Devils Lake to Hill City Road Trip Guide

Devils Lake, North Dakota, sits at the edge of the largest natural body of water in the state, a remnant of Glacial Lake Minnewaukan. From this lakeside town, a road trip southwest to Hill City, South Dakota, crosses two major river valleys—the James and the Missouri—and climbs nearly 1,000 feet in elevation as you approach the Black Hills. This is a landscape defined by contrast: flat prairie farmland giving way to the rolling Badlands and pine-covered mountains, all in about 467 miles.

The journey typically takes 7 hours and 15 minutes of pure driving time, not counting stops. For most travelers, the question “is it worth driving Devils Lake, ND to Hill City, SD” is answered by the sheer diversity of scenery and attractions along the way, from the World's Largest Buffalo Monument to the eerie badlands formations. The route is entirely on well-maintained highways: US-281 south from Devils Lake to Jamestown, then I-94 west to Bismarck, then US-83 south to Pierre, then US-14/16 southwest through the Badlands and into the Black Hills.

This guide breaks down the best stops Devils Lake, ND to Hill City, SD, covering everything from fuel costs to family-friendly activities. Whether you're planning a single marathon drive or a leisurely multi-day trip, you'll find practical advice and hidden gems that make the miles fly by. Let's get rolling.

The transition from the flat, agricultural plains of North Dakota to the stark, eroded badlands of South Dakota is a highlight of this drive. Just west of Kadoka, the landscape suddenly shifts to the otherworldly spires and colorful buttes of Badlands National Park. The park's scenic loop, though a detour from US-14/16, is worth the extra 40 miles for its jaw-dropping vistas.

Culturally, the route passes through the capital cities of two states: Bismarck, North Dakota, and Pierre, South Dakota. Both offer a chance to see state government buildings and local history museums. In Fort Yates, North Dakota, you can visit the Standing Rock National Historic Site, memorializing the Lakota and Dakota people and the site of Sitting Bull's burial.

• World's Largest Buffalo Monument in Jamestown – a 26-foot-tall concrete bison.
• North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck – free museum with natural history exhibits.
• The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre – exhibits on the state's Native American heritage.
• Wall Drug Store in Wall, SD – a quirky roadside attraction with free ice water and a massive gift shop.
• The Black Hills National Forest near Hill City – ponderosa pine forests and granite peaks like Harney Peak.

Fuel costs for this trip vary with your vehicle, but a typical car achieving 25 mpg will need about 19 gallons of gas. At $3.50 per gallon, that's roughly $67 in fuel. The cheapest gas is often found in larger towns like Bismarck, where prices can be 10-20 cents lower than in smaller communities. Planning fuel stops around these hubs can save you a few dollars.

Road quality is generally excellent for this entire drive. I-94 is a smooth interstate with wide lanes, while US-83 and US-14 are well-maintained surface roads. Watch for occasional construction zones, especially during summer months. There are ample rest areas and truck stops along the way, but the longest stretch without services is between Murdo and Wall on I-90, about 60 miles with only one exit at Belvidere.

For an in-depth approach to discovering unique stops along any route, the Wayro blog explains how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Best fuel stops: Jamestown (several stations), Bismarck (large selection), Pierre (price competition), Kadoka (last fuel before the Badlands).
• Roadside services: 24/7 truck stops at major junctions, but small towns may close early.
• Cell coverage: Good on interstates, but spotty on US-83 through South Dakota's ranching country.

Road safety on this route is generally high, but be prepared for long stretches of highway with 75 mph speed limits. Wildlife, especially deer and pronghorn, can be active at dawn and dusk, so maintain vigilance. In winter, conditions can deteriorate quickly; check weather forecasts and carry an emergency kit.

For families, there are several appealing stops. The Dakota Zoo in Bismarck is home to over 600 animals, while the Children's Museum of South Dakota in Brookings (just off the route) offers hands-on exhibits. In the Black Hills, the Bear Country USA drive-through park in Rapid City is a hit with kids.

Pet-friendly options are plentiful. Many rest areas have designated pet exercise areas, and several hotels along the route, especially in cities, allow pets with a fee. The Badlands National Park is pet-friendly on the scenic roads and in designated picnic areas, but pets must be leashed at all times.

To combat fatigue on this long drive, schedule breaks every two hours. Good rest locations include the James River rest area near Jamestown, the Missouri River Overlook in Bismarck, and the rest area at exit 150 on I-90 near Phillip. Also, note that the route crosses the Missouri River twice, offering scenic pull-offs for a short leg stretch.

Hidden off-route spots include the 1880 Town in Midland, SD, a collection of authentic Old West buildings just south of I-90, and the Crystal Springs Saddle Club in north Dakota, which is actually a quirky roadside attraction with huge boulders. A more obscure gem is the Badlands Ranch Market in Interior, SD, which serves homemade pies and has a small museum of local fossils.