Sure, you could say I’m a bit of a road trip junkie, even in the winter when the snow adds that extra sprinkle of “adventure” (or “slip-and-slide,” depending on your driving skills). There’s something wildly freeing about hitting the road with a destination in mind but no clue how you’re getting there. Some of my best memories involve random pit stops, chats with the nicest strangers, and stumbling upon hidden gems you’d never find in a guidebook.

Take my recent impromptu road trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota for the 84th Sturgis Bike Rally, for instance. I’m a sucker for good people-watching, and let me tell you, the Sturgis Bike Rally is like the Super Bowl of people-watching — though I barely left Deadwood because that’s a whole vibe on its own. But that’s not what this month’s tale is about. Nope, this story is about a little slice of magic I discovered on a 32-mile stretch of highway just south of I-94 at Exit 72.

Now, for years, I’ve been zooming by the “Geese in Flight” display on the interstate, giving it the classic nod of “Oh, neat,” as I sped past. But on this trip, I decided to finally pull over and see what the fuss was about. And let me tell you, it’s more than just a giant, quirky Midwest roadside attraction. It’s a love letter to North Dakota.

The Enchanted Highway began as a wild dream cooked up by artist Gary Greff back in 1989. He figured if he could just get people to hop off the interstate and roll into his hometown of Regent, maybe — just maybe — he could give the local economy a little boost while celebrating the farmers, ranchers, and wide-open prairies that make this place so special. The kicker? Gary didn’t know the first thing about welding, but with the help of over three dozen local farmers, he made it happen.

The Geese in Flight is the largest of the welded features along North Dakota’s Enchanted Highway.

The first piece, “Tin Family” (featuring mom, dad, and son), was pieced together from scrap farm tanks, telephone poles, barbed wire, and augers, standing proud at 45 feet tall by 1991.

Since then, six other installations have popped up along the highway, with a seventh on the way. My favorite? The biggest of them all, “Geese in Flight.” Maybe it’s because I’m a bit of a bird nerd, or maybe it’s because it was the reason I finally pulled off the beaten path. But mostly, it’s because it reminded me of the incredible people who call this state home.

Gary’s dream didn’t just pull people off the interstate – it built a legacy that generations will cherish. If you haven’t yet made the trek to Regent, I highly recommend adding it to your road trip list. It’s a slice of North Dakota magic you don’t want to miss.

Miranda Schuler is a long-time Minot resident and lifelong North Dakotan. In Our Backyard is her unique perspective on her travels, conversations and experiences.