This Scenic North Dakota Overlook Is Pure Magic in Spring

North Dakota is one of those absolutely stunning places that too many folks seem to underestimate. In fact, it's so outrageously beautiful that Theodore Roosevelt himself called it one of the most beautiful places on the planet. He fell so madly in love with the state that we've even named our incredible national park - Theodore Roosevelt National Park - after him. In the spring, the park happens to light up with wildflowers, which means the Oxbow Overlook Loop Trail is the best possible way to get out and enjoy the spring in North Dakota.

This hike is easy, short, and sweet, coming in at less than half a mile. Honestly, it's more like a quick little jaunt to one of the best overlooks in the entire Midwest, but in the spring, it's happening. Wildflowers carpet almost every surface of every hill, and the seemingly endless blue sky contrasts with the flowers to make for some truly incredible photogenic scenes.

This hike and the overlook are open year-round, but spring is definitely my favorite time to enjoy them. As a photographer, I'm obsessed with wildflowers, and this particular trail at this particular overlook is simply inundated with them. I can't get enough, and I expect you won't be able to, either.

I recommend that you embark upon the epic North Unit Scenic Drive, where you'll find that the hike to this incredible overlook is the best way to wrap it up. The whole drive shows off wildflowers galore, and the overlook is pretty much the most delicious icing on a photogenic cake. Spring in North Dakota is a special time of year, and my favorite ways to explore at this time are on foot and by car.

Visible from the overlook is the stunning Little Missouri River, which weaves through the park like an artery delivering blood. It truly brings the landscape together, and its outrageously photogenic nature lends itself to visions of springtime splendor in all sorts of wonderful ways. It's the most wonderful time of the year (at least I think so)!

For more information about the Oxbow Overlook Loop Trail (and more pictures, too), be sure to check out the official Oxbow Overlook AllTrails listing. If you're especially fond of hiking, I definitely recommend a free trial of AllTrails Plus. I don't remember what I did before I had it.

Need more inspiration? Check out some of the other amazing springtime hikes in North Dakota, which are just waiting to be discovered. There's even more of North Dakota to be discovered using our new Travel Planner!