Watford City to Gillette: Road Trip Guide & Hidden Gems

The drive from Watford City, North Dakota to Gillette, Wyoming covers 310 miles via US-85 South, a route that skirts the western edge of the Bakken oil fields before ascending into the Powder River Basin. This highway follows the old Fort Union Trail, a 19th-century military road linking the Missouri River to the Yellowstone, and crosses the boundary between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountain foothills.

For travelers wondering how long to drive Watford City, ND to Gillette, WY, expect about 4.5 hours of pure driving time, but plan a full day to explore the sights. The answer to is it worth driving Watford City, ND to Gillette, WY is a resounding yes, especially for fans of badlands geology and Western history. This guide covers the best stops Watford City, ND to Gillette, WY, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Devils Tower, and things to do between Watford City, ND and Gillette, WY beyond the obvious attractions.

The route offers dramatic scenery during the 30-mile stretch of the North Dakota Badlands, part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the broader designation of the Washburn Ice Age Trail. Although the park itself is not a UNESCO site, the route passes near the fossil-rich Hell's Creek Formation where T. rex bones have been found. The park's Scenic Loop Drive is a must-do for panoramic views.

South of Belfield, the landscape shifts to rolling ranchlands and then to the pine-covered Black Hills foothills as you approach Devils Tower, which is the first U.S. National Monument, established in 1906. This massive igneous intrusion rises 867 feet from the prairie and is sacred to many Native American tribes.

Local commerce along the way centers on ranching and oil. In Watford City, the Rough Rider Center hosts events and the local history museum showcases Theodore Roosevelt's cowboy days. Belfield's stands sell prairie turnips (tipsin) in season, and in Hulett, Wyoming, you'll find art galleries and the historic Hulett Hotel.

This drive is family-friendly if you plan for active breaks. Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a junior ranger program, and Devils Tower has a visitor center with exhibits and a gentle nature trail. Both sites have picnic areas and restrooms. For pet owners, dogs are allowed on paved surfaces and in campgrounds in the national park, and at Devils Tower they are allowed on the Tower Trail but not on the climbing route.

Road quality is generally good, but watch for deer and livestock frequently crossing at dawn and dusk. Winter driving can be hazardous with snow and ice; check road conditions before you go. For fatigue management, take a break every two hours. Recommended stops include the Painted Canyon Overlook (mile 27) and the Sundance Rest Area, which has picnic tables and a dog park.

Hidden off-route gems include the Amidon Presbyterian Church, a historic stone church, and the Devils Tower KOA, which offers a quirky RV park. For a unique local experience, visit the Rodeo in Sundance (held in July) or the Coal Palace in Gillette, a convention center built from coal.

US-85 is a well-maintained two-lane highway for most of the route, with occasional passing lanes and a four-lane segment south of Belfield. The speed limit is 65 mph in rural sections. Cell service is patchy in the badlands, but reliable in towns like Belfield and Sundance. The route passes through the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux reservations, so respect tribal regulations and observe speed limits in those areas.

Fuel stations are sparse, so fill up when you can. Towns with services include Watford City, Belfield, Amidon, Bowman, and Sundance. Here are the typical fuel and travel costs:

• Gasoline (midgrade) averages $3.50/gallon; a one-way trip uses about 18 gallons.
• No tolls on this route.
• Food and snacks: budget $20-30 per person for a lunch stop.

For detailed tips on uncovering off-the-beaten-path attractions, see our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.