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Washita Battlefield National Historic Site

Designation: National Historic Site

Location: Oklahoma

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

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

🌤 Weather Information

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 tornadoes, is still a possibility. Usually a strong breeze is associated with spring weather. Summers are brutally hot and visitors should be cautioned about spending any length of time in the heat. Falls are cool with a bitter wind.

🚗 Directions

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.

Images

Cheyenne tipis backlite by sunset

Cheyenne tipis backlite by sunset

Credit: NPS Photo / Gene Eakins

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

Credit: NPS Photo

A Cheyenne Dog Soldier tells stories inside his tipi

A Cheyenne Dog Soldier tells stories inside his tipi

Credit: NPS Photo

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

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

Credit: NPS Photo

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.

Credit: NPS Photo / Rachael E. Shockley

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

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

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Thursday, Apr 30

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 63.7°F | Low: 44.4°F

Humidity: 64%

Wind: 13.9 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 6.7

Sunrise: 06:48 AM

Sunset: 08:24 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (97%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 47.5°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, May 1

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 64.8°F | Low: 48.5°F

Humidity: 55%

Wind: 14.1 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 2.6

Sunrise: 06:47 AM

Sunset: 08:25 PM

Moon: Full Moon (99%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 48°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, May 2

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 69.5°F | Low: 49.4°F

Humidity: 51%

Wind: 13.6 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 8.2

Sunrise: 06:45 AM

Sunset: 08:26 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (100%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 49.5°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Visitor Center Opening at 10:00am Park Closure
The Visitor Center will open at 10:00am on 01/24/2026 due to winter weather.
No Winter Maintenance on Battlefield Trail Caution
The battlefield trail is open year round, but receives no winter maintenance. There may be ice or snow on the trail. Please use caution.
Visitor Center Closed 1/26 Due to Winter Weather Park Closure
On January 26, 2026, the Washita Battlefield Visitor Center will be closed and reopen on January 27, 2026, at 8:00 am.

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
18555 Hwy 47A, Ste. A
Cheyenne, OK 73628

🏤 Mailing Address:
18555 Hwy 47A, Ste. A
Cheyenne, OK 73628

📞 Voice Phone: 5804972742

📞 Fax Phone: 5804972712

✉️ Email: waba_interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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