10 Easy Road Trips From Minot, North Dakota (That Take You Out Of The County)
Looking for fun, easy road trips from
Minot, North Dakota that get you out of Ward County for the day? You’re in the right place.
If you’ve done all the usual Minot stuff and you’re itching to explore a little farther, there are plenty of
short drives into nearby counties like Burke, McHenry, McLean, Mountrail, and Renville. These drives are simple, the roads are open, and the traffic is light—classic North Dakota.
Below are
10 out-of-county road trip ideas from Minot, all great for a day trip or a relaxed weekend. Distances are approximate and based on driving from Minot.
1. Lake Sakakawea Adventures – Garrison (McLean County)
If you only pick one road trip from Minot, make it
Garrison on the shore of
Lake Sakakawea. It’s about a 70–80 mile drive south-southeast, mostly open highway and big-sky views.
In Garrison, you can:
- Hit the marina and spend the day on the water
- Try walleye fishing (this lake is legendary for it)
- Relax on small, quiet beaches along the lake
- Walk around town and check out the fun fishing-themed décor
On a calm summer evening, the sunset over Lake Sakakawea turns the whole sky orange and pink. It feels a little like being at the ocean, just without the crowds or salty air.
Why it’s great for Minot locals: Easy drive, lots of space, and perfect if you’re craving water, boats, and a change of scenery.
2. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site – Near Stanton (McLean County)
For a deeper look at North Dakota history, head about 110–120 miles south from Minot into McLean County toward
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site.
Here, you can:
- Walk through a reconstructed earthlodge
- See the remains of historic Hidatsa villages
- Hike easy trails along the Knife and Missouri Rivers
- Explore the visitor center with exhibits on Native life and the fur trade
As you stand in the village areas, it’s easy to imagine what this place looked like when it was filled with homes, fields, and people going about their daily lives. It’s quiet now, but there’s a powerful sense of place.
Good to know: The trails are generally flat and family-friendly. Bring water, a light jacket (the wind can surprise you), and comfortable shoes.
3. Fort Stevenson State Park – Near Garrison (McLean County)
Just southwest of Garrison, right on Lake Sakakawea,
Fort Stevenson State Park is a peaceful day trip from Minot—about 80–90 miles away.
Things to do:
- Rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards in summer
- Bike or hike the park trails with big views of the lake
- Check out the Fort Stevenson Guardhouse and interpretive displays
- Fish from the shore, docks, or boat
In winter, the park doesn’t shut down. You can try:
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Ice fishing when conditions allow
If you want to test out a new tent or camper but don’t want to go too far from home, this is a perfect spot for a “practice camping trip.”
4. Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge – Burke County Side
While Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge stretches near Ward County, part of it reaches into
Burke County, making it a great excuse to cross that county line. Expect about a 35–50 mile drive depending on your route and which entrance you use.
You’ll find:
- Quiet auto tour routes with pullouts for photos
- Excellent birdwatching, especially during migration
- Rolling prairie, marshes, and lake views
If you enjoy photography, bring a zoom lens. You might spot:
- Ducks and geese by the thousands in spring and fall
- Pelicans, herons, and sometimes eagles
- Deer and other wildlife along the hillsides
It’s the kind of place where you can sit in your car, windows cracked, just listening to the birds and the wind.
5. McHenry County Backroads & Small-Town Stops – Towner & Anamoose
Head east from Minot into
McHenry County for a simple, slower day that’s more about the drive and the small towns than one single big attraction. Towner is around 50–60 miles away; Anamoose is a bit farther south.
Ideas for your day:
- Walk the quiet streets in Towner, the county seat
- Pop into local cafés or diners for coffee and pie
- Drive country roads and watch for old barns and prairie views
- Stop at any roadside churches or small-town parks you spot
Sometimes the best North Dakota road trips aren’t about a big-ticket sight. They’re about:
- Long, open roads
- Good conversation in the car
- A random playground where the kids can run off some energy
If you like to just drive, this is your kind of outing.
6. Mountrail County Scenic Drive – Stanley & Beyond
To the west of Minot,
Mountrail County offers plenty of that classic “endless horizon” scenery.
