This article and many more are featured in the Northern Sentry’s 2025 Summer Adventure Guide, which can be found at various location on base.

When people think of North Dakota, wide-open prairies and rugged badlands often come to mind. But tucked away just off Exit 72 of I-94, between the towns of Gladstone and Regent, lies one of the most unexpected and delightful road trip experiences in the Midwest: the Enchanted Highway.

Stretching 32 miles through golden fields and rolling hills, the Enchanted Highway is a larger-than-life outdoor art exhibit featuring a series of massive metal sculptures—some as tall as a six-story building. Created by local artist and former school principal Gary Greff, the project began in 1989 with a simple dream: to breathe new life into his declining hometown of Regent and draw travelers off the interstate to explore the heart of North Dakota.

Greff, a self-taught artist, found inspiration in local wildlife, history, and community pride. Using scrap metal and a powerful imagination, he began welding together what would become some of the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures. Over the decades, Greff has built and maintained the sculptures largely by hand—welding, sandblasting, and painting every detail himself.

What started as a single installation has since grown into a beloved attraction that captures the attention and admiration of thousands of visitors each year.
Each sculpture along the route tells a story—some whimsical, some nostalgic, and all unforgettable. Here’s what you can expect on this magical journey:

• Geese in Flight (Exit 72 off I-94): Towering 110 feet tall and 154 feet wide, this dazzling display of geese flying across a sunburst holds the Guinness World Record for the largest metal sculpture in the world. The access road is lined with 200 smaller geese, guiding you onto the highway.
• Deer Crossing (100 Ave SW): This scene features a pair of deer mid-leap, symbolizing the beauty and agility of North Dakota’s wildlife.
• Grasshoppers in the Field: A giant 60-foot grasshopper dominates the prairie, surrounded by smaller grasshoppers, paying tribute to the area’s agricultural roots and the bugs that are part of farm life.
• Fisherman’s Dream: A 70-foot trout bursts out of stylized water in a vivid scene that celebrates outdoor recreation and fishing culture.
• Pheasants on the Prairie: A colorful family of pheasants—a 40-foot rooster, a 35-foot hen, and two chicks—stand proudly against the open sky, capturing a slice of life on the plains.
• Theodore Roosevelt Rides Again: A salute to North Dakota’s favorite adopted son, this sculpture features a massive figure of Roosevelt on horseback, accompanied by a stagecoach and other elements from the frontier era.
• The Tin Family: One of the most beloved installations, the Tin Family features a 45-foot-tall father holding a pitchfork, a 44-foot-tall mother with a purse, and a 23-foot-tall son holding a lollipop. It’s a tribute to hardworking farm families and classic Americana
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  As if the Enchanted Highway wasn’t magical enough, a brand-new attraction is being unveiled in Summer 2025: “The Knight and the Dragon.”
  This dramatic installation brings a medieval twist to the prairie, featuring a towering knight in shining armor defending the Enchanted Castle from a fearsome metal dragon. With intricate detailing, dramatic scale, and imaginative storytelling, this sculpture promises to become a new favorite for both kids and adults. It will be located just beyond The Tin Family, making it the final (and perhaps most fantastical) stop before reaching Regent, North Dakota.
  The journey ends in the quaint town of Regent at the Enchanted Castle, where visitors can explore the Gift Shop and Motel for souvenirs, snacks, and a whimsical place to stay. Styled like a medieval castle, this whimsical destination offers souvenirs, snacks, and even lodging for those who want to spend a night in a fairy-tale setting. It’s the perfect way to end your adventure—or to rest up before heading back out on the open road.
  
  
  Tips for Travelers
• Distance from Minot: The Enchanted Highway is approximately 165 miles (about a 2.5-hour drive) southwest of Minot. With a round trip of around 5 hours this is a perfect day trip.
• Flexible Route: There’s no wrong way to enjoy the Enchanted Highway! You can turn around at any point along the route if you’re short on time or just want a shorter trip, each sculpture is accessible and enjoyable on its own.
• Timing: Summer is the best season to visit, with clear skies, green fields, and ideal road trip weather.
• Photos: Be sure to stop and take photos at each sculpture—parking areas are available and safe to pull into.
• Gas & Snacks: Fill up before you start the drive, as services are limited along the route. The nearest gas station is 14 miles west at the Cenex in Richardton, or you can find additional options in Dickinson or at the end of the Enchanted Highway in Regent, ND. Services are limited along the route, so plan ahead.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are not available at every sculpture stop, so it’s a good idea to use facilities in Richardton, Dickinson, or Regent before or after your drive.
• Nearby Attractions: Extend your trip by visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Dakota Dinosaur Museum, or the Medora Musical, all within a short drive from Regent.
  More than just an art exhibit, the Enchanted Highway is a testament to the power of creativity, community pride, and one man’s determination to make a difference. Whether you’re a North Dakota native or just passing through, this unique destination offers something rare: a genuine sense of wonder. So pack up the car, grab your camera, and take the scenic route this summer. Because sometimes, the road less traveled really is the most enchanted.