Despite the expanding economy, there's a reason North Dakota is known as "magnificent desolation." There are more registered vehicles than people here, but there are nearly as many wildlife refuges - making it one of the most unspoiled, beautiful states in the country. Why not make like Lewis and Clark and expedition through this broad and breathtaking state? It was made for road trips in your North Dakota rental car, as the speed limit is 75 miles per hour and cruising along the highways is a breeze (not to mention relatively traffic free). Here are a few good routes to incorporate into your journey.
At first glance, North Dakota seems as though it might have been the muse for several iconic American songs. Filled with expansive amber waves of grain and wide open spaces, this northern state is known by locals as the "Peace Garden." While once filled with decrepit and abandoned frontier homes, the economy is skyrocketing, thanks to the recent oil boom. Towns like Watford City have become veritable boom towns in the process - it's no wonder North Dakota is the fastest growing state in the country. The US 2 is considered to be the scenic route when it comes to road tripping through North Dakota. The road runs east to west through the northern part of the state, and you'll trek through towns like Grand Forks and howl-hunting haven Devils Lake when you take it.
This 32-mile stretch of beautiful highway is aptly named The Enchanted Highway. Lined with the world's biggest scrap metal sculptures, it was designed to re-ignite tourist interest in small towns like Regent, where the highway begins. You can stop your North Dakota rental car at each sculpture to take photos, and you'll encounter vast swaths of beautiful farm country in the process. You'll find the Enchanted Highway at exit 72 on the I-94.