Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway — Attraction in Valley City

The Sheyenne River Valley in southeastern North Dakota is one of the state's most scenic and culturally rich regions. Stretching from Baldhill Dam and Lake Ashtabula near Valley City to the town of Lisbon, the valley covers approximately 63 miles of natural beauty and historical landmarks. Its landscape was carved thousands of years ago by glacial meltwater, resulting in steep wooded hillsides, open prairie, and a winding river that gives the area its name.

This area is home to the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, which is ideal for a peaceful road trip or a day of hiking and sightseeing. We recently drove part of the byway and stopped at several highlights. One of our favorites was Fort Ransom State Park, where you can walk miles of well-marked trails, rent a canoe, or explore remnants of early sodbuster farms. The park is also a great place to spot native wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.

For history lovers, the region offers several significant cultural sites. The Rosebud Visitor Center in Valley City features a beautifully restored 1881 railcar and local exhibits. Nearby, the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge towers impressively above the river and is recognized as a historic engineering landmark. South of Lisbon, the Biesterfeldt Site marks an ancient Cheyenne village and is protected as a National Historic Landmark.

Hiking along the North Country National Scenic Trail, we encountered peaceful woodlands and even caught a glimpse of the Mineral Springs Waterfall, North Dakota’s only publicly accessible natural waterfall. The setting was serene and lightly traveled, offering a chance to connect with nature without crowds.

The Sheyenne River Valley is a perfect destination for anyone seeking quiet natural beauty, a touch of history, and outdoor recreation. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or passing through, the valley leaves a lasting impression with its unique blend of North Dakota heritage...

I can not describe to you, nor will pictures do the Sheyenne river valley national scenic byway justice for just how beautiful it is!!!! The rolling hills filled with trees and some rocky with sparse trees. The beautiful curvy and windy Sheyenne river. The beautiful farms and farm land in the valley and on the sides of hills. It’s just spectacular!! Little dams, lakes, and little waterfalls all along the Sheyenne make it a perfect day!!! I would say any season is gorgeous, but like most things fall is...

It was beautiful but be aware that a good portion of the byway is gravel. When we got past Kathryn N.D, part of the narrow road was closed for repair. We ended up having to back up over a quarter of a mile to find a place to safely turn around. What we saw, we enjoyed. It got a bit stressful figuring out how to get back to a paved highway. We also missed a good number of the points of Interest and ended up a long way from where we thought we...