Hike the Significant Washita Battlefield Trail in Cheyenne, Oklahoma
Located within the US Forest Service’s Black Kettle National Grassland near the town of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, Washita Battlefield National Historic Site preserves a significant history. 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, during which Chief Black Kettle was killed by the US Army. Revered as a peacekeeper by the Cheyenne, Chief Black Kettle and the lives of those who fell at Washita are remembered and honored in this place. When you visit, learn about and reflect on this history while you walk this serene path. Consider stopping by the visitor center to borrow a trail brochure or buy a guide to the park in advance to help better understand the past.
Know Before You Go to Washita Battlefield Trail
To access the trail, drive a half mile west of the visitor center on HWY 47A to the overlook and trailhead.
The 1.5 mile trail is self guided and takes an average of 28 minutes to complete. Popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers, this beautiful trail is popular in the spring and summer as wildflowers bloom and blossom.
Half of the trail is paved and wheelchair accessible down to the site of Black Kettle’s village and the Washita River. The second half of the loop back to the overlook is an unimproved, dirt and grass path .
The trail is open yearround, but gets icy in the winter. You’ll have to leave the pups at home for this walk.
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Wildlife and Wildflowers at Washita Battlefield
While you visit and learn, you can appreciate the serenity and beauty of the nature around you.
Wildflowers are not only aesthetically pleasing—providing a splash of color in the expanse of praire grasses—they are also essential to attracting butterflies and other pollinators. The park protects the thriving ecosystems and offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy a beautiful landscape with an important history.
The park is also home to a wide range of animal species that you can observe while standing in this historic place.
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site is a Place of Remembrance and Reflection
Standing in the presence of this place, we remember the lives lost and trust broken. We also think about the healing quality of spending time outdoors and connecting to our natural surroundings. Whether you stay for just a day or spend a whole weekend, this special park is an important one to add to your list.
By Julie Thompson
