North Dakota is the perfect place for that road trip you’ve been dying to have. In fact, this scenic drive in North Dakota may be one of the top drives in the entire midwest that you need to take this Fall!
SHEYENNE NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
The Sheyenne National Scenic Byway is 64 miles long and filled with farmlands, forests, and beautiful rivers. This is a drive that you can take in one day, or you can break it up over a weekend getaway.
“In addition to nature and scenery at its best, archaeology, history, culture, and recreation are all found along this byway, North Dakota’s first nationally recognized scenic byway.”
THE ROUTE
This scenic drive will take you from the town of Lisbon all the way to Lake Ashtabula. If you are given the option, I would drive south to north (more on that later).
Although this drive can be done during all seasons, the fall is ideal due to all the changing fall leaves you’ll encounter. Midwest Living Magazine recommend this route as one of the best “Fall Color Drives!”
SHEYENNE NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY MAP
Below is a map of the Sheyenne National Scenic Byway. Like mentioned previously, it’s just over 60 miles long and can take anywhere from a day to a weekend trip to complete. This is all dependent upon how many stops you make along the way.
Photo Courtesy of fhwa.dot.gov
BEST STOPS ALONG THE SHEYENNE RIVER VALLEY SCENIC BYWAY
- Baldhill Dam
- Medicine Wheel Park
- Clausen Springs
- Standing Rock Historic Site
- Fort Ransom State Park
- Mel Reiman Recreational Area
- Sheyenne State Forest
- Preston Town Site & Church
VALLEY CITY
If you decide to break your drive up, I would recommend stopping and staying in Valley City, North Dakota! This quaint town has all you need to turn your day drive into a weekend getaway in North Dakota.
From the hotels in Valley City to the restaurants and even shopping, you’ll find something of interest for everyone in your road trip party. In addition, Valley City and the surrounding area has phenomenal outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, birding, and much more!
HOTELS IN VALLEY CITY NORTH DAKOTA
There are several hotels in Valley City that you can stay at including the
- AmericInn
- GrandStay Hotel & Suites
- EcnoLodge
- Three Oaks Guest Inn
- Super 8
VALLEY CITY ND RESTAURANTS
Below are just a few of the best rated restaurants in Valley City! What I love about this town is that they’ve got such a wide variety to choose from. You can get Italian one night and Asian the next without leaving this small town.
- Vicky’s Viking Room
- Pizza Corner Restaurant
- City Lights Supper Club Lounge
- Kirin House
- Jimmy’s Pizza
- Sabir’s Dining & Lounge
- Bridges Bar & Grill
- Woodland Steakhouse
What is the “City of Bridges”
Valley City is nicknamed the City of Bridges due to the, you guessed it, many historical bridges it has. In fact, Valley City loves their historical bridges so much, they’ve designed an amazing bridge tour for all guests to enjoy while visiting. You can pick up a brochure if you’re interested by visiting the Rosebud Visitor Center.
If you still haven’t made plans for a scenic drive this Fall, the Sheyenne National Scenic Byway is the route for you!
Valley City is nicknamed the City of Bridges due to the, you guessed it, many historical bridges it has. In fact, Valley City loves their historical bridges so much, they’ve designed an amazing bridge tour for all guests to enjoy while visiting. You can pick up a brochure if you’re interested by visiting the Rosebud Visitor Center.
Add This Scenic Drive To Your Bucket List!
North Dakota is the perfect place for that road trip you’ve been dying to have. In fact, this scenic drive in North Dakota may be one of the top drives in the entire Midwest that you need to take this Fall!
A big thank you to Valley City North Dakota for sponsoring this post. All opinions remain our own.
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