Discover Wonderment on North Dakota's Scenic Byways and Backways
Open roads; pristine green, red and golden backdrops; wildlife and waterways in their most natural environments and one-of-a-kind cultural and historic attractions comprise North Dakota’s 10 Scenic Byways and Backways.
By car, motorcycle or even bike, these designated pathways are your key to the state’s best vistas and experiences. During warmer months, stop to fish, hike and ride horses at Little Missouri State Park along the Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway. Take in musical classics at LaMoure County Memorial Park along the Chan SanSan Scenic Backway, and snap postcard-perfect photos of wildflowers, bright blue lakes and glowing fall foliage along the Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway, home to the 2,339-acre International Peace Garden.
When the snow falls, North Dakota’s byways unveil miles of wintry adventures. Slip on a pair of snowshoes and take in the frozen beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit Scenic Byway or the serene trails near the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway.
Another North Dakota gem, the Standing Rock National Native American Scenic Byway spans 35 miles of fantastic scenery alongside the Missouri River. Catch glimpses of buffalo and explore the deep historical roots of the great Lakota spiritual leader Sitting Bull, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and visit the final resting place of Sakakawea.
Watch this video and learn about the Lakota and Dakota Native American tribes that shaped this area, along with modern day attractions that include hunting and fishing at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and entertainment at Prairie Knights Casino and Resort. Be sure to stop and walk along the Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail, a one-mile interpretive nature trail overlooking stunning Lake Oahe.
Related Content:
-
Fill your itinerary with more than two dozen things to see and do in a tour of North Dakota. From classic airplanes to tigers and ... -
Long before there were scenic byways, there was the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark took it to the Rocky Mountains and back home. ... -
Explorers Lewis and Clark were among the earliest visitors to North Dakota. They mapped out a trail for you to follow through Nort... -
Custer Trail Auto Tour follows route through the Badlands toward Montana. -
The Northern Pacific Railroad Bridge spanning the Missouri River between Bismarck and Mandan opened up travel to the west in 1882.... -
North Dakota is a state crafted largely by legendary heroes of the Old West, hard-working immigrants and pioneers who left a legac... -
Create a lasting memory with a fantastic Father’s Day outing. -
School is out, but you can still enhance your child's education and have fun doing it at these unique North Dakota destinations. E... -
Experience North Dakota's prehistoric past on a fossil dig and at our Jurassic museums. -
Explore North Dakota's creative side with galleries, festivals and more. -
North Dakota legends and historic notables include Sitting Bull and Theodore Roosevelt.
-
Experience haunted mansions, Wild West lore and other North Dakota legends. -
The North Dakota favorites remind us of celebrations growing up -
Listen to true stories about Jamestown -
More artists putting their do-it-yourself skills to work making unique pieces -
Learn about North Dakota's legendary past through forts and state historic sites. -
Learn the inside facts about the expedition's 214 days in North Dakota. -
Native American, agricultural and ranching roots run deep in North Dakota. -
From art museums to cultural and heritage sites, a journey across North Dakota should include these must-see destinations. Click h... -
The 35-mile-long byway in North Dakota includes stops at Native American sites. -
Step back in time to some of the most significant destinations of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. -
Follow the Chan SanSan Scenic Backway through a glacial valley carved 12,000 years ago. -
Playing in the great outdoors is something we all love. Sometimes, however, we need to exercise our minds as well as our bodies. O... -
Channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl with these North Dakota museums and western attractions. -
Get your wings at these North Dakota aviation museums and attractions. -
North Dakota has a rich legacy of ethnically and architecturally diverse historic churches. -
The North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum is a must-see destination
