North Dakota might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of roadside attractions, but it is full of quirky stops and offbeat landmarks. From giant animal statues to unexpected museums, North Dakota has a sense of humor and creativity that surprises many travelers.
If you are planning a road trip through the Great Plains, adding these oddball attractions can turn long drives into fun adventures. Here are the weirdest and most wonderful things to see in North Dakota.
The Enchanted Highway
Stretching for 32 miles between Gladstone and Regent, the Enchanted Highway is lined with enormous scrap metal sculptures.
- Highlights: A 110-foot grasshopper, giant geese in flight, and “Fisherman’s Dream,” featuring enormous fish leaping out of the prairie.
- Created by: Local artist Gary Greff, who wanted to bring visitors to his small town.
- Why visit: It is one of the most unusual art projects in the Midwest, perfect for photo stops.
Salem Sue: The World’s Largest Holstein Cow
Near New Salem, a massive black-and-white Holstein cow called Salem Sue towers over the landscape.
- Height: 38 feet tall
- Weight: 12,000 pounds
- Purpose: Built to honor the state’s dairy industry
- Weird factor: It looks both impressive and hilarious when you see a giant cow staring down from a hill.
The World’s Largest Buffalo
In Jamestown, you can see a 26-foot-tall concrete buffalo statue overlooking the plains.
- Built in: 1959
- Nickname: “Dakota Thunder”
- Nearby: The National Buffalo Museum and a live bison herd, which sometimes includes rare white bison.
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox (North Dakota Version)
While Minnesota is more famous for Paul Bunyan, North Dakota has its own quirky versions of the lumberjack and his blue ox. Several towns feature statues or murals, adding to the playful rivalry between the states.
International Peace Garden’s Floral Clock
On the border between North Dakota and Canada lies the International Peace Garden, a symbol of friendship between the two nations. Among its gardens and monuments is a giant working floral clock, made of thousands of flowers arranged in a clock face.
It is both beautiful and a little bizarre to see a clock telling time in the middle of a garden.
Wahpeton’s Giant Catfish
Wahpeton is home to Whopper Dan, the world’s largest catfish sculpture. At 40 feet long, this oversized fish makes a funny photo op and celebrates the area’s fishing culture.
The Pyramid of North Dakota: Mystical Horizons
Near Carbury, you can visit Mystical Horizons, sometimes called the “Stonehenge of the Prairie.”
- Built by: An aerospace engineer in the 1990s
- What it is: A modern-day “Stonehenge” with structures aligned to the solstices and equinoxes
- Why weird: It feels out of place on a quiet hilltop in rural North Dakota.
The World’s Largest Sandhill Crane
In Steele, a 40-foot-tall sandhill crane statue called Sandy pays tribute to the bird species that migrates through the region.
- Fun fact: Sandhill cranes are important to the local ecosystem and culture, but turning one into a mega-statue takes it to another level.
Teddy Roosevelt’s Cabin (Replica)
At Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you can see a replica of the log cabin where Roosevelt once lived. While not weird in itself, the idea of a U.S. president’s tiny frontier cabin sitting next to a visitor center makes for an unusual contrast.
The World’s Largest Turtle Made of Wheel Rims
In Bottineau, you will find Tommy the Turtle, a 26-foot-tall turtle riding a snowmobile. He is made from thousands of wheel rims.
- Why: Built to celebrate snowmobiling and Bottineau’s turtle-themed identity.
- Quirky factor: It is one of the strangest roadside sculptures in the Midwest.
Stanley’s Whimsical Oil Can Pile
Stanley, in the oil-producing region of North Dakota, once built a giant pile of oil cans as a local landmark. While parts of it have disappeared, travelers still talk about the quirky roadside tradition.
Fargo’s Woodchipper
Fans of the movie Fargo can visit a woodchipper prop used in the film, now displayed at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center. Visitors even get a chance to pose with a fake leg sticking out of it for photos.
Pros and Cons of Chasing Weird Attractions in North Dakota
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Breaks up long road trips with fun stops | Some attractions are in remote areas |
| Free or very cheap to visit | Not always well-marked, easy to miss |
| Unique photo opportunities | Limited amenities nearby |
| Showcases local creativity and humor | Some may feel underwhelming in person |
Suggested Road Trip Route
Day 1: Start in Fargo, see the woodchipper, then head west to Jamestown for the giant buffalo
Day 2: Drive the Enchanted Highway, stop at Salem Sue, continue to Bismarck
Day 3: Visit Mystical Horizons in the north, end in Theodore Roosevelt National Park for scenery and wildlife
This route balances weird attractions with natural beauty.
Conclusion
North Dakota is full of quirky surprises for road trippers who like unusual stops. From the Enchanted Highway’s giant sculptures to Salem Sue and Tommy the Turtle, the state has embraced roadside weirdness as part of its charm.
These attractions may not be glamorous, but they add character to the long drives across the prairie. If you want to see a side of North Dakota that goes beyond its national parks and history, chasing down these weird landmarks is a fun way to do it.
FAQs
What is the weirdest roadside attraction in North Dakota?
Many travelers say the Enchanted Highway tops the list, with its enormous scrap metal sculptures spread across 32 miles.
Are these attractions free to visit?
Yes, most of North Dakota’s weird roadside sites, like Salem Sue and Tommy the Turtle, are free to visit.
How much time should I plan for the Enchanted Highway?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to drive the highway, stop at sculptures, and take photos.
Where is the world’s largest turtle on a snowmobile?
In Bottineau, North Dakota. The statue, called Tommy the Turtle, is made of wheel rims.
Is it worth planning a trip around these attractions?
Yes, if you enjoy quirky roadside stops. They pair well with visits to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the state’s scenic byways.
