Sometimes it's nice to just go for a drive. Not driving to work, or driving for errands, or driving with some end destination in mind - just a relaxing cruise. If you get the opportunity to take such a drive, you'll definitely want to take this scenic backway that'll take you on a gorgeous journey through the North Dakota countryside.
This 35-mile scenic drive follows the path of a river through small towns and farmland in the most spectacular way. Click here for an interactive map with the directions.
The drive is called the Chan SanSan Scenic Backway. Chan SanSan is the Yanktonai Sioux word for the James River, which is the river you'll be cruising along. No matter what time of year it is, this route is gorgeous.
Pretty much all of the route is on gravel roads. It begins right off of Highway 46 a little way south of Jamestown, ND and heads southbound down County Road 60.
The Chan SanSan Scenic Backway should take just about an hour to complete and is well worth every single mile. It's a North Dakota experience everyone should have.
For more information on the Chan SanSan Scenic Backway, click here. There is quite a bit to see on this drive!
If you've already done the Chan SanSan and are looking for another fantastic North Dakota scenic byway or backway, we've got you covered! Here is an entire list of options for you.
If you ask us, the North Dakota scenic drives are some of the best in the nation. For example, the well-traveled loops in Theodore Roosevelt National Park are second to none. But what about some scenic byways near me that aren't quite as experienced? The spot we're featuring today is undoubtedly one of the best scenic drives in North Dakota, taking you through gorgeous scenery and even one of the state's most charming small towns. It's a short trip,at not even an hour's drive time, but we love the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway near Burke and Ward Counties.
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This scenic byway in ND is only about 13.5 miles in length. Make a few stops along the route and it will make for a perfect afternoon of fun, but driving straight through won't even take a full hour.
The road skirts along all three sections of the lakes, starting at the Lower Des Lacs Lake, going up along the Middle Des Lacs Lake, and finally ending at the southern edge of the Upper Des Lacs Lake.
There are plenty of areas to stop along the way. Check out the Munch's Coulee National Recreation Trail. It weaves among the prairie grasses and offers some truly breathtaking views of the water and surrounding hills.
For more information about this 1.1-mile loop trail, check out our friends at AllTrails.
Of course, at any wildlife refuge, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for some of the animals that call this place home. Beavers, porcupines, and deer are just a few of the many critters that you might catch a glimpse of here.
Mostly, Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is known as a stopover point for thousands of migratory birds. Tons of species utilize this refuge on their migration routes, including swans, pelicans, and everything in between.
However, this drive doesn't just go through the wildlife refuge. You'll also pass right through one of the most charming small towns in North Dakota: Kenmare.
From the gorgeous natural scenery to the enjoyable small town, it's easy to see why the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway is one of the best scenic drives in North Dakota.
North Dakota is one huge state with so much to see and explore. Luckily, there are some of the best road trips in North Dakota that will let you see as much of it as possible. If you’re itching to get out on the road and see something new, try one of these road trips that will take you to the best of the best in the state. From natural beauty to a family-friendly road trip adventure, the best road trips in North Dakota will definitely give you the opportunity to see the state to its fullest.
Route: Theodore Roosevelt National Park > Little Missouri State Park > Medora > Sully Creek State Park > White Butte
Distance: 200 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 34 minutes
At 200 miles and under four hours of driving time, this road trip around the North Dakota badlands can be done in a day. Not only will you see some of the most scenic parts of the badlands, but stop in the charming towns of Medora and Amidon. Once you start driving, you'll easily see why this is one of the best North Dakota road trips.
Route: Theodore Roosevelt National Park - South Unit > Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit > Lewis and Clark State Park > Des Lacs Lake National Wildlife Refuge > Lake Metigoshe State Park > International Peace Garden > Icelandic State Park > Turtle River State Park > Sully's Hill National Game Preserve > Beaver Lake State Park
Distance: 784 miles
Trip Time: 14 hours
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With 10 stops and 14 hours of drive time, this next road trip through North Dakota should be done over the course of a long weekend. This is an epic road trip to experience some of the best parts of the state's great outdoors. From state parks to a game preserve and the ever-so-lovely International Peace Garden, you'll be able to take in some jaw-dropping beauty.
