10 North Dakota Road Trip Ideas With Hidden Gems Included
Often overlooked in favor of flashier destinations, North Dakota quietly holds some of the most underrated landscapes and experiences in the United States. From dramatic badlands to peaceful prairie lakes and quirky roadside attractions, this state is a goldmine for road trippers seeking solitude, history, and unexpected adventure. Whether you’re driving through small-town America, exploring Native American heritage, or chasing big skies and bigger bison, these North Dakota road trip ideas blend iconic stops with hidden gems you won’t find in most guidebooks.
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park Loop
This is the crown jewel of North Dakota road trips. This loop takes you through the rugged badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where you’ll spot wild bison, prairie dogs, and striking landscapes shaped by wind and time. While most visitors focus on the scenic drives and overlooks in the South Unit near Medora, don’t skip the less-visited North Unit, which offers even more solitude and jaw-dropping views.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late May through early October
Hidden gems to see:
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Petrified Forest Trail (South Unit)
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Oxbow Overlook (North Unit)
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Painted Canyon Visitor Center (free overlook off I-94)
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Medora and drive the Scenic Loop in the South Unit
Day 2: Hike the Petrified Forest Trail
Day 3: Drive to North Unit, visit Oxbow Overlook, hike Caprock Coulee Trail
2. Enchanted Highway Route
The Enchanted Highway is one of North Dakota’s quirkiest road trips. Stretching from Gladstone to Regent, this 32-mile drive features a series of massive metal sculptures built by a local artist. It’s both whimsical and Instagram-worthy. You’ll also encounter quiet prairie landscapes and small-town Americana along the way.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring through fall
Hidden gems to see:
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“Geese in Flight” sculpture
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Enchanted Castle Hotel in Regent
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Prairie Café for a local bite
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Start in Gladstone, drive the Enchanted Highway
Day 2: Stay in Regent and explore nearby prairie roads and cafes
3. Lake Sakakawea and Garrison Dam Loop
This road trip centers around North Dakota’s largest reservoir. Lake Sakakawea is ideal for boating, fishing, or relaxing by the water. Combine it with a visit to Garrison Dam and Fort Stevenson State Park, which is often missed by road trippers but offers scenic views and quiet campsites.
Ideal Time to Go:
June through September
Hidden gems to see:
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Fort Stevenson State Park
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Garrison Dam Fish Hatchery
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Steinke Bay Trail
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Garrison, visit the dam and hatchery
Day 2: Paddle or hike at Fort Stevenson
Day 3: Scenic drive along Highway 83 and lake overlooks
4. International Peace Garden Route
North Dakota shares this serene border landmark with Canada. The International Peace Garden is filled with manicured gardens, lakes, and monuments celebrating peace. It’s a peaceful getaway far from the crowds.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring through early fall
Hidden gems to see:
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Mystical Rock Garden
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Peace Tower
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Lake Metigoshe State Park (30 minutes away)
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore International Peace Garden
Day 2: Day trip to Lake Metigoshe for kayaking or hiking
5. Fargo to Jamestown Culture & Prairie Trail
This road trip is ideal for history buffs and prairie lovers. Start in Fargo with its vibrant downtown, then head west toward Jamestown, home of the World’s Largest Buffalo statue and historic frontier village.
Ideal Time to Go:
May through October
Hidden gems to see:
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Bonanzaville USA (Fargo)
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Jamestown Reservoir hiking trails
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Buffalo Museum & Frontier Village
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Spend the day in Fargo (downtown + Bonanzaville)
Day 2: Drive to Jamestown, explore the buffalo statue and museum
Day 3: Hike around Jamestown Reservoir
6. Turtle Mountains Scenic Drive
This lush, elevated area near the Canadian border offers a completely different side of North Dakota. It’s rich in forests, lakes, and rolling hills, contrasting with the state’s typical plains.
Ideal Time to Go:
June to September
Hidden gems to see:
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Strawberry Lake Trail
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Mystical Horizons (North Dakota’s Stonehenge)
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Willow Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Scenic drive through Turtle Mountains
Day 2: Hike Strawberry Lake Trail and explore Mystical Horizons
7. Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway
This 63 mile drive from Lisbon to Valley City follows the winding Sheyenne River and takes you through rolling hills, lush farmlands, and historic towns. It’s one of the most scenic routes in the state.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring through early fall
Hidden gems to see:
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Fort Ransom State Park
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Baldhill Dam
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Medicine Wheel Park in Valley City
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive the byway from Lisbon to Valley City
Day 2: Explore Fort Ransom trails
Day 3: Visit Medicine Wheel Park and Sheyenne River trails
8. Devils Lake and Spirit Lake Reservation Route
North Dakota’s largest natural lake offers birdwatching, fishing, and unique cultural history. Devils Lake is surrounded by nature preserves and sits near the Spirit Lake Reservation, rich in Native American heritage. It’s also one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights in the US.
Ideal Time to Go:
May through September
Hidden gems to see:
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White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
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Sullys Hill Scenic Drive
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Local arts and crafts shops in Fort Totten
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore White Horse Hill and take the scenic drive
Day 2: Visit Fort Totten Historic Site and Spirit Lake Casino
Day 3: Boat or fish on Devils Lake
9. Pembina Gorge and Walhalla Loop
The Pembina Gorge is a hidden outdoor paradise near the Canadian border. This road trip winds through North Dakota’s only true gorge, offering biking, kayaking, and vibrant fall colors.
Ideal Time to Go:
Late summer through early fall
Hidden gems to see:
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Frost Fire Park for mountain biking
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Walhalla Overlook
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Tetrault Woods State Forest
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive to Walhalla, explore the gorge
Day 2: Ride trails at Frost Fire or kayak the river
Day 3: Relax in quiet forest areas or enjoy scenic overlooks
10. Bismarck to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
This road trip from Bismarck south to Fort Abraham Lincoln is filled with Missouri River views, history, and prairie landscapes. The reconstructed Mandan Earth Lodges and Custer House at the fort bring the past to life.
Ideal Time to Go:
May through October
Hidden gems to see:
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Double Ditch Indian Village Site
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Missouri River Overlook Trail
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General Sibley Park
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Bismarck’s downtown and riverfront
Day 2: Visit Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Day 3: Hike Double Ditch and relax at General Sibley Park
Things to Know Before You Go:
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Cell service is limited in rural and remote areas—download offline maps.
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Gas stations can be sparse on longer routes—fill up when you can.
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Wildlife crossings are common, especially in western regions.
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Storms can form quickly, especially in summer—keep an eye on forecasts.
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Some parks and sites have entry fees or require advance reservations.
Packing List:
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Comfortable hiking shoes
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Layers for unpredictable weather
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Bug spray and sunscreen
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Offline maps or GPS device
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Water bottles or hydration pack
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Binoculars (for birding and wildlife)
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Camera or phone with plenty of storage
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Snacks and backup food supply
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Emergency car kit with flashlight and jumper cables
Final Thoughts:
From quiet prairies and glacial lakes to striking badlands and peaceful border towns, North Dakota is full of surprises. Whether you’re seeking solitude, history, or quirky roadside stops, these road trip ideas will take you off the beaten path in the best way possible. If you have any questions or need help planning your own North Dakota road trip, feel free to ask in the comments below!
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