The Strangest Road Names in North Dakota and How They Got Them
Driving through North Dakota, you might find yourself chuckling or scratching your head at some of the offbeat names adorning road signs. These quirky names often have deep roots tied to the state’s history, geography, or local personalities. If you’re intrigued by how these names came to be, a perfect starting point is Medora, a small town nestled in the southwestern corner of the state, about 70 miles south of Dickinson. The town itself sits near the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where you can explore the scenic Painted Canyon Overlook. Here, the winding roads snake alongside rugged badlands, reminding visitors of the wild history that shaped this land. One oddly named road, “Souris River Road,” nearby, takes its name from the Souris River flowing through the region, but “Souris” actually means “mouse” in French, a nod to the small rodents early French explorers noted. Walking the Painted Canyon Trail gives visitors a first-hand feel for the natural forces that shaped the terrain alongside these quirky roadways, especially spectacular in late spring when wildflowers bloom.
In the eastern part of the state, Fargo offers a different flavor. About 230 miles east of Medora, Fargo’s urban grid presents some puzzling road names reflecting its immigrant heritage. One particularly strange name is “12th Avenue North,” which runs through the historic district just north of downtown. At first glance, it seems normal, but the nearby “University Drive” was once called “Aggie’s Avenue,” after the North Dakota Agricultural College, now North Dakota State University. The quirky transformation of names here traces the city’s evolution from a college town to a modern hub. While wandering around the Plains Art Museum, a short walk from University Drive, you can see local art that often reflects Fargo’s layered history and diverse culture, adding context to why names change with time and identity. The best time to visit Fargo is during the vibrant summer months when outdoor art festivals enliven the streets and the bitter winter winds are but a memory.
Heading northwest, the town of Rugby, about 90 miles north of Grand Forks, claims the title of the geographical center of North America. Rugby’s streets tell stories through their names, including “Third Street Northeast,” which might seem straightforward until you realize the town was carefully laid out in a grid to accommodate railroad expansion. The “End of Steel” road nearby commemorates the spot where the Great Northern Railway tracks once ended, a nod to the town’s railroad heritage. Exploring the Rugby Town Square Park offers a peaceful break, with benches and historical markers detailing this railroad past. The town’s roads serve as a living museum of infrastructure ambitions from the early 20th century. Autumn provides a magical backdrop here, as the surrounding fields turn golden, making the historical markers and road signs stand out against the changing landscape.
Further west, Bismarck, the state capital located roughly halfway between Fargo and Medora, offers some of the most unusual road names tied to the state’s Native American heritage. Near the Missouri River, you’ll find “Mandan Road,” named after the Mandan tribe historically settled in the area. This road leads you toward the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, about 10 miles south of downtown Bismarck. There, visitors can walk along the reconstructed Custer House Trail and explore the military outpost where George Armstrong Custer once lived. The road’s name serves as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry and often fraught history between settlers and indigenous peoples. Visiting in late spring or early summer is ideal, when the park’s greenery is lush and the river is accessible for kayaking or fishing, enhancing the connection to the land that inspired such names.
In the heart of the Turtle Mountains, near the Canadian border about 75 miles northwest of Grand Forks, lies Bottineau, a town surrounded by lakes and rolling hills. Roads like “Peace Garden Drive” honor the International Peace Garden, a serene green space straddling the U.S.-Canada border just a short drive from town. The road’s name celebrates international friendship, a stark contrast to some of North Dakota’s more rugged place names. The Peace Garden itself features beautiful flower displays and a chapel, inviting visitors to reflect on peace and unity. Hiking the nearby Turtle Mountains State Forest trails offers a lush respite, especially vibrant in early fall when the leaves turn fiery shades of orange and red. The unique blend of natural beauty and symbolic place names here makes for a memorable visit.
Moving to the Red River Valley, the town of Wahpeton, located about 90 miles south of Fargo along the Minnesota border, showcases roads named after Dakota Sioux leaders and legends. “Dakota Avenue” cuts through the town, leading towards the Red River Zoo, where visitors can see native wildlife like bison and river otters. The road names serve as living tributes to the region’s original inhabitants, offering a chance to learn about local indigenous history while exploring the zoo’s trails and exhibits. The zoo’s compact design makes it ideal for families and casual explorers, and springtime brings baby animals and blooming gardens, making the experience especially delightful.
Finally, near the northern edge of the state, the small town of Minot lies approximately 100 miles northwest of Grand Forks. Here, the “Magic City” nickname is reflected in some surprisingly whimsical road names, like “Broadway North,” which once marked the town’s original main street during its rapid boom thanks to the railroad and oil discoveries. The Roosevelt Park Zoo is a nearby gem where families can stroll and enjoy animals from around the world, making it a natural stop on any road trip through the area. Summer evenings in Minot often feature local festivals and open-air concerts near these main roads, highlighting how a place’s spirit can be captured in its street names.
Whether tracing the legacy of indigenous peoples, honoring pioneers and railroads, or celebrating peace and international friendship, North Dakota’s road names are windows into its diverse stories. Each marked path invites travelers to dig deeper, explore the landscapes, and connect with the unique character of this quietly fascinating state.