Enchanted Highway Sculpture Loop
Giant metal sculptures on endless prairie backroads
The 32-mile Enchanted Highway connects tiny Regent to Gladstone through rolling prairie punctuated by seven massive metal sculptures, including the world’s largest grasshopper and a 110-foot-tall fisherman. The paved route itself is easy, but the real adventure lies in the network of ranch roads and section line trails that branch off between the sculptures, leading to abandoned homesteads and forgotten cemeteries scattered across the Slope County grasslands.
Difficulty ranges from easy scenic driving on the main highway to moderate ranch road exploring that requires high-clearance vehicles and local permission. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, with wildflowers blooming around the sculptures in late May. No permits needed for the highway itself, but respect private property on side roads. Fuel up in Dickinson before heading out—services are sparse. The payoff is experiencing North Dakota’s quirky roadside art while discovering the hidden corners of ranch country that most tourists never see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 32 mi / 51.5 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2890 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle, high-clearance for side roads |
| Nearest town | Dickinson, North Dakota |
| Land manager | Private/County Roads |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock car make it to all the sculptures?
Any vehicle can reach all sculptures on the main paved roads, but a few require short drives on gravel county roads. High-clearance helps for optional ranch track detours.
Is the trail accessible in winter?
Technically yes, but North Dakota winters are brutal with snow, ice, and subzero temps. May through October offers the best conditions and all facilities are open.
Do I need permits or pay fees to see the sculptures?
No permits or fees required - it's all on public county roads. Some sculptures are on private property but viewable from the road.
What's the most challenging part of this route?
Navigation is the biggest challenge since GPS can be unreliable and some sculptures require turns onto unmarked gravel roads. Download offline maps beforehand.
Should I fuel up before starting the loop?
Absolutely - there's no gas between Regent and Gladstone, and cell service is spotty for emergencies. Fill up in Dickinson or Regent before heading out.