Scenic Drives
North Dakota’s natural beauty is everywhere, from the rugged Badlands in the west, to the tree-lined rolling hills along the Canadian border and colorful fields and valleys in the east. North Dakota’s 10 recognized scenic byways and backways, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, 14 state parks and numerous unofficial scenic drives offer fantastic journeys. Take the day or the weekend and drive or ride your motorcycle through the countryside, explore hidden treasures and take in the gorgeous scenery around you. These drives are more than just a way to get from one place to another; they are an invitation to slow down and discover the soul of the state.
Your drive might begin on the Chan SanSan Scenic Backway, where the road winds alongside a river, offering panoramic views of a landscape blanketed in tall grasses and wildflowers, whispering tales of Native American history and early settlements. Perhaps you'll venture to the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway, where the focus shifts to the sky, alive with the flutter of wings from over 250 species of birds—a paradise for any nature lover.
For those who crave rugged beauty and history, the Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway unveils a dramatic landscape of hills and the river breaks of the Little Missouri. History comes alive on the Sakakawea Scenic Byway, where you can follow the legendary path of Lewis and Clark. And for a truly unique and whimsical experience, the Enchanted Highway awaits, with its larger-than-life metal sculptures standing proudly against the prairie sky, like the famous "World's Largest Tin Family."
Each byway offers a different story, a different experience, inviting visitors to not just see North Dakota, but to truly feel its history, witness its natural wonders, and connect with its unique charm.
