Western North Dakota Loop
North Dakota often gets a bad rap as a flat, tree-less state with a winter that stretches on forever. So why would anyone want to own a motorcycle here, with only about six months of decent riding weather? If you believe any of that, you probably aren't from here. Yes, winters are long and it can get extremely cold, but when the weather finally breaks, you'll find North Dakota is home to a thriving motorcycle culture—and some truly fantastic riding.
Most people wouldn’t think of North Dakota as a top motorcycle destination, but if you’re willing to slow down and embrace the journey, Western North Dakota offers some of the best roads and scenery you’ll find anywhere. It’s a state that demands you put in the miles, but the reward is worth it. From the endless prairies of the east to the rugged Badlands in the west, you’ll experience a landscape full of variety and beauty.
Sure, North Dakota is often called a "flyover state," and many who aren’t from here have little good to say about it. But honestly, those are often the states I love most. Riding here can be an adventure if you do it right. Along the way, you’ll encounter wide-open plains, rolling hills, and sweeping curves—along with wildlife like mule deer, pronghorn, and the North American bison. If you love the outdoors, North Dakota is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your riding map.
The one downside to riding in this part of the state is the oilfield traffic. With trucks constantly moving through the area, it can sometimes slow things down. But as long as you stay vigilant and keep in mind that out here, trucks rule the road, you'll be just fine. Just remember to stay alert and keep a safe distance. And, of course, don’t forget to watch out for deer—those little surprises can show up anywhere, especially at dawn or dusk. With a little extra caution, you can enjoy the ride without any issues.
One of our favorite rides is a 220-mile loop that starts and ends in Williston, ND. This scenic route offers the perfect mix of open plains, rolling hills, and wide, winding roads. Whether you're cruising through the quiet expanses of the prairies or taking in the unique landscape of the Badlands, this ride showcases the beauty and diversity of Western North Dakota. It’s a full day of riding, and by the time you return to Williston, you’ll have experienced some of the best roads and sights the state has to offer.
Start your journey by heading south on US Highway 85 for about 10 miles, then take a left onto 41st St NW. This road is a real treat, with its winding, hilly path offering stunning views of the Missouri River, the expansive oilfields of the Bakken, as well as farms and vast prairies. As you ride, you’ll notice the temperature fluctuating with the elevation changes, adding an extra element to the experience. The air is filled with the scents of sagebrush and wildflowers, and if the wind’s just right, you might even catch a faint whiff of the river.
But don’t let the beauty of the ride fool you—this road can be unforgiving. With blind curves and oilfield traffic, you’ll need to stay alert and always be aware of your surroundings. About halfway through the ride, the road will change names, but keep going until you reach Highway 1806. It’s a ride that requires focus but rewards you with some of the most picturesque views in the area.
Once you reach Highway 1806, take a left and head north for about 1.5 miles, then turn right onto 40th St NW. This stretch takes you through more oilfields, where you’ll see, and sometimes hear, the flares burning brightly. The smell out here can be a bit unpleasant at times, but it's part of the landscape and a small price to pay for the life we live. North Dakota does a great job of integrating the oil infrastructure into the environment, with most of the equipment painted in tan colors, and occasionally dark green, helping it blend in with the natural surroundings.
Stay on this road heading east towards New Town, which is situated on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Just before reaching the town, turn right onto Highway 23 and head south towards Killdeer, ND. This portion of the ride offers a mix of rugged oilfield landscapes and the quiet beauty of the land, giving you a chance to reflect on both the natural and industrial sides of North Dakota.
Highway 23 marks the beginning of a dramatic change in scenery as you enter the Badlands. Here, the terrain becomes steeper, with sweeping curves that make for an exhilarating ride. Trees begin to line both sides of the road, and if you didn’t know any better, you might forget you’re still in North Dakota. In my opinion, this area showcases some of the most stunning landscapes the state has to offer. As you ride through, you'll likely want to stop frequently just to take in the views—the colors of the Badlands are breathtaking, and no photograph can truly capture their grandeur.
After a while, the rolling hills gradually transition into flat prairies and more oilfields, but the beauty of the ride never fades. On a motorcycle, the experience is entirely different—everything feels more alive, from the sounds of the wind to the fresh smells of the land. You can truly immerse yourself in the landscape, feeling it in a way that’s hard to explain. Keep heading south on Highway 23, and soon you’ll arrive in the town of Killdeer, ND, where the ride takes another turn and a new adventure awaits.
Killdeer is typically where we stop for gas and lunch, and if you find yourself in town, we highly recommend grabbing a bite at a local spot called The Pipe. It’s a bar known for its great food and cold drinks—perfect after a long ride. When you're on the bike, there's nothing better than a hearty meal and a refreshing drink to recharge before hitting the road again. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals make it a great pit stop, offering just the kind of comfort you need before continuing your ride through the rest of North Dakota.
After lunch, it’s time to head west to Grassy Butte, ND.
As you leave Killdeer, continue south on Highway 23, and at the roundabout, head west on Highway 200 towards Grassy Butte. This stretch is what most people envision when they think of North Dakota—flat, straight roads with fields and farms stretching out on either side. It’s a bit of a monotonous ride, but fortunately, it’s a relatively short stretch from Killdeer to Grassy Butte. Once you reach Grassy Butte, take a right turn and head north on US Highway 85, where the scenery starts to change again, offering a fresh perspective on the state’s diverse landscapes.
From here, you'll head back into the Badlands as you continue north on US Highway 85. The scenery begins to shift once again, this time with fewer trees and more rugged, rocky terrain that defines the Badlands. Depending on the time of day, the rocks may take on a reddish-orange hue or a cooler blue-gray tone, creating a stunning, ever-changing landscape. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive mountain goats that call this area home. While they’re not often seen, encountering one in person is a real treat.
Here, you have the option to stop at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit. If you decide to explore the park, you may spot American bison, longhorn cattle, prairie dogs, and pronghorns. If you're up for a hike, you might even come across a prairie rattlesnake. Taking your time to explore the park is well worth it, and it could easily take a couple of hours to soak it all in. When you're ready to continue, hop back onto Highway 85 and head north toward Williston.
You'll stay in the Badlands until you reach Watford City, where the landscape will begin to transition. From here on, you’ll encounter more typical North Dakota scenery—expansive plains, farms, and oilfields. While the terrain changes, the ride continues to offer a peaceful and scenic way to take in the state’s diverse beauty.
This ride might not seem like much to some, but for us, it's the perfect way to rack up some miles and simply enjoy the freedom of the road. It's a route that lets you take in everything that makes North Dakota unique, from the vast prairies to the rugged Badlands. While any time of year is great for making this loop, there’s something particularly special about it in the fall. As the leaves change along Highway 23, the scenery becomes even more vibrant, adding an extra layer of beauty to the ride. It's a reminder that sometimes the best journeys are those that let you appreciate the simple, quiet moments along the way.
