Scenic Drives
Plan a Drive from Medora
Some of the most striking country in the Dakotas is best seen from behind the wheel. From the badlands loop right outside town to a highway lined with hundred-foot sculptures, here are the drives worth building a day around — each with turn-by-turn directions and the stops to make along the way.
The badlands begin the moment you leave Medora. This 36-mile paved loop — reopened in late 2025 after major repairs — strings together overlooks, a prairie-dog town, and near-certain bison and wild-horse sightings, all within an hour or two. Fully paved and RV-friendly.
Worth the 70-mile drive north near Watford City. A 14-mile paved road (28 round-trip) climbs from the Little Missouri to the Oxbow Overlook, past the strange spherical cannonball concretions and some of the park’s most rugged, quiet country. Paved and RV-friendly; give it a half to full day.
A pilgrimage more than a joyride. About 35 miles of mostly gravel road lead to Roosevelt’s “home ranch” on the Little Missouri, where he came to grieve and remade himself. Little remains but the foundation stones and the quiet. Not for RVs or low-clearance cars, and impassable when wet — check conditions first.
Head 45 minutes east to Gladstone, then turn south for 32 miles of the world’s largest scrap-metal sculptures — “Geese in Flight,” the “Tin Family,” a giant Roosevelt on horseback, and more — ending in the town of Regent. Paved the whole way and a hit with kids. About half a day round-trip.
For scenery without pavement. Gravel roads thread the Little Missouri National Grassland just outside Medora — past Sully Creek, the Maah Daah Hey trailheads, and Buffalo Gap country — through open prairie and badlands, mostly to yourself. A high-clearance vehicle is wise; skip it after rain.
RVs, Vehicles & Road Conditions
Paved and RV-friendly. The South Unit Loop, the North Unit Scenic Drive, and the Enchanted Highway are paved end to end and welcome RVs and trailers. A few overlook spurs and pullouts are tight for large rigs — park in the wider lots and walk the last few steps.
Gravel — leave the big rig behind. The Elkhorn Ranch unit and the grassland backways are gravel and dirt, not recommended for RVs, trailers, or low-clearance cars. The badlands’ bentonite clay turns slick and impassable when wet, so treat these as dry-weather drives, carry a spare, and check conditions before you go.
Before you leave Medora. Fuel up in town — gas and cell service thin out fast once you’re on the road. Watch for bison and wild horses on the pavement; they have the right of way. Summers run hot with little shade, so carry water, and always check the park’s current road and alert status with the National Park Service before heading out.
Download the map before you go
Cell service disappears fast once you leave Medora, so save your route for offline use first. In the Google Maps app, search for Medora, ND (or your destination), tap your profile photo, choose Offline maps, then Select your own map. Frame the badlands and your route inside the box and tap Download. Driving directions and search then work with no signal. Offline maps refresh over Wi-Fi and expire after about two weeks, so grab a fresh copy before a long trip.