Our RV journey through North Dakota led us to one of the state's most unique attractions - the Enchanted Highway. This 32-mile scenic route features the world's largest collection of scrap metal sculptures, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our North Dakota adventure.
What is the Enchanted Highway?
Created by artist Gary Greff, the Enchanted Highway is more than just a series of roadside attractions. It's a testament to the importance of small-town America. Greff's vision was to draw attention to the smaller communities that form the backbone of our nation, creating these massive sculptures to encourage travelers to venture off the interstate and experience the charm of rural America firsthand.
Planning Your Visit
If you're planning to explore the Enchanted Highway, here's what you need to know:
- Access the highway from Exit 72 off I-94
- Total distance: 32 miles one-way
- The route runs from I-94 to the town of Regent
- Best visited between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the gift shop is open
- Large parking areas available for RVs at the first sculpture
The Magnificent Sculptures
1. Geese in Flight
Our journey began with the most impressive sculpture of all - "Geese in Flight." Standing over 120 feet tall and 150 feet wide, this massive installation is visible from miles away and holds the distinction of being the world's largest scrap metal sculpture.
2. Deer Crossing
The second stop featured enormous deer sculptures that far exceeded our expectations in size. These majestic metal creatures stand proudly against the North Dakota sky, creating a striking contrast with the rural landscape.
3. Grasshopper's Delight
Next came the whimsical grasshopper installation, featuring one giant grasshopper surrounded by smaller ones amid metal wheat stalks. While some of the wheat has weathered over time, the artistic vision remains clear and impressive.
4. Pheasants on the Prairie
One of the most unique and impressive sculptures along the Enchanted Highway is the "Pheasants on the Prairie" installation. This massive metal artwork features a flock of towering pheasant sculptures, each standing nearly two stories tall, against a backdrop of wheat stalks. The intricate details, from the individual feathers to the birds' fierce expressions, are masterfully crafted from repurposed scrap metal. It's hard to believe these enormous pheasants were created by hand rather than by machine.
5. Fisherman's Dream
This became one of our personal favorite despite Deb's fear of fish! The colorful installation features massive fish and even includes a shipwreck, creating an underwater scene right in the middle of the prairie. The attention to detail and use of color make this stop particularly photogenic.
6. Theodore Roosevelt Rides Again
This patriotic installation features the beloved president on horseback, complete with a stage coach that visitors can climb into. Our dog Maya was particularly excited about this stop!
7. The Tin Family
The final major sculpture before reaching Regent features a metal family made from oil drums. The impressive figures stand 45, 32, and 23 feet tall for father, mother, and son respectively.
Regent: The End of the Highway
Our journey concluded in the town of Regent, where we discovered a charming gift shop with animated displays. The friendly staff even offered Maya some ice cream for being such a good travel companion! We treated ourselves to root beer floats - a perfect way to end our enchanting adventure.
Travel Tips
- Consider unhooking your towed vehicle if traveling by RV
- Allow 2-3 hours to fully experience all sculptures
- Bring a camera - photo opportunities abound
-Download the app Talking Trails before you go (little to no cellular service on the drive)
- Visit during good weather if possible (we encountered some smoke from Wyoming wildfires)
- Don't miss the gift shop in Regent if visiting during peak season
Final Thoughts
The Enchanted Highway exceeded our expectations in every way. It's more than just a series of roadside attractions - it's a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of small-town America. Whether you're a full-time RVer or just passing through North Dakota, this unique attraction deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.
Have you visited the Enchanted Highway? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more RV adventures!
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