It runs from U.S. Route 281 (US 281) west of Fort Totten to ND 20 near Camp Grafton.

ND 57 begins at an intersection with US 281 in Benson County and starts east toward Fort Totten along a two-lane road.

A few miles east of this intersection, the route turns northeast and enters Fort Totten.

After leaving Fort Totten, ND 57 crosses Devils Lake for the first time, entering the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve upon returning to land, but leaving the preserve shortly after.

The route continues to travel east, curving along the shore of the lake until reaching a small island that is home to a casino.