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Highway 2 Day Trips
Highway 2 East to West Brewery Tour
DAY 1: Grand Forks
Lunch at Rhombas Guys Brewing Company
Located in the historic Metropolitan Opera House, Rhombus Guys Brewing Company, along with its owners Matt and Arron, really know how to make some iconic ales. This 15-barrel brewhouse serves up its version of popular styles including ambers, IPAs, pales, sours, and stouts. The kitchen also produces great eats like fresh Angus burgers, bangers and mash, Scotch eggs, and the tastiest fried Brussels sprouts this side of Belgium. Beer (in delicious dairy form) also plays a starring role in many of their dishes: homemade pretzels with beer cheese dip, pub fries smothered in pulled pork and beer cheese and a bacon mac 'n' beer cheese that'll really rock your taste buds! Rhombus now also offers a Sunday brunch with lots of eggcellent offerings.
Stop by Barley for a brew
Established in August 2013, Brick & Barley has a true taphouse focus. They create fresh and delicious food items that pair well with the 48 quality beers we offer on tap. Many of the taps are year-round favorites and a large majority are rotating taps that feature craft brews from smaller breweries around the region and country.
Take a short break at Kittsona to purchase a ND or MN souvenir glass
Featuring both one-of-a-kind and name brand clothing, accessories and shoes for women that will suit you to a T. Kittsona is also the place to go for cute uniquely ND and MN clothing. You will also discover a fantastic mix of home décor and accessories including exclusive local products for women, men, children and even pets.
Dinner and entertainment at Half Brothers Brewing Company
At Half Brothers Brewing Company, creating superior suds is a family affair. Together, siblings Chad and Taylor have recently opened a 10-barrel production brewery and taproom on North 3rd Street that specializes in locally inspired hand-crafted beers and food. A few noteworthy concoctions are the Bully Brew Brown Ale, Chokecherry Gose, New England IPA, Green Tea Pale Ale and their rotating Smash Bros Series. Some of the signature menu offerings include a 13-ounce meatball with marinara, smoked chicken wings, pizza and a turkey, apple, sage, and buttery French cheese sandwich so intoxicating, it will leave you feeling ine'Brie'ated. Enjoy toe-tapping live tunes with your brews in the Half Brothers Underground venue on the lower level.
DAY 2: Devils Lake
Lunch at Proz End of the Line Bar and Caboose
Proz End of the Line is always a fun place to eat, with 24 beers on Tap, over 16 TVs, with Darts, Pool, Foosball, plus an outdoor Tiki Bar & Patio. If the sun is out and the snow is melted, you have the option of soaking up the day's rays at the outdoor Tiki Bar where you can enjoy the homemade pizza.
Visit the Brand-New Black Paws Brewing Company Downtown Devils Lake
This new addition to Devils Lake offers house brewed beers, draft beers, and ciders from around the state, come in relax, and play some fun board games. After your visit you can stretch your legs and walk around the beautiful downtown Devils Lake and explore our stores and Bridgestone Park.
Dinner with a Lake view at Proz Lake side at the Cove
Stop in for a friendly neighborhood pub experience, Proz Lakeside offers indoor, patio, bar, and firepit seating. Come in and enjoy drinks and some great fish and pasta dishes while overlooking the breathtaking view of the lake or on those hot summer nights enjoy live music down at bobbers right on the water, just a short walk from the cove.
DAY 3: Minot
Take in North Dakota scenery at Pointe of View Winery
Just a quick 7 miles west of Minot you can discover Pointe of View Winery, the first winery built in North Dakota! In addition to their medal winning sweet rhubarb wine, Pointe of View is also known for their incredible views overlooking the rolling hills of the prairie. Their large selection of locally made wines are made from native fruit and grapes grown on location. This perfect rural getaway includes free tastings, an outdoor deck to sit on and relax, and a chance to walk through the vines.
Grab a burger & brews at JL Beers
Bite into a burger meticulously created with fresh ingredients, everything from ground beef, chicken, fries and chips! All the ingredients at JL Beers come from ‘someone’s backyard.’ Get out of your comfort zone and try one of their burgers with specialty toppings. Try the Mt. Mushmore topped with mushrooms, Swiss cheese and teriyaki sauce, or the Humpty Dumpty, which sits upright stacked with fried egg and cheese, and option to add bacon. This fun and cozy space (seating on 47) has a medley of beers on tap, beer flights, mixed brews and beertails. You’re sure to find the right brew for your palate!
