Ely MN to Spearfish SD Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive

This route from Ely, Minnesota to Spearfish, South Dakota spans approximately 530 miles, crossing three states and two time zones. The journey begins at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where the Laurentian Divide splits watersheds flowing to the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Driving time without stops is about 8 hours, but the diverse attractions demand at least a full day.

The primary highways are MN-1 west to US-53 south, then I-35 and I-94 west through North Dakota, finally US-85 south into the Black Hills. Along the way, you'll traverse the Mesabi Iron Range, the flat Red River Valley, and the Badlands-edge ranchlands before descending into the Spearfish Canyon.

How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities is essential for this route, which hides remarkable sites like the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Trails and the Enchanted Highway in North Dakota.

Winter driving from October to April can be treacherous with snow and ice. Always carry winter supplies. Summer brings thunderstorms and occasional hail. The speed limit on interstates is 75 mph in both states, but two-lane highways limit to 55 mph.

• Family suitability: The route is family-friendly with many interactive museums. The Children's Museum of Fargo, the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck, and the Reptile Gardens near Rapid City (a 45-minute drive from Spearfish) are ideal. For outdoor breaks, stop at the Wee-Town Playground in Dickinson.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most rest areas allow pets on leashes. Many hotels along the route are pet-friendly, including La Quinta and Motel 6. The Fargo Parks have designated off-leash areas.

Fatigue management is crucial on this long drive. Plan stops every two hours. Recommended rest zones: Floodwood, MN (gas station), Exit 290 on I-94 (Valley City rest area), and Beach, ND (a small town with a park). The stretch from Bismarck to Spearfish is particularly boring, so consider a stop at the historic town of Medora for a walk.

Hidden off-route spots: The lost highway of US-83 north of Bismarck leads to the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park with reconstructed Mandan lodges. South of I-94, the town of Regent has a giant coleoptera sculpture. For a surreal experience, visit the Enchanted Highway at sunset.

The first 100 miles showcase Minnesota's Northwoods: pine forests, lakes, and the giant pit mines of the Mesabi Iron Range. At Virginia, the Minnesota Discovery Center interprets the region's mining history. The landscape flattens abruptly at the Red River Valley, where farmland stretches to the horizon.

• Natural Landscapes: The route crosses the Sheyenne River Valley near Valley City, ND, which is a National Scenic Byway. Further west, the Little Missouri River Badlands near Medora (a 30-minute detour from I-94) offer rugged beauty. Finally, the Black Hills near Spearfish feature limestone canyons like Spearfish Canyon.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on the route, but two sites are within a day's detour: the Stone Age site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (Alberta) and the archaeological site of Poverty Point (Louisiana). However, near Spearfish, the Massive Monument of Crazy Horse Memorial is not UNESCO but a major cultural site.

Local commerce emphasizes agriculture and tourism. In North Dakota, small towns like Jamestown boast the World's Largest Buffalo monument. The Enchanted Highway south of I-94 (at exit 72) features giant scrap-metal sculptures. In South Dakota, the Black Hills attract visitors for gold mining history and outdoor recreation.

The best things to do between Ely and Spearfish include visiting the Iron Range's underground mine tours, the Fargo Air Museum, and the Dickinson Museum Center. Off the route, the Sheyenne National Grassland offers hiking and birdwatching.

Fuel stations are sparse in northern Minnesota and western North Dakota. Plan refueling at Virginia, MN (mile 45), Fargo, ND (mile 285), Bismarck, ND (mile 480), and Dickinson, ND (mile 570). Gas prices typically rise in remote areas, so fill up in larger towns.

• Road quality: I-94 and I-35 are well-maintained interstates. US-53 and MN-1 are two-lane highways with occasional rough patches. US-85 south of I-94 is a four-lane divided highway.
• Tolls: None on this route.
• Rest areas: Minnesota rest areas on I-35 at Hinckley and on I-94 near Fergus Falls; North Dakota rest areas at Valley City and New Salem. Most have restrooms and vending machines.

Cell service is intermittent in the Iron Range and west of Bismarck. Download offline maps before leaving Ely. Towing and emergency services are available in county seats like Virginia and Dickinson.

For a scenic detour, consider US-12 west of Aberdeen, SD, which passes through the Hoven area's prairie pothole region, but adds 30 minutes.