Regent | USA North Dakota

Regent is an incorporated city in Hettinger County, North Dakota, located approximately 50 km south of Interstate 94. Known as the "Sculpture Capital of the Prairie," it is defined by its role as the southern terminus of the Enchanted Highway and its transformation from a declining rail town into a world-renowned roadside attraction.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited by the Lakota and Mandan. Founded in 1910 as a stop on the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad; named "Regent" with the hope of attracting the county seat. For decades, it functioned as a quiet agricultural shipping point. A critical historical event began in 1989, when local school principal Gary Greff conceived of a massive sculpture project to save the town from economic obsolescence. In 2012, the city's old high school was converted into a medieval-themed hotel, further solidifying Regent's tourism identity. In 2026, it serves as a primary example of rural community revitalization through public art.

Demographics & Population

The 2026 population is approximately 165. The demographics are predominantly White (94%), with a small Asian minority (4.5%). The median age is approximately 40. The economy is driven by Agriculture and Heritage Tourism, supplemented by service jobs at the Enchanted Castle and regional hunting outfitters.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Regent is a compact grid surrounded by rolling prairie and buttes.

Main Street: The primary commercial corridor, featuring the Enchanted Highway gift shop, a local tavern, and a steakhouse.

The Sculpture District: The northern entrance to the city where the "Tin Family" monument resides.

Museum District: Located on the western edge, housing the city’s historical archives.

Enchanted Square: The central area dominated by the repurposed high school/castle hotel.

Top City Landmarks

The Enchanted Highway: A 51-kilometer stretch of road featuring seven of the world's largest scrap-metal sculptures, including "Geese in Flight" (a Guinness World Record holder).

The World’s Largest Tin Family: Located at the southern end of the highway in Regent; the family's "mother" stands 44 feet tall.

The Enchanted Castle Hotel: A medieval-themed luxury inn and tavern created from the town's former high school, featuring knights, dragons, and drawbridge aesthetics.

Hettinger County Historical Society Museum: A multi-building complex detailing pioneer life, early prairie medicine, and the region's agricultural evolution.

The "Sir Albert and the Dragon" Sculpture: One of the most recent and intricate additions to Gary Greff’s collection, located near the hotel.

Regent Gift Shop: The operational hub for the Enchanted Highway, selling miniatures of the giant sculptures and local crafts.

Transportation Network

Movement is exclusively automotive. The city is the southern terminus of the Enchanted Highway (un-numbered county road) and is accessible via ND-21. There is no public transit. Commercial air service is via Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional (DIK), 60 km northwest.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high; crime is statistically negligible. There are no "red zones." Environmental hazards include extreme prairie winds, severe winter blizzards, and summer heat. Drivers on the Enchanted Highway are cautioned to use designated pull-outs for photos to avoid blocking agricultural machinery.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speeds average 100–300 Mbps with fiber availability via local cooperatives. Main mobile carriers are Verizon and AT&T (service can be intermittent in the coulees between sculptures). Card acceptance is universal at tourism sites. North Dakota has no state income tax.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -16°C to -3°C in winter and 16°C to 31°C in summer. The "High Plains" terrain results in high visibility and frequent dramatic sunsets. Air quality is pristine.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 20%. A "Friendly-Whimsical" greeting is standard. Dress codes are "Casual-Western." The city is culturally defined by "The Gary Greff Vision," a deep sense of Community Persistence, and its reputation as a "Hunter's Paradise" during pheasant season.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.25 (USD)

1 Standard Lunch: $14.50 (USD)

1 Hotel Stay (Enchanted Castle): $130–$180 (USD).

Nearby Day Trips

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: (100 km northwest; iconic Badlands scenery).

Mott, ND: (25 km east; known for its pedal tractor museum).

Dickinson, ND: (65 km north; a major regional center and museum hub).

Facts & Legends

Gary Greff, the creator of the sculptures, had no background in welding or art before starting the project; he was taught by local farmers. Historically, the town "stole" its name from a nearby proposed site to sound more prestigious. A local legend involves the "Castle Knights," with visitors claiming the armor in the hotel hallways seems to shift positions during the night. Another legend suggests that the "Tin Family" eyes (made from tractor hubs) follow travelers as they drive into town.