Sip on a locally brewed ale or beer at Atypical Brewery and Barrelworks
Find yourself in the most charming of settings at Atypical Brewery located in a cottage-style building that was formerly a Westland Gas Station in the 1920s. Known for their barrel-ages sour ales, Atypical crafts their brews in-house, and you can catch a peek of the industrial equipment through a large window. This dog-friendly brew house is known for their Thursday trivia nights, hosting food trucks, and the occasional band performing live music. Savor their cult classic, London Fog as you enjoy a good time at this hidden gem.
Highway East to West Family Time Tour
DAY 1: Grand Forks
Enjoy a sweat delicious breakfast at Darcy’s Café.
Legendary diner serving homemade Midwestern classics like cinnamon roll pancakes, corned beef hash, knoephla soup, fleischkuekle and a variety of hotdish specials.
Stop by Widman’s Candy Shop for a sweet treat
Chocolate covered potato chips, better known as Chippers, Widman's most popular item, are regularly shipped all over the world. But the legendary candy makers here have been dipping all kinds of things in chocolate - including toffee, blueberries, marshmallows, sunflower seeds, bacon and even olives - since 1949.
Grab a Grinder for lunch at the Red Pepper
Word has it if you're looking for the best grinder ever, Red Pepper is the place. What's a grinder you ask? Take a sub bun, add salami, turkey or ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce, hot sauce, taco meat and then top it off with a secret creamy white sauce. See why people all over the country order grinder kits via overnight delivery. But that's not all; the Pepper also serves delish Mexican fare off a menu so popular it hasn't changed in over three decades.
Head to Northern Air Family Fun Center to put your jumping skills to the test
Do you want to see how high you can fly? Then the trampoline park is just the thing for you...jump and flip in the open jump area or you can practice your flips in the trampoline foam pit! You can also challenge your friends to a game of dodgeball in the trampoline dodgeball area. Have you always wanted to dunk a basketball but never could well now is your chance? Then give it a try in the trampoline dunking station. Northern Air also offers an arcade, laser tag, virtual reality games and axe throwing
End the day with pizza and fun at the Canad Inns Destination Center’s Splashers of the South Seas Waterpark
Stay in one of the kids’ themed rooms for the night for your next getaway you can feel right at home at Canad Inns Destination Center Grand Forks. You'll find 201 superior guest rooms of deluxe queen, king leisure, kids' theme rooms, jacuzzi theme- suites, business suites, penthouse king rooms and suites, and our penthouse on main (first-floor-level) business suites. We offer three diverse restaurants, a two-level gaming lounge and inside access to the Alerus Center. Plus, the "child in all of us," will enjoy the 40,000-square-foot Splasher's of the South Seas Indoor Waterpark and Garbonzo's Pizza and Arcade.
DAY 2: Devils Lake
Breakfast in downtown Devils Lake at The Old Main Street café.
Come and enjoy a delicious seemingly home cooked breakfast featuring pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns bacon and so much more. This café has a homey small-town vibe to it to ensure a great start to your visit to Devils Lake. After your breakfast explore downtown and look for the murals painted alongside the buildings!
Enjoy a nice early afternoon hike at White Horse Hill.
Take a nice scenic drive out to White Horse Hill National Game Reserve. Here you will be able to watch animals such as bison, elk and deer in their natural habitat, hike well-kept and breathtaking trails that lead you all through out the refuge. You can even climb hundreds of stairs to reach an overlook of the whole refuge, how many stairs will you count when you get to the top??
Stop in and enjoy a refreshing drink and a sandwich at the liquid bean.
As you venture back into town stop into the liquid bean and enjoy a nice Italian soda, big train, frozen drink, or espresso. Grab a bite to eat with their amazing panini pressed sandwiches with several options to choose from.
Explore the lake from the water.
The Creel Bay Golf Course offers rentals for paddleboards and kayaks with a great patio view of the lake. You can also head on over to Woodland resort and rent a pontoon to take on the water and spend the rest of your day relaxing and swimming in the lake.
Dinner at one of the fantastic places Devils Lake offers.
If you are in the mood for some good authentic Mexican food Charras and Tequila is the place for you! For the family that can’t get enough of warm, gooey pizza, Coyotte Pizza is right up your alley, and for a good down-home cooling and family friendly atmosphere head on over to Cedar Inn Family Restaurant.
DAY 3: Minot
Indulge in comfort food & and a trip to the zoo
Bite into an ooey gooey caramel roll (like cinnamon rolls, but local to the North Dakota area) at Charlie’s Main Street Café in Downtown Minot. This is Minot’s oldest restaurant; they serve breakfast all day! Trek just a few blocks over to visit Roosevelt Park Zoo, located along the Souris River. There you and your family can feed giraffes or stand under the tigers as they roam on their catwalk. Fingers crossed Helen the sloth is awake when you visit! See the NEW Amur Leopard habitat opening summer 2023.
