Nature lovers enjoy exceptional experiences in Dunn County

Looking for a unique adventure? Dunn Center’s parks include North Dakota’s first pump track, a BMX biking park, welcoming anything on wheels and non-motorized. With a variety of ramp sizes and sloped curves, the paved track creates a safe space for biking and skateboarding, for both kids and adults.

Learn more about the history of Dunn County, ND, by visiting the Dunn County Historical Museum in Killdeer, ND. Learn more about the history of Dunn County, ND, by visiting the Dunn County Historical Museum in Killdeer, ND. Visit the museum and walk through its many exhibits and themed rooms. The museum also showcases the county's oral tradition history.

Lake Ilo Nature Playscape is a fun-filled nature play area located at the Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge. Visit the giant eagle's nest, climb rocks, and play on the playground. Visitors to the Playscape can also enjoy hiking trails, a fishing pier, and picnic areas. 

Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site overlooks the site of a battle fought on July 28, 1864, between troops commanded by General Sully and a gathering of Sioux Indians. This attack on an Indian trading village in the Killdeer Mountains was one of a series of military reprisals against the Sioux that followed the US-Dakota War of 1862 in Minnesota. However, many of the village’s inhabitants were not involved in that war. The Killdeer Mountain Battlefield is eight and one-half miles northwest of Killdeer, Dunn County.

There are 200-plus wildlife management areas in North Dakota. Unless otherwise specified, WMAs are open to hunting, fishing and trapping. Check current hunting and fishing regulations and proclamations for details. Most WMAs are ideal for nature study, hiking and primitive camping. 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park was named after Theodore Roosevelt, who came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883. Visitors of the park enjoy the iconic  American West landscape, coupled with the very animals that roamed this land for centuries. Enjoy the park's scenic hiking trails, camping, and the awe-inspiring nature.

The Mountain View Shooting Complex stands as a proud celebration of shooting sports tradition, outdoor recreation, and community spirit. We envision a welcoming, indoor/outdoor facility featuring dedicated spaces for archery, trap shooting, rifle, and pistol ranges—open to families, youth, beginners, and seasoned shooters of all ages. It's a safe place to practice, build skills, make lasting friendships, and enjoy responsible shooting year-round.

For a festive, can’t-miss event, Killdeer serves up the best of cowboy culture, annually, with the Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo – a tradition for over a century. Three nights of rodeo action make the event the perfect celebration.

More than 4,000 acres of wetlands, native prairie, and grasslands await the outdoor adventurer to the west of Dunn Center at Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge. Nature enthusiasts enjoy the serene setting for fishing, wildlife observation, photography, hiking, and other outdoor endeavors. Visitors can explore the one-mile North Shore Nature Trail, relax with a picnic at the Lake Ilo Park facilities, or test their winter fortitude while ice fishing.

Lake Sakakawea features 180 miles of shoreline, and has something to offer for everyone. Fishing enthusiasts, watersport lovers, campers, and recreational swimmers indulge their passions in and on the immense reservoir. On the south shore, Lake Sakakawea State Park provides formal campgrounds, a marina, a convenience store, and boat ramps.

North Dakota’s only designated scenic river, the Little Missouri, winds through Dunn County, providing unique canoeing and other recreational opportunities, for visitors and residents alike. Little Missouri State Park offers 40 miles of trails through the badlands, for hikers and equestrians ready for breathtaking views and adventure. Campsites range from primitive to modern, and include small and large group shelters.

Camping opportunities also abound at the Little Mo Campground on Lake Sakakawea—only 15 miles from Dunn Center. Campers and anglers can enjoy the beauty of the lake year-round, with camping at 30 different sites, maintained from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Perfect for day-time family getaways and hikes or extended stays.