What started as one man’s dream to save his fading hometown has grown into one of the most surprising attractions in the state.
Gary Greff, a former school principal in Regent, began building massive metal sculptures along the otherwise empty stretch of County Highway 21 in 1989. His goal was simple: give drivers a reason to turn off the interstate, visit Regent, and hopefully breathe new life into the community.
The result is a whimsical trail of roadside giants, from geese that seem to fly over the prairie to a towering family made of tin. Each installation along the Enchanted Highway has its own theme and story, with ample space to park, walk around, and take photos.
Beyond the fun visuals, this highway serves as a poignant reminder of how art, community, and determination can completely transform the trajectory of a small rural town.
The Enchanted Highway is one of America’s quirkiest and most unforgettable road trips, tucked away in southwestern North Dakota.
History and purpose
The Enchanted Highway stretches for 32 miles between the small town of Regent and the I-94 exit near Gladstone in southwestern North Dakota.
It began as a personal mission by Gary Greff, a local teacher and artist, who wanted to prevent his hometown of Regent from disappearing by drawing in visitors with something unique. He started work in 1989, creating massive scrap metal sculptures that would become known as some of the largest in the world.
Greff’s project gradually gained attention, and in 2019, the state even allocated $75,000 to help maintain the sculptures. The route follows County Highway 21, winding through open farmlands, rolling hills, and scenic prairie views, with clearly marked pullouts and picnic stops near each installation.
The most iconic sculpture, “Geese in Flight,” is visible from the interstate and has even earned a Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest scrap metal sculpture.
In 2012, Greff opened the Enchanted Castle in Regent, a themed motel and tavern that adds a medieval twist to the journey. The castle, complete with a drawbridge and themed suites, helps generate income to support the upkeep of the sculptures.
Additional funds also come from a gift shop in town and generous donations from visitors who want to keep this road trip alive for future travelers.
The sculptures to see
There are eight completed sculptures along the Enchanted Highway, each with its theme and story, plus more in progress.
The earliest, “The Tin Family,” features a smiling father, mother, and child towering above the prairie, while others like “Pheasants on the Prairie,” “Deer Crossing,” and “Grasshoppers in the Field” celebrate local wildlife in gigantic proportions. These sculptures, built from scrap metal and painted in bright colors, blend creativity with rural pride in a way that surprises every visitor.
The “Geese in Flight” installation is the tallest at 110 feet high and spans 154 feet across, making it impossible to miss as you drive by. “Deer Crossing” features a life-sized buck and doe frozen mid-leap over golden grasslands, while the “Grasshoppers” stand at a towering 60 feet, looking like mechanical giants grazing in the fields.
Other highlights include “Fisherman’s Dream,” where a giant fish leaps from a stylized water base, and “Teddy Roosevelt Rides Again,” which honors the former president’s connection to North Dakota with a massive horse-and-rider silhouette.
A newer installation, ‘Sir Albert and the Dragon,’ is still in progress and may include interactive features once completed. Each site includes its pull-off area with space to park, take photos, and walk around the sculptures for a closer view. Altogether, the installations form an unforgettable outdoor art gallery set against North Dakota’s vast and quiet landscapes.
What to expect on the drive
Driving the Enchanted Highway is more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s an immersive experience that stretches across 32 miles of rural North Dakota. You start at I-94’s exit 72 near Gladstone and follow the signs heading south through wide-open spaces to Regent. Along the way, you’ll pass each sculpture one by one, with spots to pull over, take photos, and enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of nowhere.
Most travelers recommend budgeting two to three hours to fully enjoy the drive and take in all the sights. Each sculpture is spaced several miles apart, giving you time to relax and take in the scenery between stops. You’ll drive through golden fields, see rolling hills in the distance, and probably spot wildflowers or even a few deer if you’re lucky.
When you reach Regent, the Enchanted Castle offers a themed place to stay with dining options and a medieval flair. Gift shops along the way sell miniature versions of the sculptures and local souvenirs. While the road is well maintained, it’s wise to fuel up and bring water and snacks, since services are limited along this stretch.
Tips for visiting
To get the most out of your trip, it helps to plan and know a few things about the route. Start your adventure at “Geese in Flight,” since it’s just off the interstate and sets the tone for the drive. Then head south toward Regent, taking your time to enjoy each site along the way.
Keep an eye out for smaller turnouts, especially near sculptures like “Teddy Roosevelt Rides Again,” which sits near a blind hill and is easy to miss. Wear comfortable shoes so you can walk around the installations, many of which have paths or grassy areas to explore. Summer storms can roll in quickly, so check the weather and be prepared for wind or sudden showers.
Bring along sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water, as there are no convenience stores between Gladstone and Regent. If you want to make a day of it, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the many rest areas near the sculptures. Supporting local businesses, such as the gift shop or the Enchanted Castle, helps maintain the artwork and keeps the highway open for everyone.
Why it matters
The Enchanted Highway is more than just a roadside attraction; it’s a story of small-town resilience, creativity, and hope. Gary Greff’s work has turned what could have been a forgotten place into a destination known across the country. Each sculpture represents the power of individual effort to create something lasting and meaningful.
Over the years, the highway has brought thousands of vehicles to Regent that may never have visited otherwise. That traffic supports local businesses, encourages tourism, and reminds people that innovation doesn’t always come from cities or big money. It’s grassroots public art, built not for fame or fortune, but to keep a community alive.
Beyond its impact on Regent, the highway is a celebration of North Dakota itself, its wildlife, landscapes, and heritage. It offers a unique break from more crowded national parks or city-based attractions. Here, art meets nature and nostalgia, and the result is something truly one-of-a-kind.
TL;DR
- The Enchanted Highway is a 32-mile folk-art road trip in rural North Dakota.
- Seven massive sculptures made from scrap metal line the drive from I-94 to Regent.
- The highway was built by Gary Greff to revive his hometown and attract visitors.
- “Geese in Flight” holds a Guinness World Record and is visible from the interstate.
- You can walk around each sculpture and enjoy picnic stops, photo ops, and local souvenirs.
- The route offers a peaceful and creative escape perfect for summer travel.
- Supporting local stops like the Enchanted Castle helps keep this quirky gem alive.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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