North Dakota
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Each two-page document includes information about the state’s scenic byways program, in addition to a listitng and map of all state and national scenic byways within its borders.

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North Dakota's Scenic Byways

North Dakota is home to two national scenic byways: the Native American Scenic Byway and Sheyenne River Byway. Both byways explore the lore and history of North Dakota and the Native American tribes that still call the state home. North Dakota’s scenic byways offer a unique and charming journey that contributes to local economies through tourism spending and calls attention to historic sites, wildlife, and starry nights that make up the character of the state. With two national and 11 state scenic byways located across the state, there are a myriad of ways for travelers to experience the unique beauty of North Dakota.

Key Points

  • North Dakota is home to two national scenic byways and 11 state scenic byways.
  • A 2019 study shows that 22.6 million travelers spent $3 billion, and contributed $300.5 million in taxes to the state.
  • Without state and local taxes paid by visitors to the state, each North Dakota household could potentially see a tax increase of $1,092 to fill the gap.
  • Travel and tourism supports 45,460 jobs.

North Dakota Byways

Map Key:
  • National Scenic Byways
  • State Scenic Byways

National Scenic Byways

1. Native American Scenic Byway
2. Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway

State Scenic Byways

3. Chan Sansan Scenic Byway
4. Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Byway
5. Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway
6. Old Red Ten Scenic Byway
7. Rendezvous Region Scenic Byway
8. Sakakawea Scenic Byway
9. Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit Scenic Byway
10. Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway
11. Standing Rock National Native American Scenic Byway
12. Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit Loop
13. Enchanted Highway

Byways Provide Access to Public Lands

North Dakota byways provide access to the state’s most spectacular public lands, including one national park, 13 state parks, two national historic sites, five state forests, and 263,000 acres of waterfowl protection areas.

About the National Scenic Byways Program

The National Scenic Byways Program, established by Congress in 1991, recognizes historic, scenic, and culturally important roads, all of which promote economic development and tourism in communities around the U.S. There are more than 1,200 byways in all 50 states.

All scenic byways exhibit one or more of six core intrinsic qualities — scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological, or natural. For a road to be named a national scenic byway, it must first be designated a state, tribal, or federal agency scenic byway. Once achieving that, a road may apply for national scenic byway designation, but its intrinsic quality must be of regional significance. All-American Roads are the very best of the national scenic byways, demonstrating at least two intrinsic qualities of national significance.