The Enchanted Highway
This 32-mile stretch of highway features some of the world's largest scrap metal sculptures, designed to revitalize a small town. Created by local artist Gary Greff, these colossal installations include a giant tin family and massive pheasants. It is a whimsical, record-breaking open-air art gallery.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24/7
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Parking
- Dedicated gravel pull-offs and parking areas are located at each sculpture site.
- Access
- Sculptures are easily visible from vehicles, with gravel or grass pathways leading to their bases.
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Conceived in 1989 by local artist Gary Greff, the Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile stretch of two-lane highway featuring a series of colossal scrap metal sculptures. Greff created the installations to counter the decline of his rural hometown, successfully transforming the quiet road into a globally recognized outdoor art gallery.
Visitors driving along this scenic route will encounter seven massive sculpture groups, including "Geese in Flight," which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest scrap metal sculpture. Each site features a paved pullout and picnic area, encouraging travelers to stop and admire the sheer scale of the whimsical creations.
The highway culminates in the town of Regent, where a themed hotel and gift shop offer unique lodging and souvenirs. This whimsical roadside attraction represents a triumph of community preservation and rural American ingenuity, making it a must-see detour through the North Dakota prairie.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Start your journey at Exit 72 on Interstate 94, which serves as the northern entrance to the highway.
- ◆ Allow at least one to two hours to drive the route, stop at each sculpture, and explore the town of Regent.
- ◆ Visit the Enchanted Gift Shop in Regent to purchase miniature models of the sculptures and potentially meet the artist.
- ◆ Ensure you have a full tank of gas before starting, as services are limited along the 32-mile stretch.
Heads Up
- ◆ Watch for sudden stops from other motorists pulling off or onto the highway near the sculpture sites.
- ◆ Summer days on the prairie can be extremely hot and windy, with virtually no shade at the viewing areas.
- ◆ Cell phone service can be spotty along certain sections of this rural highway.
Common questions
Where does the Enchanted Highway start and end?
The route begins at Exit 72 on Interstate 94 near Gladstone, North Dakota, and runs south for 32 miles, ending in the town of Regent.
How long does it take to drive the Enchanted Highway?
Driving the 32-mile stretch without stopping takes about 35 minutes, but most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours to pull over and look at all the sculptures.
Are there restrooms available along the route?
Yes, there are basic vault toilets or portable restrooms at some of the sculpture pullouts, as well as full facilities in the town of Regent at the end of the route.
Is there a fee to see the Enchanted Highway sculptures?
No, viewing the roadside sculptures is completely free, though donation boxes are available at each stop to help fund upkeep.
More in Regent
- Enchanted Highway · Regent, North Dakota