An outstanding alternative to US-83 between Bismarck and the South Dakota border is the narrow but well-maintained Hwy-1806, which meanders along the Missouri River taking in views of great hillocks and easy bluffs off to the left, or scintillating blue water ribboning beneath stark-white, standing-driftwood trees. Round a bend and you’ll see a lagoon or a morass. Or admire a great panorama of 2,000-foot buttes to the west, all the way across the state line. Be sure to fill up on gas and supplies before you set off since it’s a 100-mile drive with few services along the way.
