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.
Mystery Houses are a classic roadside stop, and the Montana Vortex and House of Mystery in Columbia Falls has been bending brains since the 1970's. Once you step inside, forget everything you learned in high school physics, because gravity will appear to stop working, you'll be able to see your aura, and you can soak up the healing energy from the labyrinth.
Definitely plan on spending at least a day exploring Glacier National Park. You'll want to drive along the Going-To-The-Sun Road, and take a boat tour on one of the park's stunningly clear glacial lakes at the very least. Plus, be on the lookout for the adorable mountain goats and huckleberries along the way (you can pick up to a quart to carry out for road snacks!)
Over in Browning, get ready for another roadside icon. The Big Lodge Espresso Tipi is a coffee shop that doesn't rest on its distinctive digs to bring in customers: it actually makes a mean latte, and is the perfect place to fuel up while spending lots of time on the road.
Lewis and Clark made a journey that was just as rad as the Great Northern, so stop at the Lewis and Clark National Interpretive Center in Great Falls. This super comprehensive museum will teach you everything about their cross-country excursion. As you travel across the country, learn about what Westward expansion meant to the country, and the struggles of Lewis and Clark's adventure.
Thick, rich milkshakes, triple-decker sandwiches, and awesome classic roadside vibes make CC's Family Cafe the perfect place for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Teddy Roosevelt was famously into conservation and creating National Parks, so stop by Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which preserves some of North Dakota's most gorgeous badlands and pay tribute to him. Prairie dogs, Teddy's old cabin, and great stargazing can also be found here.
State governors lived in the Former Governors' Mansion in Bismarck, ND, from 1893 until the 1960's, but it's been painstakingly restored to look as it did during the 19th century. Not only does the mansion give you a cool look into the past, but it also shows you how they went about bringing it back to its opulent 1800's roots.
For an offbeat place to fill up on food, head to the Space Aliens Grill and Bar. This quirky regional chain makes some out-of-this-world grub in a spectacularly kooky environment. Definitely a fun place for kids and adults alike.
It's hard to believe that the prairies along the Great Northern route used to be filled with roaming bison. Learn about these endangered beasts and about the Plains Indians, who relied on them for so much, at the Frontier Village and National Buffalo Museum's interpretive center.
If you've ever seen the movie "Fargo," then you'll want to stop by the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center to see the film's most notorious prop...the woodchipper. They also have copies of the script inside, and there's even a replica of the woodchipper outside in case you stop by when they're closed.
Bison Turf is a college bar that's a super popular hangout for NDSU students, and it's not hard to see why. Solid, cheap drinks and a menu of great pub food, plus darts and pool, make this a fun place to enjoy an evening.
Next up, Minnesota! People can't really agree on where America's most famous tall tale character was born, but some claim he hails from the small town of Brainerd. Hit up Paul Bunyan Land off State Highway 18, where, you'll find rides, a petting zoo, a pioneer village of sorts, and more. It's definitely got that nostalgic atmosphere, so stop by and poke around.
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.