Stanley, the county seat, is roughly 60–70 miles from Minot.
On this road trip, you can:
- Stroll around Stanley’s downtown
- Visit small local shops for snacks or souvenirs
- Take backroads toward Lake Sakakawea’s northern arms for views
- Pull over for photos of grain elevators, windbreaks, and farmsteads
If you head farther south in Mountrail County, you’ll start to see more breaks in the land and distant glimpses of the Missouri River country. It feels like the landscape slowly unfolds as you drive.
7. Renville County Prairie Drive – Mohall & Mouse River Views
Just north of Minot, across the county line into
Renville County, you’ll find
Mohall, about 40–50 miles away. The drive takes you through open fields and farms that change color with the seasons.
Things to enjoy:
- Walk or drive around Mohall for that classic small-town feel
- Explore side roads near the Mouse River for quiet scenery
- Watch for grain fields, old homesteads, and wildlife along the way
If you time your trip around sunrise or sunset, the prairie light can be stunning. On some evenings, the sky looks like it goes on forever, with bands of color stretching from one side of the horizon to the other.
8. Upper Souris / Lake Darling Area – McHenry County Side
While Lake Darling and Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge sit near Ward County, you can loop into the
McHenry County side to keep your adventure out-of-county. It’s roughly a 35–50 mile trip from Minot, depending on your route.
Here you can:
- Drive quiet gravel roads near the lake and refuge boundaries in McHenry County
- Look for waterfowl, deer, and songbirds
- Pull over at safe spots to take in the lake and coulee views
Bring:
- A simple picnic lunch
- Binoculars
- A light jacket (even in summer, the breeze off the water can be cool)
It’s a peaceful escape that feels much farther away than it really is.
9. Tioga and the Western Edge of Lake Sakakawea – Mountrail County
If you’re up for a slightly longer route into
western Mountrail County, aim your car toward
Tioga, about 90–100 miles from Minot. This drive gives you a sense of how the landscape shifts as you head closer to North Dakota’s oil country and the far western lakes.
On this road trip:
- Check out Tioga’s small-town streets and parks
- Continue south or southeast to find overlooks and backroads with views toward Lake Sakakawea
- Watch how the land starts to break into ridges, coulees, and draws
It’s a good choice if you want to see a different side of the state—still rural, but with hints of industry and changing landscapes.
10. Northern Border Drive – Burke & Renville Counties
For something a little different, head north from Minot toward the
Canadian border, weaving into both
Burke and
Renville Counties. It’s about 60–80 miles to reach the northern edge, depending on your exact route.
What makes this trip special:
- The feeling of being at the very top of the country
- Quiet, lightly traveled highways and gravel roads
- Endless fields, shelterbelts, and small farmhouses
You don’t have to cross into Canada to enjoy the drive. Just follow the roads near the border, stop at small towns for snacks or fuel, and soak up the big sky views.
On a clear day, you can see for miles and miles. It’s a reminder of just how wide open North Dakota really is.
Tips For Road Trips From Minot
To make these
Minot day trips smoother and more enjoyable, keep a few things in mind:
- Gas up in Minot. Some small towns have limited gas options, especially after hours.
- Pack snacks and water. Distances are big, and services can be spread out.
- Check the weather. North Dakota can change from sunny to windy or rainy pretty quickly.
- Download maps. Cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
- Bring layers. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool.
If you like photography, keep your camera or phone handy. The light on the prairie, especially in early morning or late afternoon, can turn a simple fence line into a beautiful shot.
Where Will You Go Next From Minot?
Minot might be your home base, but in every direction—
Burke, McHenry, McLean, Mountrail, and Renville Counties—you’ll find open roads, lakes, wildlife, and small towns that welcome visitors.
Whether you want:
- A lazy day by Lake Sakakawea
- Quiet time watching birds at a wildlife refuge
- A simple country drive past fields and old barns
there’s an easy out-of-county road trip waiting just beyond Minot.
Have you taken any of these drives from Minot? Or do you have your own favorite hidden gem in the surrounding counties?
Share your experiences in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for new things to do near Minot, North Dakota. Your tips and stories might inspire someone else’s next great road trip.
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