Devils Lake to Buffalo: Scenic Drive Guide & Stops

The drive from Devils Lake, ND to Buffalo, WY covers approximately 600 miles along US-2, US-85, and I-90, crossing the northern Great Plains and the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. This route passes through the historic Missouri River crossing at Bismarck and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park badlands, offering a transition from prairie wetlands to butte-studded rangeland.

The elevation rises from 1,447 feet at Devils Lake to 4,640 feet in Buffalo, meaning you'll experience cooler temperatures and more wind as you head west. Expect about 9 hours and 45 minutes of drive time without stops, but plan for at least a full day to enjoy the roadside geology and small-town rest stops.

The route crosses the Missouri River at Bismarck and the Badlands near Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit), where the Painted Canyon offers a scenic overlook just off I-94. West of Gillette, WY, the landscape turns to high desert with sagebrush and low hills, marking the eastern front of the Bighorn Mountains.

Local commerce thrives in towns like Beulah, ND, known for coal mines, and Gillette, WY, a hub for energy extraction. Small diners along the way serve classic Midwestern fare like knoephla soup (a creamy potato dumpling soup) and Rocky Mountain oysters. While no UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie directly on the route, the nearby Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park in Canada (a UNESCO site) is a detour for those heading north, far off this path.

Winter weather can bring sudden snowstorms and icy roads, especially in the Badlands, so check forecasts and carry emergency supplies. Summer thunderstorms produce hail and high winds; be ready for reduced visibility. The route is generally well-maintained, but watch for deer and antelope near dawn and dusk.

For families, the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck and the Children's Museum of Bismarck are engaging stops. Pets are allowed at many roadside rest areas and at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but keep them leashed. Plan rest breaks every 2–3 hours at towns like Dickinson and Moorcroft, WY, which have ample gas stations and fast food options.

Hidden off-route spots include the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge near the start, which offers birdwatching and hiking, and the Helena National Forest if you extend your trip west from Buffalo. For fatigue, use the 24/7 rest areas on I-94 in ND and occasional scenic pull-offs; a power nap at a rest stop is safer than pushing through.

Fuel costs run slightly below the national average, with prices around $3.40 per gallon. The longest stretch without services is between Dickinson, ND and Gillette, WY (about 180 miles), so fill up in Dickinson and carry a spare can if you're low. Major fuel stops exist at Bismark, Dickinson, and Gillette.

• Drive time: 9h45m
• Distance: 605 mi
• Tolls: none
• Road quality: good, with some construction in ND summer

How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities can help you locate landmarks like the Enchanted Highway near Regent, ND, a 32-mile stretch of scrap-metal sculptures accessible via a short detour.