News Release

National Park Service and National Forest Service facilities near Cheyenne, Oklahoma closed following severe storm

Date: February 27, 2023
Contact: Megan Wilkins, 5806227234

CHEYENNE, Okla.– The shared headquarters and maintenance complex for Washita Battlefield National Historic Site and Black Kettle National Grasslands is closed due to severe storm damage. The shared headquarters complex, its parking lot, and the Dust and Fire Trail are closed while staff assess damage, clean up debris, and make repairs.  

 “The Visitor Center itself only has minor damage, but the power is out.” says NPS Superintendent Kevin Young, “Several maintenance buildings belonging to both the National Park Service and the US Forest Service have been destroyed, as well as about a dozen vehicles and trailers. Most importantly though, all of our employees for both agencies are safe and accounted for. We’re working to assess the damage and to help our employees who are dealing with damage to their own homes and vehicles. We’ll open as soon as we can, but we don’t know yet when that’s going to be.” 

 The Battlefield Overlook and trail are undamaged and remain open. 

 For updates about storm damage and visitor access, visit www.nps.gov/waba

About the National Park Service  

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 424 National Parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.