These 8 Scenic Overlooks In North Dakota Will Leave You Breathless
By Leah|Published June 25, 2016
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Leah
Author
Leah moved to North Dakota when she was 12 years old and has traveled from the Red River Valley to the badlands and many places in between. She loves small-town life and currently enjoys living on a small farm in the ND prairie. She's always had a passion for writing and has participated in novel writing challenges such as NaNoWriMo multiple times. Her favorite part about this job is recognizing small businesses that deserve a boost and seeing the positive affect her articles can have on their traffic, especially in rural areas that might have otherwise gone overlooked.
One of the easiest and best ways to get the most spectacular views of the North Dakota landscapes is stopping by a scenic overlook, which can be as easy as a quick detour off the interstate. You’ll want to bring your camera to these eight places because the sights you’ll see can be completely overwhelming and you won’t want to forget them.
1. Painted Canyon Overlook - Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Rated as one of the top overlooks in the entire country and for a good reason. This is by far the best view of the badlands of southwestern North Dakota in the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It's easy to stop by - just pull off the road - and free, too. Even if you aren't visiting the park, take the time to stop here. It is well worth it!
2. Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site
Both an important historical site and an incredible view of the huge expanse of fields below, this overlook should be on everyone's must-see list. The site is about 8.5 miles northwest of Killdeer.
By far one of the best views of North Dakota's largest body of water, Lake Sakakawea. It's right by New Town and the Four Bears Bridge, completely free, and a great stop.
Obviously the highest point in North Dakota comes with some fantastic sights. There is no spot higher than White Butte and if you take a quick hike up, you can see the rolling hills of the prairie below.
The mighty Missouri River branches off into the Yellowstone River, one of its longest and most influential tributaries at this spot near Williston. Perched on a hill overlooking the confluence is an interpretive center that allows you to see this breathtaking spot and learn a few things, too.
The Oxbow Overlook is part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and frames one of nature's most beautiful works of art that is the rugged buttes of the badlands, carved out by the Little Missouri River that you can see in the distance. It's absolutely phenomenal and a must for anyone passing through, visiting, or otherwise.
The most gorgeous view of the Pembina Gorge is by far from the Masonic Scenic Overlook. I recommend this one in the fall when the gorge is a masterpiece of color.
Take in a view of rolling hills of forests in one of eastern North Dakota's most picturesque state parks. The overlook has simply gorgeous views year round.
I think anyone who has ever said North Dakota is nothing but flat fields needs to take a little tour of these overlooks, because they are obviously dead wrong. A lot of these overlooks can be seen as part of scenic byways, like the ones we featured in this article. That’s another great way to take a tour of North Dakota’s landscapes.
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