I have dreamt of going on a “world’s largest” road trip for a very long time. I’m talking the type of road trip where you stop at every “world’s largest” roadside attraction you come across. When Dylan and I realized we both had two days off over Labor Day weekend (a rarity these days), we seized the opportunity to take a little end-of-the-summer trip. After a little research, I discovered North Dakota is home to many of these large roadside American traditions. The lure of giant statues, combined with a desire to further explore a new state, inspired us to hit the road- heading west on I-94. Here is what we saw:
World’s Largest Buffalo- Jamestown, ND
About 100 miles west of Fargo, sitting on a hilltop overlooking I-94, we encountered Dakota Thunder- the World’s Largest Buffalo. This attraction is not just a great photo opportunity; it also features a Pioneer Village and the National Buffalo Museum, as well as a herd of live buffalo.
We rate this sight a definitive 5 out of 5 charms. We got a great photo and learned a fair share of small-town NoDak history while wandering the Pioneer Village. All in all, a great roadside attraction, definitely worth a stop.
World’s Largest Sandhill Crane- Steele, ND
Continue west and keep your eyes open, and you might just spot Sandy, the World’s Largest Sandhill Crane. Located in Steele, ND, Sandy is tall and great at camouflaging with the sky. Dylan was quick to spot her, but I’ll warn you that she is easy to miss from the highway.
We rate this sight a measly 1 out of 5 charms. There was no road leading to this large lawn ornament- we had to park in a nearby hotel parking lot and walk through a field to get to her. There was a designated photo-spot with instructions on how to stage the best shot, but there was no way to take a photo without having a floodlight somewhere within the shot. Overall, a disappointing attraction that was far too difficult to get to.
World’s Largest Holstein Cow- New Salem, ND
Another hour in the car will bring you to the little town of New Salem, proudly watched over by Salem Sue, the World’s Largest Holstein Cow. Salem Sue is, by far, the biggest of all the ‘world’s largest’ on this list. In addition, she sits atop the only hill in many miles- making her easy to spot and providing great views of North Dakota’s best grazing plains.
We rate this site a big 4 out of 5 charms. Salem Sue is easy to spot and easy to get to. She offers great photo opportunities and wonderful views. She may not have her own pioneer village like Dakota Thunder, but there was a convenient Dollar General at the base of her hill that gave us a much needed beverage refill.
World’s Largest Scrap Metal Sculpture
From New Salem, get back on the westbound I-94 and drive for about 50 miles. You’ll soon see this giant eye-shaped sculpture rising over the horizon. This sculpture is just the first of many scattered down the Enchanted Highway, but it is the only one that holds an official Guinness Book of World Records title. It may just be a sculpture, but we had more fun running around this parking lot than we rightfully should have.
We rate this sight a well earned 3 out of 5 charms. It’s worth a stop to see up close and marvel at its size, but overall its just a sculpture in a field.
The Enchanted Highway- Regent, ND
Have another hour to spare? Instead of getting back on I-94, hop on the Enchanted Highway and drive the 32 miles to Regent, ND. Along the way you will encounter six more gigantic scrap metal sculptures, each celebrating some sort of facet of North Dakota. Each sculpture provides a parking spot, picnic area, and sweeping views of North Dakota fields. This “road of anticipation” leads to the tiny town of Regent, where you’ll find a gift shop, a gas station, and a hotel called the Enchanted Castle.
We rate this sight 4 out of 5 charms. The town of Regent isn’t much to see, but this sight is all about the journey. We agreed that the drive itself was worth the views; exploring the sculptures was an added bonus.
Looking for more?
Once you’ve made it to the Enchanted Highway, you’re only an hour drive from the great town of Medora- where the grassy fields you’ve been used to drop out from under you and you see sweeping views of the buttes of the Badlands from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Take the time and make the drive, I promise you will not be disappointed.
This spontaneous weekend turned into a real charm of a trip and I honestly can’t wait to go for another World’s Largest Road Trip. Have you taken this trip or a similar one? Share you pictures with me on Instagram by tagging @lifeslittlecharmsblog. Interested in seeing more of our Labor Day antics? Check out this Tik Tok I made of our one day road trip:
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