History – Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway

The mission of the Old Red Trail Committee is for recreational, historical and economic revitalization in the communities along Highway 10 from Mandan to Richardton, ND, by creating awareness of the Old Red Trail as an alternative to Interstate travel in western North Dakota.

In early 2006, citizens from Morton and Stark Counties met to discuss the possibility of creating a state Scenic Byway that would bring travelers off of the intestate to visit the local towns and inject dollars into the local economies.

The route begins at the Mandan Depot on Main Street and travels west to Dickinson, spanning two North Dakota Counties. Communities in Morton County are Mandan, New Salem, Almont/Sims, Glen Ullin, and Hebron. Communities in Stark Cunty are Richardton, Tyalor, Gladstone, and Dickinson.

The extensive Corridor Management Plan was completed and submitted to the ND Parks & Recreation Department in 2007. ND DOT Director’s Task Force then evaluated the nomination, and the ND DOT Director made the final decision on the application. In 2008, the Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway was approved as the state’s 10th Scenic Byway.

Each city along the trail has its own unique story and proud history, as shared at the links below.

The Keogh and Custer Trails are also a part of the Old Red Trail’s history.