10 Easy Road Trips From Dickinson, North Dakota (All Outside Stark County)
If you’re based in Dickinson, North Dakota and itching for a quick escape, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or two, you can find quiet badlands, big lake views, and classic small towns that feel a world away from everyday life.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Dickinson, all in nearby counties like Billings, Dunn, Grant, Hettinger, Mercer, Morton, and Slope. None of these spots are in Stark County, so they’re perfect when you really want to “get out of town.”
Use this guide to plan easy day trips or simple weekend getaways from Dickinson.
1. Medora & South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Billings County)
If you only have time for one road trip from Dickinson, make it
Medora in Billings County.
About 35 miles west of Dickinson, Medora is the gateway to the
South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The drive along I‑94 is short, but once you turn off and see the layered buttes, it feels like you’ve crossed into another world.
- Scenic Loop Drive: Take the 36‑mile paved loop through the park. You’ll see grazing bison, prairie dog towns, and wide-open views that seem to go on forever.
- Quick Hikes: Try the short Wind Canyon Trail at sunset. It’s an easy walk with a huge payoff—views of the Little Missouri River and golden light on the badlands.
- History Stops: Visit the Prairie Dog Town overlook or stop by the visitor center for stories about Theodore Roosevelt’s time in the area.
Want a full day? Pair the park drive with a stroll through downtown Medora for ice cream, gift shops, and a classic Western vibe.
2. Painted Canyon Overlook (Billings County)
Just a bit farther west from Medora along I‑94, the
Painted Canyon Visitor Center is one of the easiest “wow” spots near Dickinson.
You can literally pull off the interstate, park, and walk a few steps to a jaw-dropping view.
- Panoramic Views: Stand at the rail and look out over layered cliffs in browns, reds, and golds. On clear days, it feels like you can see for miles.
- Quick Trails: There’s a short trail that drops down into the canyon. It’s a great taste of the badlands without committing to a long hike.
- Perfect Photo Stop: If you’re road-tripping on I‑94, this is the spot for a quick leg stretch and a few photos.
If you’ve ever wanted that classic “North Dakota badlands” picture for your phone background, this is where you’ll get it.
3. Little Missouri State Park (Dunn County)
Head north from Dickinson into Dunn County and you’ll find one of the state’s hidden gems:
Little Missouri State Park.
This park is quieter than the national park, but just as beautiful in its own rugged way.
- Badlands Trails: Miles of trails weave along ridges and through coulees. Many are used by horseback riders, but hikers are welcome too.
- Wide-Open Silence: On a weekday, you might feel like you have the whole place to yourself. It’s great if you’re craving peace and fresh air.
- Sunrise & Sunset: The soft morning or evening light makes the badlands colors really stand out.
Bring water, snacks, and a good pair of shoes. Cell service can be spotty, but that’s part of the charm—this is one of those
“unplug and breathe” kinds of places.
4. Killdeer Mountain Battlefield & Killdeer (Dunn County)
North of Dickinson, near the town of
Killdeer in Dunn County, you’ll find a powerful piece of history: the
Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site.
- Historic Significance: This is the site of an 1864 battle between U.S. Army troops and several bands of Sioux. Interpretive signs help explain what happened here.
- Scenic Drives: The area around Killdeer Mountain has rolling hills and open ranch country. It’s a beautiful contrast to the flat plains many people expect in North Dakota.
- Small-Town Stop: Pair a visit with lunch or coffee in Killdeer. It’s a classic North Dakota town with friendly faces and simple charm.
If you enjoy mixing history with landscape, this road trip from Dickinson is a good fit.
5. Lake Sakakawea & Beulah / Hazen Area (Mercer County)
When you want water, head east from Dickinson toward
Mercer County, home to part of huge
Lake Sakakawea.
Towns like
Beulah and
Hazen make great jumping-off points for a lake day.
- Boating & Fishing: Launch a boat, cast a line for walleye, or relax on shore. The lake feels more like an inland sea than a simple reservoir.
- Picnic Spots: Pack a cooler and find a picnic table with a lake view. On a calm summer day, it’s hard to beat.
- Scenic Drives: The rolling hills and views of the water make the drive itself enjoyable.
If you’re used to the dry badlands around Dickinson, seeing that much blue water in one place is a nice change of pace.
6. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park & Mandan (Morton County)
Drive east on I‑94 and cross the Missouri River to reach
Mandan in Morton County. This is where you’ll find
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.
It’s one of the best combinations of history, trails, and views you can reach from Dickinson in a few hours.
- Recreated Fort Buildings: Walk through reconstructed military buildings and get a sense of frontier life in the late 1800s.
- On-A-Slant Village: Explore the earthlodge village site of the Mandan people. It’s a powerful reminder of the deep Native history along the Missouri River.
- River Views: Hike or drive up to the high overlooks and enjoy big views of the Missouri and surrounding hills.
Make a full day of it by grabbing dinner in Mandan or nearby Bismarck before heading back to Dickinson.
7. Fort Mandan & Knife River Indian Villages Area (Mercer County)
For a history-focused day east of Dickinson, aim for the area around
Fort Mandan and the
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, which sit near the Mercer County line.
- Lewis & Clark History: At Fort Mandan (a reconstructed fort), learn about the winter the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent in this region.
- Native Heritage: Knife River Indian Villages highlights Hidatsa and Mandan village life along the river. You’ll find trails, a visitor center, and earthlodge reconstructions.
- Easy Walks: Stroll along the river and imagine what the area looked like centuries ago.
If you enjoy connecting road trips to real stories and people from the past, this region is rich with meaning.
8. Regent & the Enchanted Highway (Hettinger County)
South of Dickinson, in Hettinger County, you’ll find one of North Dakota’s quirkiest attractions: the
Enchanted Highway.
This route runs from I‑94 down to the town of
Regent and features enormous scrap-metal sculptures along the road.
- Giant Sculptures: See massive grasshoppers, geese, fish, and more towering over the prairie. Each one has its own pullout for photos.
- Scenic Backroads: It’s a fun way to enjoy wide-open country without feeling like you’re just staring at endless fields.
- Regent Stop: Pop into Regent for a snack and a look at small-town North Dakota life.
If you’re traveling with kids—or you just enjoy offbeat roadside art—this is an easy, memorable road trip from Dickinson.
9. Amidon & Slope County Backroads (Slope County)
Looking for true quiet? Head south and a bit west into
Slope County, home to
Amidon, one of the smallest county seats in the country.
While you won’t find big attractions, that’s exactly what makes this trip special.
- Open-Sky Drives: Cruise the backroads and watch the landscape shift from rolling grassland to subtle badland formations.
- Starry Nights: If you stay late or overnight nearby, the dark skies can be incredible on clear nights.
- Photography: Old barns, windmills, and lonely roads make great photo subjects.
This is a good trip when you just want to roll down the windows, turn up the radio, and let your mind unwind.
10. Lake Tschida (Grant County)
Finally, head southeast from Dickinson to
Grant County, where you’ll find
Lake Tschida (officially the Heart Butte Reservoir).
It’s a popular warm-weather getaway for people all over southwest North Dakota.
- Camping & Cabins: Set up a tent or rent a cabin near the water for a simple weekend escape.
- Swimming & Boating: On hot summer days, the lake is perfect for cooling off. Bring a boat, kayak, or just a floatie and relax.
- Family-Friendly: With shoreline access and open space, it’s easy to keep kids entertained.
If you’re craving a mini “lake vacation” without leaving western North Dakota, this is one of your best bets.
Tips for Planning Your Dickinson Road Trips
- Check Road Conditions: Some backroads in Dunn, Slope, and Grant counties can get muddy after rain.
- Fuel Up First: Gas stations can be far apart once you leave larger towns.
- Pack Snacks & Water: Many parks and historic sites are remote with limited services.
- Watch the Weather: Summers can be hot, winters can be icy—plan clothing and timing accordingly.
A simple day trip from Dickinson can turn into a favorite memory with just a little planning.
Share Your Favorite Dickinson-Day-Trip Ideas
Have you driven the
Enchanted Highway? Watched bison roam near Medora? Fished Lake Sakakawea or Lake Tschida?
I’d love to hear about your
favorite road trips from Dickinson:
- Which nearby county do you think has the best views?
- Any hidden gems in Billings, Dunn, Grant, Hettinger, Mercer, Morton, or Slope counties that should be on this list?
Drop your stories, tips, and questions in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their next getaway.
And if you know friends or family in western North Dakota who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here,”
share this post with them. You might just inspire their next weekend adventure.
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