Scenic Drives in North Dakota
Routes
7
Avg Distance
229 mi
Avg Drive
4h 12m
Destinations
5
These 6 scenic drives in North Dakota earned a drive score of 7+ out of 10. The average route covers 245 miles through the state's most varied and visually interesting terrain.
Planning Tips
- Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
- Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
- Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
We rate routes on a 1-10 drive score based on elevation changes, road variety, and terrain diversity. The 6 routes listed here all score 7 or higher.
Drive times and distances come from actual road network data via OSRM. Fuel costs use current state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. All data is recalculated regularly.
Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.
Top Scenic Routes
Killdeer, ND → Wahpeton, ND
374.1 mi
6h 24m
Score: 8/10
Watford City, ND → Oakes, ND
366.4 mi
6h 20m
Score: 8/10
Wahpeton, ND → Bottineau, ND
320.4 mi
6h 10m
Score: 9/10
West Fargo, ND → Minot, ND
259.1 mi
4h 53m
Score: 8/10
Park River, ND → Valley City, ND
131.5 mi
2h 37m
Score: 8/10
Minot, ND → Bottineau, ND
79.8 mi
1h 38m
Score: 8/10
Washburn, ND → Minot, ND
70.2 mi
1h 23m
Score: 7/10