The Best Scenic Drive In North Dakota Is Totally Underappreciated

There are many well-traveled scenic drives and loops in North Dakota, like the ones in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. What about a route that not as many people have experienced, but should? This particular drive isn’t very long but will take you through gorgeous scenery and one of the state’s most charming small towns. It’s the perfect weekend afternoon cruise to take for a relaxing, visually stunning trip. Take a look:

This scenic drive is called the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway and is just about 13 and a half miles long. If you make a few stops along the route, it should take you about an hour and a half to complete.

Google maps For an interactive map of the drive, click here.

As the name would infer, this drive will take you through the stunningly scenic Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge.

Paul O/Tripadvisor

It skirts along all three sections of the lakes, starting at the Lower Des Lacs Lake, going along the Middle Des Lacs Lake, and catching the southern edge of the Upper Des Lacs Lake.

Jennifer Jewett/USFWS/Flickr

Along the way you can stop at the Munch’s Coulee National Hiking Trail that weaves among the prairie grasses and offers truly breathtaking views of the water and surrounding hills.

Jennifer Jewett/USFWS/Flickr

As you’d expect with a wildlife refuge, you should constantly be on the look out for some of the many animals that calls this place home. Beavers, porcupines, and deer are just a few of the things you’ll find here.

Kirsten Brennan/USFWS/Flickr

Mostly Des Lacs NWR serves as a stopover for thousands of migratory birds. That includes everything from swans to pelicans and everything in between.

USFWS/Flickr

This drive doesn’t go through just the wildlife refuge, however. It includes passing through one of North Dakota’s most charming small towns: Kenmare.

Andrew Filer/Flickr

Kenmare has plenty of lovely local attractions, restaurants, and more, including places like the Pioneer Village that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Angela Cantu/Flickr

Kenmare even has North Dakota’s one and only Danish mill in a park. This mill is over 100 years old!

Christopher Trom/Google

From the gorgeous natural scenery to the enjoyable town, the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway is an under-appreciated drive everyone should take.

Kirsten Brennan/USFWS/Flickr

Learn more about the wildlife refuge right here.

Google maps

For an interactive map of the drive, click here.

Paul O/Tripadvisor

Jennifer Jewett/USFWS/Flickr

Kirsten Brennan/USFWS/Flickr

USFWS/Flickr

Andrew Filer/Flickr

Angela Cantu/Flickr

Christopher Trom/Google

There is a ton of awesome scenic drives to take in North Dakota other than this one. If you’re looking for your next road destination, take a look at these!

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