10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips from Williston, North Dakota
If you’re based in
Williston, ND (Williams County) and itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within just an hour or two, you can find badlands views, tiny roadside museums, riverfront parks, and small‑town diners that serve the kind of pie your grandma used to make.
This guide covers
10 short road trips outside Williams County to nearby counties in North Dakota and Montana:
- Burke County, ND
- Divide County, ND
- McKenzie County, ND
- Mountrail County, ND
- Richland County, MT
- Roosevelt County, MT
- Sheridan County, MT
All of these are
day-trip friendly from Williston, so you can be home by bedtime.
1. Explore the Badlands at North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (McKenzie County, ND)
If you only have time for one big adventure from Williston, make it the
North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in McKenzie County. It’s about 70–90 minutes south of town (depending which route you take), and the drive itself feels like a slow reveal into another world.
Once you enter the park near Watford City, you’ll find:
- A 14‑mile scenic drive with overlooks and pull‑outs
- Plenty of chances to see bison, prairie dogs, and deer
- Short hikes like the Cannonball Concretions and Little Mo Nature Trail
If you’re not a hardcore hiker, don’t worry. You can park at an overlook, walk just a few hundred feet, and still feel like you’ve stepped into a western movie. Pack water, snacks, and a light jacket—the wind can surprise you, even in summer.
Why it’s a great Williston road trip: It’s close, iconic, and feels like a full vacation day without needing a hotel.
2. Badlands, Bridges, and Coffee in Watford City (McKenzie County, ND)
On your way to or from the park, carve out some time in
Watford City. This small town in McKenzie County has become a popular base for people exploring the badlands.
A simple Watford City day could look like:
- Grabbing coffee or breakfast in town
- Walking a local trail or visiting a small park overlook
- Driving out to viewpoints along the Little Missouri River
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a good spot to stretch legs, hit a playground, and fuel up before or after the national park. I’ve done the “park in the morning, Watford City for a late lunch, then back to Williston” loop, and it makes for a very relaxed day.
Tip: Top off your gas tank here before heading deeper into the badlands.
3. Drive the Old Settlers Trail and Prairie Backroads (Divide County, ND)
North of Williston,
Divide County is all about quiet backroads and wide‑open sky. If you like slow drives, old homesteads, and that feeling of being the only car for miles, this one’s for you.
Map out a loop through towns like:
- Crosby – the county seat, with fuel, food, and a small‑town main street
- Noonan or other tiny communities along the backroads
You’ll pass:
- Abandoned farmsteads and weathered barns
- Rolling prairie and sunflower or wheat fields in season
- Old cemeteries and little roadside churches
This isn’t a “big attraction” trip—it’s a
mood trip. Think podcasts, road-trip snacks, and pulling over whenever you see something that catches your eye.
Why it’s worth it: It reminds you just how big and quiet this part of North Dakota really is.
4. Small‑Town Pause in Crosby (Divide County, ND)
If you want something a bit more structured, focus your road trip on
Crosby itself. It’s roughly 60–75 minutes from Williston, depending on your route.
What to do in and around Crosby:
- Walk the main street and check out local shops
- Grab lunch at a local café or bar & grill
- Visit a small local museum if open (many are seasonal, so call ahead)
- Drive a loop outside town for prairie views and old farm sites
On one visit, I ended up chatting with a local at a café counter for nearly an hour about winter storms and “the old days.” That’s the beauty of these small‑town road trips—you never know who you’ll meet.
Road‑trip bonus: Combine this with the Divide County backroad loop above for a full day out.
5. Lake Time and Tribal Culture Around New Town (Mountrail County, ND)
Head southeast from Williston and you’ll reach
Mountrail County, home to
New Town
Drive over the big bridge that spans part of Lake Sakakawea—the views are worth slowing down for
Stop at roadside pull‑outs to take photos of the water and hills
Learn about the culture and history of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation in the area through local visitor stops and art
If you like being near the water, there are boat ramps and recreation areas around the lake where you can stretch your legs, skip rocks, or just sit and watch the waves.
Tip: Bring a light jacket—open water plus prairie wind can feel cooler than you expect.
