The Scenic Drive In North Dakota That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Washburn
By Tori Jane|Published August 03, 2023
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
North Dakota is an amazing state that, as I’ve said many times before, just doesn’t get the love it so rightfully deserves. When planning vacations, folks just don’t tend to consider the Peace Garden State, which, to me, is pretty wild. After all, this place is intensely – at times outrageously – photogenic, and one of the best ways to really prove this point is by embarking upon any one (or all) of the awe-inspiring scenic drives in North Dakota. Take, for example, the Sakakawea Scenic Byway, which is an amazing journey through the Missouri River Valley that just so happens to pass through some amazing places, including one of the cutest small towns in North Dakota. Let’s go!
The Sakakawea Scenic Byway begins at Highway 200A in Washburn and runs to Stanton...
...or vice-versa, depending on which one you start from. Either way, though, the town of Washburn is a delight and makes a perfect starting point.
But this beautiful river town is far from the only amazing part of this drive.
The Sakakawea Scenic Byway is more than just a pretty road - it's a breathtaking adventure through the Missouri River Valley that shows off all the best parts of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition of the early 19th century.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, 2576 8th St SW, Washburn, ND 58577, USA
It's a perfect balance of history and nature. Of course, you'll definitely want to stop at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (pictured above) and learn a thing or two before going on. The drive is much more interesting when you know the history, I promise!
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Another awesome must-do stop on the Sakakawea Scenic Byway is the outstandingly fascinating Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site.
Here, you'll learn the other side of the story (and perhaps the more important story): the story of the Hidatsa people, who lived and thrived here, including Sakakawea, for whom the byway is named.
Often referred to in history as "Sacagawea", this remarkable young woman, along with her young son, was THE reason for the success of the Lewis and Clark mission.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, 564 County Rd 37, Stanton, ND 58571, USA
She lived in one of these villages, and it is incredibly important to learn about her, her people, and her amazing significance in our history. The Knife River villages are an amazing stop on an incredible journey.
Of course, the views along the way from attraction to attraction aren't bad.
To learn more about the amazing little town of Washburn, check out the official City of Washburn website. If you need a spot along the way, check out Hotels.com for awesome rates on great rooms – and don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks. Have you ever driven the Sakakawea Scenic Byway? If so, send me your photos! If not, what are you waiting for? There’s adventure to be had!
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