You need to get off at the rest stop in order to see this. I wonder how many people ride right by it not realizing how instantly the park becomes completely beautiful. It is breathtaking. I have seen the Grand Canyon and true, nothing natural that I'v seen can compare to that, but this was still mindblowingly fantastic. There is a nice hike you can down down in the canyon, but not for the faint of heart and don't wear flip flops. We saw buffalo and took some great photos. This park is beautiful and I am also surprised that it is not as well known as it should be. This is a lot like South Dakota's Badlands, but there is more greenery.
There's no reason not to make a stop here. The Visitor Center is the rest area. From there you can take a hike, see wild bison, browse the gift shop, view National Parks Service videos, and get you National Parks passport stamped. There is also a fountain to fill your water bottles with filtered water.
This is not only a "visitor center" but also a rest stop. It is absolutely beautiful! It is right off of I-94 and if you are driving by, definitely stop!
On our way to Medora, ND, we stopped at the Painted Canyon overlook and were very happy we did. The view is beautiful and the Canyon bears it's name well. This is more than just a rest stop to stretch your legs. Also, the history of the site with Theodore Roosevelt evokes images of the past. A must see if you are in this part of North Dakota.
A lucky accident to find this great stop, and if you are more lucky will even see the buffalo. A place we will visit again when we have more time.
Wow!!! driving along the I-94 in North Dakota, getting bored we were going to past this rest stop, which had a sign saying scenic view, the last one that had a sign like that we stopped it was a great view. As I was passing the sign, I noticed through some trees this amazing view of the badlands, I immediately pulled into the rest stop. Thank God I did, what a view, we took so many pictures, we even planned on returning on our return trip next week, and spending some time travelling the walking trails and traveling the back country to get a better more upclose look at these lands. Totally awesome!!
My husband and I stumbled across this overlook by accident about a decade ago, on this trip through North Dakota we set aside time to stop and explore. This is not your average rest stop! The rangers at the visitor center were friendly and helpful - the store was not extensive but had more than expected. Our family did the quick canyon loop (about a mile) and it was a ton of fun and didn't take too long - definitely worth the stop!
The painted valley visitor visitor center is an easy exit to make from the interstate. I stopped here after spending two days at the park and was on my way to Bismarck, North Dakota. it was a scenic view and perfect ending to my time in this gorgeous intriguing area.
Wear the right shoes so you can walk the loop. It was so quiet and peaceful. We saw a bison. Don't miss it!
The views of Painted Canyon from the overlook are spectacular. The hike into the canyon, however, is something to be missed. Instead, enjoy a hike on the Wind Canyon Trail within the park.