10 Best Scenic Spots in North Dakota

North Dakota doesn't get much attention as a vacation spot, and that's a shame for all that this state has to offer. While much of it is made up of prairie expanses, rural ranches, and oil fields, there's so much more to see that few even realize. The badlands of North Dakota, for example, rival those of Colorado with far less traffic and tourist traps along the way. There are also various forest areas, mountains, lakes and rivers to explore. Start changing your perception of this northern state by taking an open mind and embarking on one of our favorite North Dakota scenic routes:

No. 10 - Jang San San Scenic Lane

Flickr user: USDA.

Start Location: Adrian, North Dakota

Final location: Lamour, North Dakota

Length: Mile 38

Best driving season: Vesna and summer

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The landscape along this route is characterized by tall grass prairies that are covered with wildflowers in spring and early summer. The region is particularly rich in Native American history, and travelers can stop at various markers to see what remains of the earthen mounds. Near Lamour, consider renting a kayak to cruise the James River and have some fun before visiting the Toy Farmers Museum a little further south.

#9 – District Rendezvous Backway

Flickr User: Robert Linsdell

Start Location: Valhalla, North Dakota

Final location: Neche, North Dakota

Length: Mile 22

Best driving season: All

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Since the route mostly follows the course of the Pembina River, there are ample opportunities for recreation on the water, such as canoeing or fishing. Those looking to hit the slopes can stay at the Frost Fire Mountain Ski Lodge, while aspiring paleontologists might be interested in Valhalla's active fossil digging. In Neche, on the Canadian border, see historical downtown buildings such as the old O'Brien House, which today operates as an L&M hotel.

No. 8 - Metigoshe Lake State Park

Flickr User: Roderick Aime.

Start Location: Bottino, North Dakota

Final location: Metigoshe, North Dakota

Length: Mile 17

Best driving season: All

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This trip may be very short, but it explores one of the most popular vacation spots in North Dakota. The Metigoshe Lake State Park area is located in the Turtle Mountains and is right on the border with Canada. Several small lakes dot the area and offer water activities such as boating and fishing. Aspen and oak forests, as well as areas of wetland, are home to a large number of wildlife and provide a nice contrast to the more open landscape elsewhere in the state.

No. 7 - Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge.

Flickr User: Andrew Filer

Start Location: Carrington, North Dakota

Final location: Buchanan, North Dakota

Length: Mile 28

Best driving season: All

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Browse through the merchandise at the old Casey General Store in Carrington before heading down this route, which skirts the eastern edge of the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge. Inside the refuge, there are plenty of opportunities to watch birds and animals in the local marshes and grasslands. Arrowwood Lake is known for its good fishing, and Jim Lake, another good stop for anglers, offers plenty of scenic views and places to stretch your legs.

No. 6 - Scenic Lane Killdeer Mountain Four Bears

Flickr user: Kat B.

Start Location: Manning, North Dakota

Final location: New City, North Dakota

Length: Mile 71

Best driving season: All

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In a state that is mostly flat and treeless, this scenic lane is especially interesting for its variety of landscape as it meanders up and down mountains, through the Badlands, and along the Missouri River. There are plenty of places to explore the landscape more closely and several campsites just off the road for travelers looking to turn this trip into a weekend getaway. In New Town, try your luck at the casino or visit the new earthen house Indian village.

No. 5 - Old Red Highway 10

Flickr User: Stream Transfer

Start Location: Beach, North Dakota

Final location: Medora, North Dakota

Length: Mile 25

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

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Old farms and grasslands dominate this route along Old Highway 10, used primarily by the state's locals. It also passes through the badlands of North Dakota with many rock formations perfect for photographing and sparking the imagination. The quaint town of Sentinel Butte provides the only opportunity to stop and shop for essentials; Travelers should also check out the tiny post office, which looks like a relic from generations past.

No. 4 - Route 1804

Flickr User: Gabriel Carlson

Start Location: New City, North Dakota

Final location: Williston, North Dakota

Length: Mile 71

Best driving season: All

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Don't forget to stock up on fuel and provisions before setting out on your journey through the rural and mostly deserted rolling hills and wide valleys, because there are no opportunities to snatch what you need along the way. However, travelers will be rewarded with access to and views of several lakes and the Missouri River. In Williston, take the time to shop in the historic downtown area or take a dip in Lake Sakakawea during the summer months.

#3 - North Dakota 16

Flickr User: SnoShuu

Start Location: Beach, North Dakota

Final location: Cartwright, North Dakota

Length: Mile 63

Best driving season: All

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Travelers along this path can see for miles thanks to the treeless landscape, but that doesn't mean it's not a treat for the eyes. The Badlands are especially charming, and you won't have to fight for position with hordes of tourists or traffic around. However, as you drive, keep an eye out for free-range cattle and bison, which are a common sight in the region.

No. 2 - Scenic Lane of the Cheyenne River Valley.

Flickr User: J. Steven Conn

Start Location: Valley City, North Dakota

Final location: Fort Ransom, North Dakota

Length: Mile 36

Best driving season: All

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This road, winding along the Cheyenne River, is characterized by vast ranches and rolling countryside and has no shortage of natural beauty. Explore some of the sleepy towns along the way, such as Katherine with good access to the river, and Valley City, full of antique shops, to extend your trip a bit for a pleasant morning or afternoon. Where the trail ends at Fort Ransome State Park, you can go hiking or picnicking.

#1 - Enchanted Highway

Flickr user: Carol Spencer

Start Location: Gladstone, North Dakota

Final location: Regent, North Dakota

Length: Mile 31

Best driving season: All

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Although this route is relatively short and unknown to tourists, there is a reason why this route is called the Enchanted Highway. Even before travelers set off on this route, they are greeted by the giant Geese in Flight sculpture just off Highway 94, which is just the beginning of a series of works by Gary Greff that can be seen on this road through hills and farmland. There are plenty of places to stop and take in the views, and don't miss the Hettinger County Historical Society Museum with its collection of miniatures at the end of the line at Regent.