# 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.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b9-roosevelt-enchanted/

**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. 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 |
| Route | Bismarck → Watford City |
| States | ND |
| Updated | May 18, 2026 |

## 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

1. **Bismarck** (ND)
2. **Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park** (Mandan, ND): A reconstructed cavalry post, including Custer’s house, next to the earth lodges of a Mandan village above the Missouri River.
3. **Enchanted Highway** (Regent, ND): Giant 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.
4. **Regent** (ND)
5. **Painted Canyon Overlook** (Medora, ND): A roadside overlook on I-94 with a sudden view into the banded badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Best at sunrise or late afternoon.
6. **Medora** (ND)
7. **Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit** (Watford City, ND): The 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.
8. **Watford City** (ND)