The Great Northern is a route that features nearly 3,600 miles of mountains, lakes, badlands and valleys. This epic cross-country road trip closely parallels US-2. U.S. Route 2 (also known as U.S. Highway 2) was nicknamed "The Great Northern" in commemoration of the the historic transcontinental railroad that helped pioneer the settlement of the West. Highway 2 is the Northernmost east-west route in the country, and driving it continuously will even take you into Canada! Plus, as one of America's longest transcontinental road trips, you'll enjoy unsurpassed scenery as you journey from coast to coast, bisecting the North American continent, just like Lewis and Clark over a century ago.
20 Bent Wire Road, Southwest Harbor, Maine, United States
The Northeast is dotted with classic diners, each more delicious and friendly than the next. The A1 Diner in Gardiner, ME, is a chrome car that adds authentic 1940's vibes that you can enjoy while you eat your All-American food. Try the grilled blueberry muffin... you are in Maine, after all!
Stop by Lynchville, ME's World Traveler Sign! It's a quick little photo op to remind you of how far you've come...and how much of the world there is left to see!
There's nothing we love more than exploring quaint small towns, and staying at the Monadnock B&B is the perfect home base for checking out Colebrook, NH.
The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a replica of the Notre Dame in Paris, and is the perfect way to learn about Montreal's French history. Note that the stained glass windows on this basilica actually depict scenes from the religious history of Montreal instead of Biblical scenes!
Amazing bagels outside New York? It's true, they exist! Whether you want one plain, with a healthy schmear of cream cheese, or topped with lox, you'll want to grab a few for snacks later on from Fairmount Bagels.
The Montreal Botanical Garden is huge, and literally every square inch is gorgeous. From the Rose Garden to the Chinese and Japanese Gardens to the arboretum and the collection of rare orchids, you'll find yourself in pure, natural bliss. Plus, you can visit the always-interesting Insectarium, and the garden is close to the Olympic Stadium as well.
Canada has a fascinating history with space and aviation that doesn't often get the attention it deserves. A guided tour of the massive Canada Aviation and Space Museum is the perfect way to brush up on the coolest parts of Canadian aviation.
Kick back and get a burger and a pint at the 140-year-old grist mill-turned-brewpub, Mill Street Brew Pub. Even though this is the second location for the Mill Street Brew Pub, you can find beers here on tap that you can't find anywhere else, and the setting is perfection.
Normally, you want to avoid spending the night in the slammer, but the Ottawa Jail Hostel is just too cool to pass up. Sleep in a bunk bed in a jail cell, enjoy the mug shot decor, grab a drink in the jail bar, and have fun!
via Regional Road 15
The Museum Ship Valley Camp in Sault Ste. Marie is an old Great Lakes freighter that's been turned into a massive museum with over 100 exhibits! There's also an observation tower where you can take in the views of the bustling shipping channel. What better way to learn about the history of Sault Ste. Marie than here?
When you're ready for a bite to eat hit up Roxane's Smokehouse Restaurant. Don't stress yourself out trying to decide which of the smoked meats to order off the menu: split the combo platter and enjoy it all. Or, if you're a breakfast-all-day kinda person, the smoked brisket omelette is a revelation. Top if off with a slice of classic banana cream pie!
Michigan boasts tons of awesome waterfalls, and the Upper Tahquamenon Falls are no exception. This park has inspired tons of people too, from poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to hipster singer Sufjan Stevens.
Next up is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Along this gorgeous lakeshore, you'll find sand dunes, caves, waterfalls, and more. Whether you're exploring on foot or on a kayak, you won't find a more memorable lake landscape.
Lakenenland Sculpture Park in Marquette, MI is free and open 24 hours. This wonderland filled with whimsical sculptures by a local welder is absolutely enchanting. You can fish in the pond, cook s'mores over the fire, or enjoy the live music they have on occasion.
We love roadside kitsch, and the self-proclaimed Da Yoopers Tourist Trap off Highway 41 definitely fits the bill. Cheesy and tacky but still amusing, it's free to walk around this joint dedicated to Michigan's U.P. (Upper Peninsula), and browse their silly gift shop.
If you need to stretch your legs, Canyon Falls Roadside Park in L'Anse, MI is an easy, 20-minute-or-so hike. The trail takes you through mossy canyons to a lovely waterfall, which makes it a super rejuvenating way to take a break from driving.
Sidnaw Eats prides itself on its casual and tasty food served to you by incredibly friendly locals! Grab some coffee and pie here for the road.
The rustic, woodsy-themed Barnes Trading Post Wilderness Inn is simple, but super cozy. Log furniture, a secluded location, good amenities, and an on-site restaurant make this a peaceful place to rest for the night.
Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe is a little farm-to-table eatery that takes fresh, local ingredients and gives them an international flair. Veggie and vegan-friendly options, a full-service bar, and breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner menus mean you can enjoy the flavor whenever.
The best time of year for a Great Northern road trip is late spring, summer and early fall. Since you're traveling along the northern part of the states, weather definitely will play a role in your trip. Also, consider getting a National Park pass if you plan on hitting up several national parks along the way, because it will definitely save you money.
