Devils Lake to Gillette Drive: Best Stops & Hidden Gems

Devils Lake, North Dakota, to Gillette, Wyoming, is a 300-mile (483 km) drive that crosses the Missouri River near Bismarck and climbs onto the High Plains. The route follows U.S. Highway 83 south and then merges onto Interstate 94 west before cutting southwest on U.S. 85. Most of the journey passes through wide-open prairie, with buttes and badlands appearing as you approach Gillette.

The drive takes about 4.5 to 5 hours of pure driving time, but plan for 6 to 7 hours with stops. The region's geological story is written in its rocks: ancient glacial lakes, river valleys, and eventually the coal-rich Powder River Basin.

Two main routes connect the cities. The shortest is via US-83 south to Bismarck, then I-94 west to Dickinson, then US-85 southwest through the Badlands. The second option, US-2 west to Minot and then US-52 down to Gillette, adds about 50 miles but offers less traffic. The interstate section is four-lane divided highway, while US-83 and US-85 are two-lane but well-maintained.

As of 2025, fuel prices in North Dakota and Wyoming are typically 10-15 cents lower than the national average; expect to pay around $2.80 per gallon in Gillette. There are ample gas stations in Bismarck, Dickinson, and Watford City, but between Dickinson and Gillette, there is a 60-mile stretch with no services—fill up before leaving Dickinson.

• Most scenic segment: US-85 between Sentinel Butte and Gillette, through the Little Missouri National Grassland.
• Hidden gem: Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is a 30-minute detour off I-94 near Watford City.
• Download offline maps because cell service is spotty west of Dickinson.

This route skirts the edge of the Missouri Plateau, where rolling prairies give way to the rugged badlands of western North Dakota. The Little Missouri River carves dramatic buttes and canyons, part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The park is the only national park in the state and features bison, wild horses, and petrified forests.

Gillette itself is the heart of the Powder River Basin, one of the largest coal-producing regions in the U.S. You'll see coal mines and the occasional coal train. The Campbell County Rockpile Museum in Gillette offers a glimpse into the area's ranching and mining history. For a taste of local commerce, stop at a small-town diner in Watford City or Bowman, where you'll find homemade pie and friendly chat.

Further off-route, the Enchanted Highway near Regent, ND, features giant scrap-metal sculptures, worth a detour if you have time. Also, the town of Medora, at the entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit, is a restored Old West town with nightly musicals during summer. These hidden spots are best discovered by using how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality is generally good, with smooth pavement and clear signage. However, be prepared for winter driving conditions from November to March, as snow and ice are common. The speed limit is 75 mph on interstates and 65 mph on two-lane highways. Wildlife, especially deer and antelope, can appear near dawn and dusk; be vigilant.

For families, the Dakotas are kid-friendly with plenty of open space to run. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn, ND, is an interactive museum that engages children. In Dickinson, the Badlands Dinosaur Museum has hands-on exhibits. For pets, most hotels along the route are pet-friendly; however, national parks have leash rules, and it's best to keep pets on a leash in rest areas.

Fatigue management is key on this monotonous stretch. Plan to stop every two hours at rest areas, such as the ones at Bismarck and Dickinson. The 45-mile stretch between Dickinson and Belfield has no towns, so take a break before that. If you feel drowsy, pull over at a safe point; there are several freeways with wide shoulders.

Overall, is it worth driving Devils Lake, ND to Gillette, WY? Absolutely, for the scenic badlands and the sense of vastness. The route offers a mix of history, geology, and open-road adventure that rewards those who take their time.