Route: Riverside Cemetery > Empire Arts Center > Fort Totten State Historic Site > Sage Hill Bed & Breakfast > Harvey Public Library > Former Governor's Mansion > Custer's House
Distance: miles
Trip Time: *
If you're looking for a unique North Dakota road trip itinerary, check out this one that leads to some of the state's most haunted places. But only take this trip if you're brave enough. It goes through eastern and central North Dakota and stops by some of the most notoriously haunted places in the state. It will probably take you more than one day to get through, but don't worry, we recommended a place to stay on the trip... and that's haunted, too.
Route: Medora > Theodore Roosevelt National Park > Little Missouri National Grassland > Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence > Lewis & Clark State Park > Four Bears Memorial Bridge > Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge > Enchanted Highway > White Butte
Distance: 505 miles
Trip Time: 9 hours 39 minutes
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This is one of the best routes to take to see all the beauty that western North Dakota, holds. Badlands, rolling prairies, and more await you on this trip. You'll get to see so much along the way!
Route: Lewis and Clark State Park > Little Missouri State Park > Sully Creek State Park > Beaver Lake State Park > Grahams Island State Park
Distance: 564 miles
Trip Time: 9n hours 48 minutes
Follow this North Dakota road trip map for an epic adventure to five of the least-visited state parks. Each park has its own unique attributes and beauty and visiting each one gives a great overview of what the state offers.
Route: Devils Lake > Lake Metigoshe > Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge > Crow Flies High State Recreation Area > Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit > Medora > White Butte > Lake Tschida > Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Distance: 673 miles
Trip Time: 12 hours
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Summer is one of the best times of the year to take a road trip. And if you're looking to visit a few lakes, parks, and more over the season, this summer road trip in North Dakota is for you!
Route: Lindenwood Park in Fargo > Red River > Turtle River State Park in Arvilla > Icelandic State Park in Cavalier > Pembina Gorge in Walhalla > Lake Metigoshe in Bottineau > Devils Lake
Distance: 444 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours 46 minutes
Take a mesmerizing road trip through upper North Dakota and the swaths of bright orange forests that can be found there each year during the fall. These stops are great to see the changing leaves when they are at their most vibrant. Take your camera with you on this trip or you'll regret it if you don't, it's just that beautiful!
Route: Family Bakery & Restaurant in Bottineau > Hunter Cafe & Bakery in Hunter > Deaner's Diner in West Fargo > Tower Travel Center Cafe in Tower City > Fried's Family Restaurant in Mandan
Distance: 488 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours 36 minutes
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During the winter months, you'll probably want to spend more time indoors than outside. With bitter cold temperatures, we suggest taking a pie shop road trip through North Dakota. Just bring your sweet tooth along for this ride -- you're gonna need it as you indulge in some of the best pies around the state!
Route: Dakota Zoo > Lewis & Clark Riverboat > National Buffalo Museum > Red River Zoo > Northern Air Family Fun Center
Distance: 276 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours 18 minutes
Need a trip that the whole family can enjoy? Well, here's a North Dakota road trip itinerary that is kid-friendly yet adults can have fun on too. Starting in Bismarck, this route will take you to Fargo, and there's an overnight accommodation suggestion in this itinerary as well. Check it out — this may just be one of the best road trips in North Dakota you take!
Road Trip to North Dakota Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Route: Medora > Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit > Lake Sakakawea > Rugby > The International Peace Garden > Pembina Gorge > Dakota Thunder
Distance: 656 miles
Trip Time: 11 hours 25 minutes
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Between the badlands, the state's largest lake, and the geographical center of North America, this North Dakota road trip itinerary is hard to beat! There are so many fascinating parts of this gorgeous part of the country, so take a drive, take it all in, and enjoy!
The Old Red Old Ten is a scenic byway that will take you to some of the most picturesque small towns in North Dakota. This is the best road trip to take in North Dakota if you want to see the quaint, peaceful small towns that are still alive and well today. This route will take you through small towns of many sizes, all of which are unique and some that have special attractions along the way. And all of this is through the gorgeous countryside and prairies of the state on one incredibly scenic drive.
Which of these North Dakota road trip ideas are you most excited about? Which one will you do first? Do you prefer weekend road trips in North Dakota or quick road trips in North Dakota? Please let us know! For more to explore, check out this list of some of the best hiking trails in North Dakota:
