Getting Around
The 83, the 200, the 1804 and the section lines.
Home / Getting Around
Washburn
≈ 40 min from BismarckCounty seat on the Missouri, and the county's front door for history — the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan.
Underwood
≈ 15 min northA real main street a block off the highway. The best short leg-stretch on the route.
Coleharbor
≈ 10 min northWhere the highway crosses between the two lakes. The Audubon refuge and its driving loop are right here.
The lake town — boats, bait, a giant walleye, and Fort Stevenson State Park on the shore south of town.
Max
≈ 15 min northLast town before the county lets go of the road. Open country to Minot from here.
US 83 · south to north · times are rough estimates at highway speed, wind and grain trucks not included.
When the driving is worth it
Pavement is pavement most of the year. The gravel grid and the weather are what actually decide your route.
Spring
Soft gravelThe two-lanes are fine; the section lines can be soft or outright muddy, and frost heave shows up on the older pavement. Stay on the numbered roads if it has been wet.
Summer
Everything openDry roads and long daylight — the season for taking the 1804 along the water or dropping onto the gravel grid without much thought.
Fall
Best drivingThe best light of the year and comfortable temperatures. Harvest means grain trucks: give them the whole road, because they need it.
Winter
Check firstGround blizzards close roads with little notice, and it is the wind that closes them, not the snowfall. Check conditions with the state before you set out.
Drive times in this section are rough estimates at highway speed. Wind, gravel detours and grain trucks are not included. The wind is a feature — read that before you plan around it.
Where to Stop Between Bismarck and Minot
The good way north, and it costs you about an hour.
The Other Roads
ND 200 through the grain, ND 1804 along the water, and the gravel grid.
Honest Driving Times
Town to town at highway speed, wind and grain trucks not included.