Oxbow Overlook

Oxbow Overlook sits along the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit Scenic Byway at an elevation of 2,400 feet, facing 150 degrees toward the south-southeast. The terrain drops 393 feet within 600 meters of the overlook. Flat Top Butte is visible to the south-southwest, 11.1 miles away, rising to 2,704 feet. An accessible sidewalk with interpretive waysides leads to the vista, which looks out over the meandering Little Missouri River, lined with cottonwood trees and surrounded by buttes. The overlook takes its name from the oxbow meander pattern occurring in the river, a common feature along this free-flowing waterway where flood cycles continually shift its course. Watford City lies 15.6 miles to the north-northeast, Sidney is 34.2 miles to the west-northwest, and Killdeer is 35.9 miles to the east-southeast. Sunrise and sunset times vary through the year, ranging from a 5:57 a.m. sunrise at the June solstice to an 8:40 a.m. sunrise at the December solstice. This overlook marks the end of the North Unit Scenic Drive, following Bentonitic Clay Overlook along the route.