North Dakota badlands and the Enchanted Highway
West from Bismarck past giant scrap-metal sculptures to the badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, both units.
- Distance
- 458 km (284 mi)
- Driving
- 5 h 05 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- States
- ND
- Updated
- May 18, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 458 km (284 mi) with 8 stops, from Bismarck to Watford City. About 5 h 05 min of driving in total.
More road trips in North Dakota
Route description
Start just across the Missouri from Bismarck at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, with rebuilt Mandan earth lodges and the cavalry post Custer left for the Little Bighorn. Then take I-94 west across rolling wheat and ranch land.
At exit 72 near Gladstone, turn south onto the Enchanted Highway, a 32-mile road lined with giant scrap-metal sculptures of geese, grasshoppers and pheasants, ending in the tiny town of Regent. Return north to I-94 by the same road, or cross over on county roads to rejoin the interstate farther west.
Painted Canyon Overlook on I-94 gives the first big view of the badlands. Medora is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park; check which sections of the scenic loop road are open, and watch for bison, wild horses and prairie dogs.
US-85 runs north about an hour to the North Unit, which is quieter and has steeper, greener badlands. Its 14-mile scenic drive ends at the Oxbow Overlook; Watford City has services. Late spring through early fall is best; the area is remote, so keep the tank full.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Bismarck
ND - 28 km
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
HistoryMandan, NDA reconstructed cavalry post, including Custer’s house, next to the earth lodges of a Mandan village above the Missouri River.
- 3158 km
Enchanted Highway
OdditiesRegent, NDGiant scrap-metal sculptures lined up along 32 miles of county road from I-94 south to Regent. The first, Geese in Flight, is visible from the interstate at exit 72.
- 459 km
Regent
ND - 598 km
Painted Canyon Overlook
ViewsMedora, NDA roadside overlook on I-94 with a sudden view into the banded badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Best at sunrise or late afternoon.
- 613 km
Medora
ND - 794 km
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit
NatureWatford City, NDThe quieter half of the park, with a scenic drive to the Oxbow Overlook above the Little Missouri River. Watch for bison and longhorn cattle on the road.
- 828 km
Watford City
ND
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Bismarck → Enchanted Highway · 103 mi · 1 h 50 minOn the way: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Patterson Lake Rec Area Campground (14 mi).
- Day 2: Enchanted Highway → Regent · 36 mi · 0 h 39 minOvernight nearby, for example: Enchanted RV (< 1 km).
- Day 3: Regent → Medora · 69 mi · 1 h 14 minOn the way: Painted Canyon Overlook.Overnight nearby, for example: Cottonwood Campground (3 mi); Medora City Campground (1 mi).
- Day 4: Medora → Watford City · 76 mi · 1 h 21 minOn the way: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit.Overnight nearby, for example: CCC Campground (15 mi); Summit Campground (18 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is North Dakota badlands and the Enchanted Highway?
4-day road trip of about 458 km (284 mi) with 8 stops, from Bismarck to Watford City. About 5 h 05 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for North Dakota badlands and the Enchanted Highway?
We suggest 4 days: about 5 h 05 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does North Dakota badlands and the Enchanted Highway start and end?
It starts in Bismarck and ends in Watford City.
Which states does North Dakota badlands and the Enchanted Highway pass through?
North Dakota.
Where can you camp along North Dakota badlands and the Enchanted Highway?
OpenStreetMap lists 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: CCC Campground, Summit Campground and Cottonwood Campground.
When is the best time for North Dakota badlands and the Enchanted Highway?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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