The Battle of Birch Coulee
Morton and the surrounding area holds a lot of significant history beyond its beautiful prairie and river bottom views. Over 150 years ago, the Battle of Birch Coulee was fought just north of our city limits.
Hours of Operation
Trails are open to the public daily, all year long, from dawn to dusk. However, trails are not maintained during the winter months. There is level gravel throughout the trails at Birch Coulee with infrequent benches to sit throughout the trail. Due to the history and natural features of the trails, there may be limited accessibility for some guests. Feel free to contact 800-657-3773 for more information on this.
Admission is free for all.
Location Near Morton, MN
Jct of Renville Cty Hwy 2 and Hwy 18
Morton, MN 56270
About the Battle of Birch Coulee
The Battle of Birch Coulee was one of the major battles fought during the US-Dakota War as the result of the U.S. government breaking their promises to the Dakota people. The US-Dakota War lasted six weeks in 1862 and changed the course of history in Minnesota for Native Americans as a result.
The Battle of Birch Coulee is considered one of the deadliest battles of the US-Dakota War on September 2, 1862. There were 170 white settlers and two Dakota deaths as a result of this battle.
Additional Details About the US-Dakota War
For those looking to learn more about the US-Dakota War and the history of the Dakota people, we encourage you to visit our local interpretive center — the Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site. For additional information, check out the Fort Ridgely historic site.
Walk the Battlefield
At the Birch Coulee Battlefield, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the recreated prairie and learn about the battle from two different perspectives including Joseph Anderson, a captain in the US Army, and Wamditanka (Big Eagle), a Mdweakanton soldier. Vivid battle details are shared throughout the battle grounds through sketches from Albert Colgrave, soldier. Guideposts throughout the paths provide context to where the US soldiers camped and the formation in which the Dakota surrounded them.
Those who were dispatched in the original Battle of Birch Coulee burial are listed on a nearby marker.