Have a picnic in the park
Magic City Hoagies Downtown Minot is known for stuffing their sandwiches to the brim! Customize your sub style sandwich with in-house cut deli meats, cheese, and veggies on freshly baked bread. Voted as North Dakota’s best sandwich shop by MSN in 2022. Scoop up your lunch and wait with anticipation in the car, as you drive to the nearby Scandinavian Heritage Park, for a picnic! There you can explore buildings and statues that celebrate the heritage of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. Snap a photo next to the 27-foot Dala Horse right next to the Gol Stave Church, a wooden replica of a church in Norway, built without use of nails! This beautiful park spans 14-acres and is sure to spark your imagination, it is also FREE to walk through.
Play, discover, and learn
Children can climb through the prairie dog crawl, up the oil derrick and pass through clouds reaching a B-52 perched at the top of the Magic Climber, a 37-foot exhibit at Magic City Discovery Center. This NEW attraction in Minot is a hybrid between a children’s museum and science center and features over 150 interactive experiences in 12 galleries. Children can get a 360 bird’s eye view of Minot on the climber and observe cloud formations, planes flying, and birds soaring through the air. Spark creativity and learn through discovery and play, you’ll want to stay all afternoon!
Jump, putt and smile
Jump, tumble and test your balance at HighAir Ground, a trampoline park with over 10,000 sq ft of wall-to-wall trampolines. Take the fun outside and putt the afternoon away at Lucy’s Amusement Park. The fun never ends at this challenging 18-hole miniature golf course, where you can ride the cosmic orbiter, disco scooter, and moonwalk. If your family is into golf, then you’ll love Wee Links, a junior golf course that is fun for the whole family. For a more relaxed afternoon, stop by Oak Park and walk the trails through Camp Owetti or enjoy the large playground in the shade of old oak trees.
Get some treats in Downtown Minot
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Cookies for You by munching on some homemade cookies, scotcharoos, cake pops and other baked creations. Head to Magic City Sweets, an ice cream shop where you can add unique toppings like mini-Kit Kats, sour worms, even cereal to your cone or bowl of ice cream. Or try a French Macaron at Guilty Sweets, they change their delicious menu weekly making new and exciting pastries all the time. Pose by their faux floral wall for a fun and spontaneous photo op!
Highway 2 East to West Outdoor Adventure
Day 1: Grand Forks
Stop for a light breakfast and specialty coffee at Urban Stampede.
Urban Stampede coffeehouse is a former saloon with lots of character. Check out the tin ceiling, dark wood bar and awesome stone floor. Sip on freshly brewed java while you peruse the "World's Smallest Art Gallery" and gift shop. Friendly baristas are always willing to whip up your favorite specialty drink or plate up a freshly baked muffin, cookie or scone
Rent a bike and ride along the Red River of the North on the Greenway.
The Greenway consists of 2,200 acres lining the Red River and the Red Lake River as they flow through Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. This picturesque urban space offers countless recreational, cultural, historical and natural resource opportunities. You can hike, walk, run, rollerblade, bike, bird, canoe, kayak, fish or golf, all in the heart of our two cities. Now fully completed, the Greenway includes an all-season trail system, nature preserves, picnic sites and camping areas.
Enjoy the outdoors with lunch on the rooftop of Rhombus Guys Pizza
With two indoor levels and rooftop dining, each visit to Rhombus will be a unique experience you're sure to love. Start with an ice-cold soft drink, your choice from the huge selection of beers or pick your favorite cocktail from the full bar. Then prepare yourself for your meal with one of the amazing appetizers. Whether you prefer Wings, Cheesy Bread or something more exotic like Bruschetta or Salmon with Garlic Bread we've got you covered. Next sink your teeth into the "Best Pizza in Grand Forks" as voted by the local community. With 34 gourmet pizzas to choose from, you're sure to have many favorites or you can create your own from the wide variety of toppings. In addition to your dining experience, you are invited to events like trivia, karaoke, foosball, live music and more there's always something going on evenings at Rhombus Guys
DAY 2: Devils Lake
Early morning fishing on the beautiful Devils Lake.
Devils Lake offers 160,000 acres to fish from, weather you’re venturing out on your own or you look into hiring one of our local great guide services you are bound to get the fish to bite your hook. You can also take advantage of one of our three fishing piers which are handicap accessible and easier for those elderly folks that are wanting to get back on the lake but is difficult to get on the water.
Enjoy lunch on the patio at Proz Lakeside at the Cove.
