Pedaling Through the Prairie: North Dakota's Best Backroads for Bicyclists

North Dakota is a land of vast horizons and quiet beauty, where the roads less traveled reveal more than just scenery—they uncover pieces of your soul. For those who seek to explore this state on two wheels, here are some backroads that will take you through its most enchanting corners.

# The Enchanted Highway (Regent to Gladstone)

Start your journey in Regent (Main St., Regent, ND 58650) and head north towards Gladstone. This 32-mile stretch isn't just any road; it's an open-air gallery featuring massive metal sculptures by local artist Gary Greff. As you pedal past "Geese in Flight" and "Fisherman's Dream," you'll feel like you're cycling through a surrealist painting—a nod to Salvador Dal but with a Midwestern twist.

# Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway (Valley City to Lisbon)

This route begins in Valley City (Central Ave N., Valley City, ND 58072) and winds its way south along the Sheyenne River toward Lisbon. It's a ride that offers both tranquility and challenge as it meanders through rolling hills, lush forests, and charming small towns. Here lies the essence of Willa Cather’s prairie landscapes—vast yet intimate spaces where every turn reveals another layer of rural life.

# Maah Daah Hey Trail (Medora to Watford City)

For those craving adventure, tackle part or all of the Maah Daah Hey Trail starting from Medora (3rd Ave., Medora, ND 58645). This rugged trail stretches over 140 miles through the Badlands' dramatic terrain—think Theodore Roosevelt's cowboy country brought vividly to life. The trail demands resilience but rewards with breathtaking vistas that seem plucked straight out of an Ansel Adams photograph.

# Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway (Dunseith to St. John)

Begin at Dunseith’s International Peace Garden entrance (10939 Hwy 281., Dunseith, ND 58329), then follow this scenic byway northeast toward St. John. Alongside pristine lakes and dense woodlands lie hidden gems like Mystical Horizons—a modern Stonehenge designed for stargazers—and Metigoshe State Park’s serene trails perfect for contemplative rides reminiscent of Thoreau’s Walden Pond musings.

# Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway

Starting from Mandan near Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (4480 Fort Lincoln Rd., Mandan, ND 58554), this historic route follows old U.S Route Ten westward across rolling prairies dotted with remnants from pioneer days—the kind Steinbeck might have chronicled if he’d ventured further north during his travels in *Travels With Charley*. Stop off at New Salem Sue—the world’s largest Holstein cow—for an utterly unique photo op before continuing onward into Dickinson's welcoming embrace.

These routes offer more than mere exercise; they provide windows into North Dakota's resilient spirit rooted deeply within its humble yet bountiful lands—a place where independence thrives amidst chilly winds sweeping across peaceful plains under endless skies painted daily anew by nature herself.

So grab your bike helmet—not just as protection against unexpected potholes—but also as armor readying yourself for encounters enriching both body & mind alike upon these storied paths awaiting discovery beneath tire treads spinning tales anew each mile traversed therein...

**Websites:**

- [Enchanted Highway](http://www.enchantedhighway.net)

- [Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway](https://www.sheyennevalleyscenicbyways.com)

- [Maah Daah Hey Trail Association](https://mdhta.com)

- [Turtle Mountain Tourism](http://turtlemountain.org)

- [Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway](https://oldredoldten.com)

**Twitter Handles:**

- @NDtourism

- @MDHTA1

- @VisitThePeaceGarden