Homesteaders Museum | Torrington

The Enchanted Highway is a series of large metal sculptures located along a 32-mile stretch of rural road in North Dakota. It extends between the towns of Regent and Gladstone.

Visual Characteristics

The sculptures are constructed from welded metal, primarily steel, and are painted in various colors, often metallic silver or rust tones. They depict a range of subjects, including animals, historical figures, and abstract forms. The largest sculpture, "Geese in Flight," measures 110 feet long and 60 feet high. The sculptures are situated in open prairie landscapes.

Location & Access Logistics

The Enchanted Highway is accessible via Interstate 94. Take Exit 72 for Gladstone or Exit 61 for Regent. The sculptures are located along County Road 13, which connects these two towns. The total length of the route is approximately 32 miles. There are designated pull-off areas and small parking lots at each sculpture site. No public transport services operate directly to the sculptures.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Enchanted Highway project was conceived and largely built by Gary and Mavis Greff, local residents, beginning in 1989. The original purpose was to attract visitors and economic development to the sparsely populated region. The sculptures are situated within the mixed-grass prairie ecosystem of the Great Plains.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can drive the length of the highway, stopping at each sculpture for viewing and photography. Specific sculptures include "The Grasshopper," "The Deer," "The Fisherman," "The Farmer's Daughter," "The Teddy Bear," and "Geese in Flight." Each site has a small pull-off area for parking.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restroom facilities are limited and primarily available in the towns of Regent and Gladstone. Shade is minimal at the sculpture sites, with most being in open fields. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is inconsistent along the highway and may be unavailable in certain sections. Food vendors are not present at the sculpture sites; options are available in Regent and Gladstone.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light casts long shadows and highlights the metal textures. The best months for visiting are from May through October, avoiding winter conditions. There are no tide requirements.

Facts & Legends

The largest sculpture, "Geese in Flight," is recognized as the world's largest scrap metal sculpture. The project was funded through private donations and grants, with the Greffs investing significant personal resources.

Nearby Landmarks

• Regent Main Street (0.5km West)
• Gladstone City Park (1.0km East)
• Hettinger County Historical Society Museum (15km Southwest)
• Shields River (20km North)
• Lake Tschida (30km Southeast)