Proz lakeside has a full menu of delicious burger, pizza, fish and much more. Come out and enjoy a great meal and a great view of the lake.
Rent a boat to spend the day on the water
Woodland resort offers a fleet of watercraft for on the water fun. Rental boats and pontoons are available to everyone with a valid drivers license. All rentals come with fuel, life jackets, landing nets, minnow buckets, and are well maintained and guaranteed dependable. Rent by the day, half day, or by the week
Take a drive out to Grahams Island State Park
This well-kept park offers 1,100 acres of wooded land that showcases 130 different plant species and is the perfect place for birding. Enjoy hiking in the spring and summer, or cross-country skiing in the winter months. Swim on the beach or fish from the dock. A new convenience store in the park has everything you need.
Hit some balls at the Creel Bay Golf Course
We have an 18-hole golf course located along the shores of Devils Lake. It is a wide-open course with water and sand hazards and tree-lined fairways. This challenging course will thrill even the most avid golfer. After your round, relax in the new club house with a wall of windows and outdoor patio for an even better view of the town’s namesake. You can even take your clubs up to Coyotte Flats driving range just a ways up the road from Creel Bay Golf Course.
DAY 3: Minot
Take part in an early morning hike
Pull through to The Station: Urban Gourmet to order delicious coffee or other drink creation to sip and savor. Get a sandwich too, they even have gluten free bread, for your to-go order. Then grab your sneakers, hiking boots, or bike and head to Bison Plant Trail, a beautiful 2.3-mile loop located on the outskirts of Minot along HWY 52. This trail takes just over an hour to complete on foot and dogs are welcome on a leash.
Cool off in the water
Spend the whole day kayaking for only $10 (if you need to rent equipment from Minot Parks). Otherwise, go kayaking for FREE at several access points near Minot, including Rice Lake, Nelson Carlson Lake, or the canoe trails at the Upper Souris Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the day on the water as you see and hear North Dakota wildlife.
Discover the abundance of wildlife refuges
North Dakota has more wildlife refuges than any other state, making it easy to watch, hear, and see various animals in different landscapes. Discover places to go hiking, birding, and exploring at six wildlife refuges all less than an hour and a half from Minot. You can explore different terrains of these refuges including forested areas at Denbigh Experimental Forest, wetlands at Audubon and J. Clark Salyer Refuge, grasslands at Upper Souris, and the prairie at Lostwood which is known for the having the highest population of sharp-tailed grouse. You can travel in any direction to discover a space for getting lost and finding peace.
Get out and golf
Nothing better than standing under the sun and taking on a few holes at the golf course. Take in stunning views at Minot Country Club along with a fine dining experience and exceptional cocktails at 1685. Swing the afternoon away at the 18-holes at Souris Valley Golf Course, also home to Wee Links, a junior golf course that is fun for the whole family. Play a round of golf or try footgolf at Apple Grove Golf Course. This sport combines soccer and golf and is one of two courses in North Dakota.
Stand under history
Just a few miles to the west of Minot is the Gassman Coulee Trestle. This railroad bridge was originally built with wooden beams in 1887 and later rebuilt with a steel frame in 1898. The BNSF Railway still uses the bridge today. The trestle is a sight to see at its large beams burst from the prairie and connect two large hills together. Bring your camera and wait until the sunsets to capture stunning images. After you’re done, head back into town and stop to have a homecooked style meal at Homesteaders. Don’t forget to ask about their homemade pies.
Highway 2 East to West Couples Time
DAY 1: Grand Forks
Rent a bike at one of the 13 Greater Grand Forks bike rental locations and ride along the Red River of the North on the Greenway
The Greenway consists of 2,200 acres lining the Red River and the Red Lake River as they flow through Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. This picturesque urban space offers countless recreational, cultural, historical, and natural resource opportunities. You can hike, walk, run, rollerblade, bike, bird, canoe, kayak, fish or golf, all in the heart of our two cities. Now fully completed, the Greenway includes an all-season trail system, nature preserves, picnic sites and camping areas.
Stop in Badman Design for a unique gift to bring home
Badman Design is located on South 3rd Street in historic downtown Grand Forks and is a 5,000 square foot expansive showroom, design studio, welding shop and production space. Here David and his Badman Design crew create, display and sell their artwork (jewelry and the ever-changing inventory of home designs including mirrors, wine racks, tables, benches, boxes, lamps, railings, wall hangings, small sculpture, outdoor sculpture, and their popular limited-edition holiday ornaments).
Lunch at the eclectic North Dakota Museum of Art Café
Enjoy freshly made sandwiches, salads, and unique daily specials, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, amid great works of art.
