Scenic Drives in North Dakota
Routes
37
Avg Distance
155 mi
Avg Drive
2h 56m
Destinations
27
North Dakota's scenic drives offer expansive views across gently rolling terrain, with drive scores reaching up to 9. While not known for dramatic mountain passes, the state's open landscapes provide a unique sense of scale. These routes, averaging 155 miles and under 3 hours, showcase the quiet beauty of the northern plains, with maximum elevations reaching over 2,600 feet.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.22/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$1–$63
One-way, ~155 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~54 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
Climate through the year: North Dakota
North Dakota peaks at around 82°F in Jul and cools to 18°F / 0°F in Jan. Wettest month is Jun at ~4.3 in of rain.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18 | 0 | 0.7 | 10.3 |
| Feb | 23 | 4 | 0.7 | 8.1 |
| Mar | 36 | 18 | 1.3 | 9.2 |
| Apr | 54 | 32 | 1.5 | 4.1 |
| May | 69 | 44 | 3.1 | — |
| Jun | 78 | 56 | 4.3 | — |
| Jul | 82 | 59 | 3.1 | — |
| Aug | 81 | 57 | 2.6 | — |
| Sep | 72 | 48 | 2.7 | — |
| Oct | 56 | 35 | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| Nov | 38 | 21 | 1 | 6.8 |
| Dec | 24 | 8 | 0.9 | 11.7 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for ND — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
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
Top Scenic Routes
Editor's pick
Watford City, ND → Horace, ND
With a high drive score of 8 and access to parks, this 376-mile journey features gently rolling terrain reaching up to 2,659 feet, providing a solid representation of North Dakota's landscapes.
Editor's pick
Dickinson, ND → Thompson, ND
Through: Lynchburg
This 342-mile drive also earns a drive score of 8, traversing gently rolling terrain with a maximum elevation of 2,460 feet for a significant regional traverse.
Editor's pick
West Fargo, ND → New Town, ND
Through: Minot
This route stands out with a top drive score of 9, navigating gently rolling terrain over 333 miles. It offers a substantial exploration of the state's open vistas.
Crosby, ND → Valley City, ND
Wahpeton, ND → Bottineau, ND
Through: Grand Forks Airport → Grand Forks Air Force Base → Grand Forks +2 more
Wahpeton, ND → Beulah, ND
Wahpeton, ND → Hazen, ND
Wahpeton, ND → Belcourt, ND
Wahpeton, ND → Washburn, ND
Through: Minot
New Town, ND → Valley City, ND
Through: Fargo
Horace, ND → Minot, ND
Through: Jamestown
Valley City, ND → Stanley, ND
Through: Jamestown → Williston
West Fargo, ND → Minot, ND
Through: Jamestown
New Town, ND → Jamestown, ND
Through: Fargo
Wahpeton, ND → Harvey, ND
Through: Jamestown
Dickinson, ND → Rugby, ND
Through: Hazen
Valley City, ND → Washburn, ND
Through: Minot
Kenmare, ND → Makoti, ND
Foxholm, ND → Makoti, ND
Through: Bismarck
Plaza, ND → Manitou, ND
White Earth, ND → Parshall, ND
Coulee, ND → White Earth, ND
Ray, ND → Buford, ND
Des Lacs, ND → Makoti, ND
Through: Bismarck
Kulm, ND → Marion, ND
Martin, ND → Pickardville, ND
Coulee, ND → Manitou, ND
Munster, ND → Hamar, ND
Medina, ND → Ypsilanti, ND
Through: Edgeley → Ellendale
Epping, ND → Buford, ND
Jud, ND → Marion, ND
Fried, ND → Ypsilanti, ND
Oakwood, ND → Pisek, ND
Dwight, ND → Walcott, ND
Through: Cr 2: Walcott
Sheyenne, ND → Hamar, ND
Norma, ND → Tolley, ND
Carson, ND → Leith, ND