At some point in most people’s lives, the thought of a road trip has probably crossed their mind. Packing up the car and heading out across the country is a great American pastime, and the routes are endless. Take a road trip through California history on the Historic Missions Trail between San Diego and Sonoma. You can even follow in the footsteps of the pioneers and take in the Oregon scenery along the historic Barlow Road, a wagon trail. But there’s one road trip route that’s often overlooked: Highway 83.
This lonely cross-country route takes intrepid drivers along the forgotten prairies of the Dakotas and the windswept, uninhabited meadows of Nebraska and Kansas, eventually winding to the Rio Grande floodplain at the southern tip of Texas, earning it the nickname “Road to Nowhere.” In fact, the nickname seems unreasonably harsh—highway maps from a bygone era refer to this route as the “Great Plains Highway,” which connected the historic trail between Canada and “Old Mexico.” While you might be wondering what excitement you might get out of traveling on the Road to Nowhere, this quiet part of the United States offers plenty of worthy detours.
A short trip on this north-south, deserted road, past historic monuments and sleepy towns, is one of those experiences you won’t want to miss. Pass through the remains of Native American villages in North Dakota, and stop to admire the jagged peaks of South Dakota Badlands National Park. On the edge of the Kansas border lies Liberty, considered the home of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. In central Texas, Highway 83 forms a crossroads in the heart of Eden, the gateway to Hill Country adventure. Filled with miles of excitement, Road to Nowhere is sure to be an unforgettable trip.
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Sightseeing stops along North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska
Landscape near North Platte, Nebraska – Don Mammoser/Shutterstock
Whether you start your road trip from the Canadian border or in South Texas, Highway 83 can take you on a small-town adventure. When driving through North Dakota, don’t miss a stop in Minot, a small community full of quaint charm. Visit the warplane exhibit at the Dakota Territory Aviation Museum (open seasonally) or hike the grassy hills surrounding the Souris River at the Minot Outdoor Recreation Area. Head downtown to refuel, whether it’s a drink at Ebenezer’s Eatery & Irish Pub or a hearty burger in the lively atmosphere of Ironhorse Kitchen & Bar.
As the Road to Nowhere turns toward South Dakota, take a quick detour and stand on the windswept prairie surrounding Sitting Bull’s Grave. In a controversial move, the Teton Sioux’s legendary resistance leader was buried there, with a stately statue at the site. Return to Highway 83 and drive to Pierre, the state capital. Anglers can fish at LaFramboise Island Nature Area, a forested sandbar rising from the middle of the Missouri River. Dip your toes into the island’s tranquil beaches and hike the forest trails once trodden by intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark.
Driving into the heart of Nebraska, the Road to Nowhere passes through North Platte, where pioneer tradition meets modern excitement. Jump into the North Platte River for a paddling adventure, or head to Lake Maloney for a picnic on the shore. Explore the historic ranch where Buffalo Bill settled or take a photo with a vintage locomotive at the Cody Park Railroad Museum. As you near the Kansas border, stop in McCook to visit the High Plains Museum, where thousands of artifacts reveal the region’s fascinating history.
Exciting stops while driving through Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas
Kansas Libertarian Party welcome sign – Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock
Driving through Kansas’ seemingly endless green prairies explains why Highway 83 has earned the nickname “The Road to Nowhere.” Follow in the footsteps of Buffalo Bill and visit Oakley, a quiet town that witnessed a legendary moment in Wild West history. At the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center, learn how pioneer William Cody became known as “Buffalo Bill.” Take the time to explore the themed exhibits that make this “[a] Google reviews say this is the perfect stop for travelers passing through.
Continue driving until you reach the charming town of Liberal, Kansas, where Highway 83 turns into the Yellow Brick Road. Meet Dorothy, take photos with the Tin Man, and follow the Yellow Brick Road to Dorothy’s home, the Emerald City and the Land of Oz, known as[a] “Amazing Journey” in Google Reviews. Enjoy dinner at BrickHouse BBQ & Brew, the highest-rated restaurant on Tripadvisor. From there, Highway 83 cuts through the Oklahoma Panhandle, where you can take a detour to the Optima National Wildlife Refuge to hike through the wilderness and spot wildlife among the prairies.
Across the border, the vast plains of central Texas stretched ahead. Highway 83 passes through quaint towns such as Canada and Wheeler, all the way to Clover, a charming city with unique attractions. Continue south to Ballinger, where the Main Street soda fountain attracts locals and drifters alike for a hearty meal. Take a refreshing dip in the Frio River at Garner State Park, then continue to the bustling center of Laredo on the Rio Grande River. Street food carts line up and luxury hotels lure weary road travelers. It may be called “The Road to Nowhere,” but it leads to unforgettable moments.
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