Fargo to Billings Road Trip Guide

Introduction

Distance: ~609 miles | Drive Time: 8-9 hours

This epic 609-mile journey from Fargo to Billings showcases the dramatic transition from North Dakota's Red River Valley to Montana's Yellowstone River country. Following I-94 west, you'll discover the otherworldly Theodore Roosevelt National Park, iconic roadside sculptures along the Enchanted Highway, and authentic Old West charm in historic Medora. The route offers families perfect weekend adventures with kid-friendly stops, wide-open prairie vistas, and some of the most accessible badlands scenery in America. Plan 2-3 days to fully experience this remarkable Northern Plains adventure.

Ready to roll? Start your prairie adventure with Fargo RV rentals and discover why this route captures hearts across the Great Plains.

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Details

60'
Max RV length
60'
Max trailer Length
Road trip length: 2-3 days
Recommend rig: any
audience: family

RV Rentals in Fargo, ND

Point of Interest

National Buffalo Museum

The National Buffalo Museum is located in the Frontier Village area of Jamestown, ND. Adjacent to the world's largest buffalo statue is the 6,000 square foot museum housed in an old log style building. The museum houses exhibits dedicated to teaching visitors about the history of bison and Native American cultures, the near extinction of the species and the restoration of the herds that have brought them back.

The museum also maintains a small herd of bison numbering around 25 – 30 animals. The bison roam a large pasture area adjacent to I-94 and can often be seen from the highway as they graze the area.

Finally, there is a very nice gift shop where you can pick up a wide variety of buffalo related products to commemorate your stop here.

Frontier Fort Campground is a great place to stay in an RV or tent. It is located with easy access to both I-94 and the Frontier Village area.


Enchanted Highway

Between Regent and Gladstone lies the world's largest collection of scrap metal sculptures, turning a 32-mile stretch into an outdoor art gallery. Local artist Gary Greff created these massive installations to save his hometown, and the result is pure roadside magic that kids absolutely love.

Don't miss "Geese in Flight"—certified by Guinness World Records as the world's largest scrap metal sculpture at 110 feet wide. "Pheasants on the Prairie" and "Fisherman's Dream" showcase incredible creativity and prairie determination. Each sculpture tells a story while providing perfect photo opportunities for the whole family.


Theodore Roosevelt National Park

No Fargo to Billings adventure is complete without exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where dramatic badlands showcase some of America's most striking landscapes. The South Unit near Medora offers the most accessible experience with a 36-mile scenic loop road perfect for RVs up to 30 feet. Watch for bison herds, wild horses, and prairie dogs while driving through colorful rock formations that inspired our 26th president.

The park's Painted Canyon Overlook provides breathtaking views just off I-94—a perfect quick stop that'll have you reaching for your camera. For a deeper experience, tackle the Ridgeline Nature Trail or Wind Canyon Trail, both offering spectacular badlands vistas without strenuous hiking.

The remote North Unit, accessible via Highway 85, rewards adventurous travelers with fewer crowds and equally stunning scenery. The Caprock Coulee Trail offers moderate hiking with sweeping river valley views.


Medora's Old West Charm

This perfectly preserved frontier town captures the romance of the Old West without feeling artificial. Stroll wooden sidewalks lined with authentic 1880s buildings housing cafes, shops, and museums. The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. celebrates regional ranching heritage with fascinating exhibits.

Don't miss the famous Medora Musical at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre—a beloved summer tradition featuring Western music, comedy, and a spectacular fireworks finale. The Little Missouri Saloon serves hearty meals in an authentic frontier atmosphere.


Jamestown's Giant Buffalo

Home to the National Buffalo Museum and the world's largest buffalo sculpture, Jamestown offers a perfect leg-stretching stop. The 60-ton, 26-foot-tall fiberglass Dakota Thunder overlooks the prairie while the museum shares compelling stories about these magnificent animals and Plains Indian culture.

The adjacent Frontier Village recreates pioneer life with authentic buildings and artifacts. Kids love the hands-on exhibits while adults appreciate the region's rich history. Plan at least an hour here—it's more engaging than you'd expect.


Billings' Natural Wonders

Your destination city offers unexpected outdoor adventures. The Rimrocks provide easy hiking with panoramic valley views, while Pictograph Cave State Park showcases 2,000-year-old Native American rock art in three fascinating caves.

For families, Zoo Montana features native species in natural habitats, while the Yellowstone Art Museum houses impressive regional collections. Downtown Billings combines historic architecture with vibrant dining and entertainment options.


Summary

Pictograph Cave State Park is an awesome park that is a great place to experience the beauty of the area. It located just outside the city and is home to three caves you can explore. Each of the caves has pictographs painted on the walls by the ancient inhabitants of the area. There are ranger-led tours that do a great job showing off the art and explaining the significance of the caves to the local area.

All the outdoor activities in the area can work up quite an appetite which can be satisfied at Montana's Rib and Chop House. This highly rated family-friendly spot is popular with both tourists and locals. It's one of the best places in town for a great steak which is the official food of the wild west.

The Billings KOA Holiday is the best place to stay near town. It is located southeast of the city just off of I-90 on the banks of the Yellowstone River. They have several RV sites, tent sites and cabins available if you are traveling by car.

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