6. Kicking Back in Stanley and Central Mountrail County (Mountrail County, ND)
Another option in Mountrail County is the town of Stanley, a bit south of New Town. It’s the kind of place where you can:
- Fuel up and grab a hearty meal
- Walk around town for a little “main street” window‑shopping
- Explore gravel and secondary roads outside town for that true prairie feel
This makes a nice, easy road trip if you:
- Shove off from Williston in mid‑morning
- Arrive in Stanley for lunch and a quick explore
- Take a different route back to Williston to change the scenery
You can also loop Stanley and New Town into one longer day if you like to keep moving.
7. Cross into Montana for a Missouri River Day in Sidney (Richland County, MT)
When you’re ready to cross the state line, aim west for Sidney, Montana in Richland County. It’s roughly an hour from Williston and makes for an easy, familiar-feeling drive.
Once there, a simple Sidney plan might include:
- Walking or relaxing at parks near the Yellowstone River
- Exploring a small downtown with shops and local eats
- Checking out seasonal events—fairs, markets, and small festivals pop up throughout the year
If you’re living in Williston for work, a quick dash into Montana can make the weekend feel different, even if you’re only gone for the day.
Why go: Same wide‑open landscape, but a slightly different vibe, and the drive is straight‑forward.
8. Fort Peck Lake Gateway in Wolf Point (Roosevelt County, MT)
A little farther west along Highway 2 brings you to Wolf Point in Roosevelt County, MT. It’s one of the gateways to the gigantic Fort Peck Lake region.
On a Wolf Point–area trip you can:
- Drive scenic stretches along or toward the Missouri River and Fort Peck region
- Look for local events and rodeos—this is rodeo country
- Visit small parks or viewpoints where you can watch the trains and sunset
The road from Williston to Wolf Point runs through quiet northern plains country: big skies, trains, and long, straight stretches of asphalt.
Road‑trip pairing: Combine this with a stop in Sidney or another eastern Montana town either on the way out or coming back.
9. Big Sky and Farm Roads Around Plentywood (Sheridan County, MT)
If you enjoy driving just for the sake of it, point your car toward Plentywood in Sheridan County, MT. This area is all about open country and the feeling that you can see forever.
Here’s how to make a day of it:
- Head west from Williston and then north into Sheridan County
- Stop in small towns for gas, snacks, and conversation
- Follow farm and county roads (where safe and legal) to see endless fields and wind‑bent trees
On a clear day, the sunsets out here can be jaw‑dropping—bands of pink, orange, and purple stretching from one side of the horizon to the other.
Note: Cell service can be spotty on backroads. Let someone know your route and carry extra water, especially in summer.
10. North Dakota’s Northern Edge in Burke County
Finally, round out your Williston road‑trip list by aiming northeast into Burke County, ND. This is a quiet, less‑visited area along the Canadian border, great for travelers who savor the “empty road” experience.
Ideas for a Burke County loop:
- Drive up toward towns like Bowbells or other small communities
- Explore rural roads to see shelterbelts, grain elevators, and old schoolhouses
- Stop occasionally, turn off the engine, and just listen—often all you’ll hear is wind and birds
If you’re someone who needs a little silence after a busy week in the oil patch or a hectic work schedule, this kind of drive can be surprisingly calming.
Pro tip: Keep your gas tank in the upper half when exploring remote stretches—services can be far apart.
Tips for Planning Your Williston Road Trips
To make these out‑of‑county drives smoother and more fun:
- Check road and weather conditions before you go, especially in winter or during spring thaw.
- Keep a “road‑trip kit” in your vehicle: water, snacks, phone charger, paper map, and a basic first‑aid kit.
- Fill up in larger towns like Williston, Watford City, New Town, Stanley, Crosby, or Sidney.
- Respect local land – don’t trespass on private property, and close any gates you’re allowed to drive through.
And remember: half the fun is in the unplanned stops and the little stories you bring home.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living in or visiting Williston, North Dakota doesn’t mean you’re stuck in one place. Within a couple of hours, you can explore:
- The rugged badlands of McKenzie County
- Quiet border country in Burke and Divide counties
- Missouri and Yellowstone River towns in Mountrail, Richland, and Roosevelt counties
- Endless “big sky” backroads in Sheridan County, Montana
If you’re craving fresh air, new views, or just a different diner for breakfast, these 10 short road trips from Williston are a great place to start.
Have you driven any of these routes or found a favorite stop I didn’t mention? I’d love to hear about it.
- Drop a comment below and share your favorite day trip from Williston.
- Share this post with friends or coworkers who are looking for things to do near Williston, ND.
Your ideas and stories help other travelers discover new places too—so don’t be shy!
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