Things To Do

Scenic Drives

South Unit

The South Unit's scenic drive is a 48 mile scenic drive beginning and ending in Medora, ND. Driving alone takes 2 hours. Allow additional time for whatever activities you do or stops you make along the way. The entire loop lies within the Little Missouri Badlands.

North Unit

The North Unit's 28 mile scenic drive takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to complete without stops (roundtrip, out-and-back). The road rolls across the badlands and then climbs up to the historic River Bend Overlook. From there, it traces the rim of the prairie with sweeping badlands views all the way to the end of the road at Oxbow Overlook.

While badlands scenery is the main attraction, there's so much more to do and see along these roads. Scenic overlooks feature exhibits highlighting features on the landscape, history, and habitats. Hiking trails of varying lengths depart from trailheads along the roads. Scenic drives usually yield the best wildlife viewing opportunities - travelers cover more ground by road than on foot and enclosed vehicles offer safe, up-close encounters not otherwise possible.