Watford City to Superior: Road Trip Guide

This 600-mile route from Watford City, ND to Superior, WI crosses the Missouri Plateau, the Coteau des Prairies, and the western Great Lakes region, blending prairie, farmland, and forest. Along the way, you'll see the geographic transition from the Great Plains to the Northwoods, with altitude dropping from about 2,000 feet to under 700 feet.

One distinctive feature is the nearly 500-mile stretch without a single major city, which intensifies the sense of remoteness. The route's most unusual landmark may be the Kenslow Bridge on I-94, a steel truss span over the James River, one of the few river crossings in North Dakota that's a local historic attraction.

How long to drive Watford City, ND to Superior, WI: It's about 9.5 hours of pure driving time, but plan for 11 to 12 hours with stops. The route is primarily on I-94 and I-29, with the final stretch on US-2 and WI-13, all well-paved and maintained.

Fuel prices average $3.50 per gallon in North Dakota and $3.30 in Wisconsin. Your fuel cost will depend on your vehicle's mileage; a typical SUV might use about 25 gallons for the trip, costing around $85.

• Gas stations are sparse on I-94 between Bismarck and Fargo; fill up in Bismarck or Jamestown.
• In Minnesota, gas stations cluster around the major exits; the stretch between Fergus Falls and Alexandria has fewer options.
• Wisconsin's US-2 has gas stations every 30-40 miles, but planning ahead is wise.

Infrastructure safety is high, with most roads having wide shoulders and clear signage. Winter driving can be hazardous; the cold season from November to March brings snow and ice, so check forecasts. In summer, roadworks are common.

Fatigue management is crucial: plan rest stops every 2 hours. The best rest areas are in westbound lanes, like the one at mile marker 130 on I-94, which has indoor facilities and picnic tables. For families, the Children's Museum of South Dakota in Brookings is a 30-minute detour, though its interactive exhibits are a hit with kids.

Pet-friendly options are plentiful: many hotels along I-94 accept pets, and rest areas often have designated pet exercise areas. To find them, check wayro.ai's pet-friendly filters.

Hidden off-route gems include the ghost town of Amidon in western North Dakota, and the Painted Canyon scenic overlook on I-94, just east of Medora, which offers dramatic badlands views.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, just 20 miles west of Watford City, is a must-see for its badlands and bison herds. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not on this route, but the nearest is declining because of distance; the closest is Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, 700 miles to the west.

Things to do between Watford City, ND and Superior, WI include checking out the Enchanted Highway, a series of giant scrap-metal sculptures stretching 32 miles from Regent to Gladstone, and the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck, which has free admission.

In Minnesota, the lakes region around Alexandria offers clear water and family resorts. As you approach Wisconsin, the landscape turns to dense forest, with local commerce centered on cheese shops and small-town festivals.

For spontaneous discoveries, consider using how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to avoid missing the roadside oddities that make this drive unique.