I believe the route “around the world” started at least as far back as the 1970’s. It’s a route along a set of narrow, windy gravel county roads west of Mandan. I’m told that stoners used to drive this route and do their thing; I can’t attest to that. In fact, I never even heard it called “Around the World” until a few years ago.

My first encounter was actually part of a mountain biking trip. In the early 1990s during the Bike Route store’s heyday there were lots of neat organized rides. One such destination was at a big chunk of beautiful land called “The World” by local bikers. I’d heard about the place but never been there. So I threw my bike in my truck and followed some guys out there.

As it turns out, “The World” is land that had been owned by my best friend until about 1987! It’s a beautiful parcel with a valley below, a big cedar A-frame house facing the southwest…and open to mountain bikers! It was a fun realization…and incredible biking. And while nobody could tell me why it was called “The World,” I think we can connect the dots here.

But “Around the World” still hadn’t occurred to me. What is it? Well, it’s basically a dirt road that takes you from Highway 10, about 10 miles west of Mandan, to Highway 6, about 5 miles south of Mandan. Head west on Highway 10. When you reach County Road 83 at the top of a hill, take a left and off you go. Be careful, though. The road is narrow in places, windy with blind corners, and has some steep dropoffs too. Oncoming traffic is NOT easy to see in many parts of this road.

It seems like you’re on your way to the Black Hills, but it’s really not that far of a drive. You will know you’re on the right track when you pass this, the Sweet Briar school. Yes, I believe it’s still in use. It was in the 1980’s.

Follow the road for quite a while until it curves west. At this point it technically becomes County Road 138. At this point you’re Mandan bound again. There are several intersections, but don’t be tempted to turn on any of them or it could be a long day. If you see a sign indicating County Road 83 again, don’t take it. Stay on the road you’re on.

You’ll pass this abandoned farmstead. Every time I see one of these I have to stop and take a picture, even at night like this one. (The benefits of a good camera – shots in low light that look good.) This one was taken just after sunset on a cloudy evening, thus the color.

A short while later due east and ta da! — County Road 138 intersects Highway 6 right beside the Mandan Airport. You’ll see the rotating white/green beacon as you approach. Then just hop Highway 6 back into town, and you’re driven Around the World!