This North Dakota Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime

From its vast prairies to its stunning badlands, North Dakota is a state that abounds with unique scenery. Add on loads of history with events like the oil boom, and there are tons to see and do in the state. Those looking to take it all in in the shortest amount of time will adore a road trip cutting through loads of outdoor and rustic sites. To this end, the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway stands out, offering 63 miles of archeology, recreation, nature, and more. Following the Sheyenne River, this route passes through towns like Valley City, offering a range of options to stop and explore what makes North Dakota special. Uncover some of the best stops to take along the byway, making it the road trip of a lifetime.

Lake Ashtabula

Located near the start of the byway, Lake Ashtabula is a 5,000-acre body of water, opening up plenty of opportunities. The lake boasts 73 miles of shoreline, and each area has something new to experience. For example, there are three designated swimming areas, ideal for a dip in the water before the rest of your drive. Meanwhile, if you don’t want to get wet, multiple boat launching ramps are available.

Beyond the swimming and boating, visitors can also camp along the lake. There are plenty of campgrounds throughout with restrooms and access to drinking water, making them perfect outdoor retreats. Moreover, fishing and snowmobiling are popular pastimes, so there is something for everyone here. After leaving, one can head southeast along the byway to Valley City and admire the famous Hi-Line Railroad Bridge on the way.

Rosebud Visitor Center, Valley City

A short drive along the route and you will reach Valley City, home to the Rosebud Visitor Center. This establishment is an ideal place to rest and spend time learning about the region’s history. Plenty of exhibits and items await on various topics, including an 1881 Superintendent's railcar with the original furnishings. Other exhibits talk about the first settlers in the area, how pioneers secured land, and even the agricultural boom in the region. There is also the North Dakota Agricultural Hall of Fame, which dives deeper into the agriculture industry and how it shaped North Dakota.

Apart from the visitor center, Valley City has numerous attractions to explore, making it an ideal destination for a road trip. The Barnes County Historical Society Museum offers a blast to the past, while Alley Beans Coffee & Roastery is great for a coffee to keep your energy up while driving. From here, visitors can get back on the byway, which heads directly south for the next few miles.

Wadeson Cabin State Historic Site

Continue driving for around 20 miles, and you will reach the town of Kathryn, located amidst the greenery of North Dakota. A stop here showcases more than just nature, as one can visit the Wadeson Cabin State Historic Site nearby. This hand-hewn oak log cabin is one of the most important historic sites in the region, dating back to 1871 when it was built by Carl Jenson and his nephew Jon Bjerke. Since its inception, the cabin has served as a country store, pioneer home, and even an icehouse. Today, the one-and-a-half-story cabin is a history lover's dream, standing pristinely as it was restored in 1981. Moreover, a marker is located in the nearby parking area, retelling the site's history for tourists to learn more. The site rests along the east bank of the Sheyenne River, making it an ideal stop along the byway.

Clausen Springs Recreation Area

Continuing south through the rolling hills near Kathryn, Clausen Springs Recreation Area offers an easy place to stretch your legs and enjoy the quieter side of the Sheyenne River Valley. Centered around a small reservoir nestled in tree-lined coulees, the 545-acre park appeals to anyone seeking a simple blend of water and woods. Visitors will find picnic shelters, shore access for casting a line, and a network of short trails that wind through prairie grass, wooded draws, and along the water's edge.

For those traveling with more time, Clausen Springs also serves as a suitable overnight stop along the byway. The recreation area features a basic campground where you can set up for the night and wake up to the sounds of birdsong rather than traffic. Campsites are also quite affordable, ranging from $20 to $35 with up to eight people per site. In the morning, one can head out for a swim, wildlife watching, or boating before hitting the road again.

Fort Ransom State Park

Further along the route and near the end is another lovely outdoor area, Fort Ransom State Park. Spanning nearly 1,000 acres, this park is named after a 19th-century military fort, offering a range of activities for all visitors. Canoeing, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing are among the most popular activities, depending on the season you visit. The park also has a visitors center with exhibits on the lives of Mound Builders who lived in the area 6,000 years ago and the area's 19th-century sodbusters. Even if you don’t have much time, it is an ideal spot to have a short picnic after a long drive along the Sheyenne.

A Scenic Road Trip Along North Dakota’s Sheyenne River

Traveling the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway feels like uncovering North Dakota’s character one stop at a time. From the wide waters of Lake Ashtabula to the quiet trails at Clausen Springs and the deep history preserved in Valley City and Fort Ransom, every mile adds something memorable. The landscapes shift from rolling prairies to wooded river bends, boasting scenery and heritage that is easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace. For anyone eager to experience the state’s quieter beauty, this route delivers a road trip worth returning to.