Sheridan to Watford City: A Road Trip Through the Badlands

On US Highway 16 and Interstate 94, the 370-mile route from Sheridan, Wyoming to Watford City, North Dakota crosses the Powder River Basin and enters the rugged badlands of the Little Missouri. The landscape transitions from the Big Horn Mountains' foothills to the layered buttes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. A little-known fact: the highway roughly follows the old Bozeman Trail, a key route during the 1860s gold rush, though today it's paved for smooth travel.

Driving time is about 5 hours and 45 minutes without stops. The best stops between Sheridan and Watford City include historical sites, scenic overlooks, and quirky roadside attractions. Is it worth driving? Absolutely, for the dramatic geology and uncrowded parks. To optimize your trip, consider how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route is generally safe, with occasional wildlife crossings (deer, pronghorn, cattle). In the Black Hills, watch for bison and mountain goats. Winter conditions from November to March can bring snow and ice; check weather before departure. Summer temperatures range from 70-90°F, with afternoon thunderstorms possible. For fatigue management, plan breaks every 2-3 hours. Rest areas are available at rest stops near Sundance (WY) and Sturgis (SD).

For families, Devils Tower offers junior ranger programs and easy hiking. Theodore Roosevelt National Park has pet-friendly trails (leashed only). The Petrified Forest in North Dakota is fascinating for kids. Pet-friendly hotels include Best Western in Gillette and AmericInn in Watford City. Hidden off-route: the Enchanted Highway near Regent, ND (sculptures) and the Fort Union Trading Post near Williston.

• Family activities: Reptile Gardens in Rapid City (detour), Dinosaur Park in Rapid City, Storybook Island in Rapid City, Cosmos Mystery Area in Rapid City.
• Pet-friendly stops: Backyard dog park at Devils Tower, Leashed walks along the Little Missouri.
• Safety tips: Carry water, extra snacks, and a spare tire. Cell service is patchy in deep badlands.
• Rest zones: Sundance Rest Area (mile marker 189), Sturgis Rest Area (mile 30), Medora Visitor Center (restrooms).

To manage fatigue, rotate drivers or take short naps at designated pull-offs. The highway is well-lit only in towns; night driving is discouraged due to wildlife. Visit the TRNP website for road updates.

From Sheridan, the Big Horn Mountains fade into high plains. Near Gillette, coal mines and rolling hills dominate. Entering South Dakota, the Black Hills rise with Ponderosa pine forests. Devils Tower emerges as a dramatic laccolith, a sacred site for many Native tribes. In North Dakota, the badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park offer layered rock formations and prairie dog towns. The Little Missouri River carves through the terrain, providing scenic pull-offs.

Local commerce includes roadside ranches and small towns. In Medora, the Cowboy Hall of Fame and TRNP Visitor Center sell local crafts. Dickinson has big-box stores. Watford City, a Bakken oil boomtown, offers modern amenities. For dining, try the Pondo Grille in Medora or the Bull's Eye Saloon in Beulah. Gas prices are generally lower in Wyoming but spike near national parks. A fuel budget of $50-70 should suffice.

• Natural highlights: Devils Tower National Monument, Black Hills National Forest, Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit), Maah Daah Hey Trail, Burning Coal Vein.
• Cultural stops: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, Deadwood's historic Main Street, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (Mandan), Knife River Indian Villages NHS.
• UNESCO near route: Not on route, but close to Yellowstone (WY) and Waterton-Glacier (MT) – both are World Heritage sites.

US-16 East from Sheridan joins I-90 near Gillette. In Wyoming, I-90 is dual carriageway with 75 mph limits. At Moorcroft, take US-14/16 east to Devils Tower Junction, then continue on US-14 into South Dakota. Near Spearfish, pick up I-90 east into North Dakota. The route changes to US-85 north at Belfield, ND, straight to Watford City. Road quality is excellent on interstates; two-lane sections near the national park are well-maintained.

• Fuel stops: Gillette (WY), Sundance (WY), Belle Fourche (SD), Sturgis (SD), Spearfish (SD), Whitewood (SD), Deadwood (SD), Lead (SD), Cheyenne Crossing (SD), Savoy (SD), Buffalo (SD), Wright (WY), Newcastle (WY), Moorcroft (WY), Hulett (WY), Aladdin (WY), Beulah (ND), Beach (ND), Sentinel Butte (ND), Medora (ND), Belfield (ND), Dickinson (ND), Killdeer (ND), Watford City (ND).
• Cell service: Strong along interstates; intermittent in remote stretches.
• Roadside assistance: AAA coverage available in towns.