipi

The Washita Battlefield National Historic Site Visitor Center on a summer day

A Park Ranger knells down among Junior Rangers so only his hat shows within the crowd of children.

A Park Ranger helps children with their Jr. Ranger books.

A Cheyenne Warrior and U.S. Cavalry soldier hold a meeting next to a tipi

Photos: National Park Service

About Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

On November 27, 1868, Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer led the 7th US Cavalry on a surprise dawn attack on a Cheyenne village led by Peace Chief Black Kettle. The event was an example of the tragic clash of cultures that occurred during the Great Plains Wars. It is also a place of remembrance and reflection for those who died here. Read More

Quick Facts

State Oklahoma

Designation National Historic Site

State Code OK

Weather Weather in western Oklahoma can vary considerably. Winters can be mild to severe with ice storms being the biggest concern. Spring is usually short but pleasant although severe weather, including…

Location & Map

Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is located in Oklahoma.

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Operating Hours

The overlook and trail of Washita Battlefield National Historic Site are open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset.

Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset

Monday Sunrise to Sunset

Thursday Sunrise to Sunset

Sunday Sunrise to Sunset

Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset

Friday Sunrise to Sunset

Saturday Sunrise to Sunset

Activities

Arts and Culture Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Citizen Science Hiking Front-Country Hiking Living History Reenactments Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

Washita Battlefield is located just west of Cheyenne in western Oklahoma approximately 130 miles west of Oklahoma City and 140 miles east of Amarillo, Texas; just 25 miles north of I-40 on State Highway 283. From Cheyenne head west on State Highway 47 for about 1 mile and then make a right on State Highway 47A. The visitor center will be on the right and the battlefield is about .5 miles past the visitor center on the right as well.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 18555 Hwy 47A, Ste. A, Cheyenne, OK, 73628

Phone 5804972742

Email waba_interpretation@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Military Cavalry US Army Indigenous and Native Warrior Native American Heritage Tragic Events Massacres Wars and Conflicts Tribal Conflicts Indian and Frontier Wars Westward Expansion Homesteading Animals Foothills, Plains and Valleys Grasslands Scenic Views Trails

Things To Do

Walk Washita Battlefield Park Trail

Walk the 1.5 mile trail around Washita Battlefield.

Become a Washita Junior Ranger

Become a Junior Ranger at Washita Battlefield.

Explore the Visitor Center

Learn about Washita Battlefield through the park visitor center

Watch the Park Film

Watch the park film to learn about Washita Battlefield

Watch the park film to learn about Washita Battlefield.

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center

Open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Hours: Open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

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