Peruse the current exhibits at North Dakota Museum of Art and make a stop in the gift shop
The museum is nationally recognized for its ground-breaking human rights exhibitions, involvement with international artists, the commissioning of landmark works of art anchored in the Northern Plains and the strength of its exhibition program. Three galleries house exhibitions of regional, national, and international art. On permanent display is late New York City artist and collector Barton Benes' apartment that includes his collection of African art and oddities from around the world. Other museum features are concerts, guest lectures and kids' activities, plus a gift shop and weekday cafe.
Relax with a massage at Avant Salon & Spa
Come and relax, de-stress, let the professionals work out the knots, stiff or painful areas, or just help you to relax. The Avant Spa offers Full Body Massage, Aveda Tulasara Facials, Body Treatments, Full Body Waxing, Eyebrow Services...and more
Dinner at the Toasted Frog, a local hotspot
The Toasted Frog – a 21+ trendy yet inviting restaurant and lounge – boasts extensive martini and wine lists to accompany fabulous gourmet food. The area's hottest chefs offer up cool culinary creations like their famous fried cheesy pickles, wild mushroom lavosh, chicken pesto wood-fired pizza, elk and lamb burgers, Mahi-Mahi tacos, chimichurri pork tenderloin and gorgonzola butter filet mignon. When it's time for dessert, there's always room for s'mores...with an espresso martini chaser.
DAY 2: Devils Lake
Stop by Crossroads and Espresso
This locally owned coffee shop has great small-town vibes with friendly employees that are always up to help you get your great cup of coffee or drink. Stop in to be greeted with smiles and get your espresso, Italian soda, big train, or tea fix for the day.
Lunch on the shore
Grab lunch to-go from one of our locally owned restaurants here in Devils Lake such as the Cedar inn, The Old Main or Mr. and Mrs. Js and venture on out to Lakewood beach. Lay out a blanket or put out some chairs and enjoy your time together at a picnic right along the beach.
Check out Black Paws Brewing Company
Here you can have a great time trying the house brewed beers, and ciders and beers brewed all around North Dakota. Come and enjoy a good beer and play some fun board games in beautiful downtown Devils Lake.
Enjoy a great theatre performance at Roosevelt Park
Fort Totten Little Theatre is an absolute must if you are in Devils Lake in the summer, this Broadway style musical takes advantage of the amazing local talent Devils Lake has to offer and brings in some professional talent as well. This musical is now being put on in Roosevelt Park, with upbeat staff and a bring atmosphere you are destined to have a great time no matter what.
Finish up your night at The Ranch Steak House
For an exceptional fine dining experience, you could never go wrong with The Ranch Steakhouse, especially since it was voted best steakhouse in North Dakota! From the amazing fish, steak, and pasta dishes to the decadent tray of desserts to choose from at the end of your meal you will surely be satisfied.
DAY 3: Minot
Try a pastry seasoned with Scandinavia’s favorite spice
Ease into your day with a smoothie, specialty breakfast sandwich, or split a cardamom knot pastry with your love at Prairie Sky Breads. Where the bread is baked daily, and menus are created weekly with many fresh flavors to delight your tastebuds. Sit and enjoy the summer breeze surrounded by flowers on the parklet setting in front of the bakery.
Wander through art-lined alleyways
Downtown Minot is bursting with charm and over 50 locally owned experiences. Take a stroll through the area to find treasures at various stores including boutiques, antiques, home goods, and hoppy shops. Dig through the records to find your favorite artist at Budget Music, try on the chic tops at Mainstream Boutique, or get that kitchen gadget you have wanted forever at Gourmet Chef. While walking downtown take in all the historic architecture, and over 20 murals and street art, perfect for a photo op!
Get competitive and have fun
Grab your partner for a fun round of glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, it’s not just for kids; at The Putt District. For the more serious golfers, head to Whiskey Nine, where you can putt on an indoor green space, or use the state-of-the-art golf simulator to perfect your swing. Learn how to throw an axe, throwing stars, and other sharp objects (safely) at Up Your Axe. This joint will fulfill your thrill with ax-throwing and beverages, test your skills while competing against your partner for a fun filled activity. In between rounds enjoy a pint of North Dakotan beers on tap.
Wine and dine, till way past nine
Create memories and enjoy a good time and curated wines at 10 North Main Smokehouse Bar and Grill. Let their prime steaks melt in your mouth, delight in the oak fried wild caught king salmon, or indulge in the sweet and savory butternut squash ravioli. Sit in an intimate setting, near the fireplace at Off the Vine. Enjoy their hand-crafted tapas, like house made lavosh, or thin crusted goat cheese bites, that pair perfectly with wine.