North Dakota Highway 2 Road Trip Itinerary: Minot • Devils Lake • Greater Grand Forks
Take a North Dakota Highway 2 Road Trip, discovering Minot, Devils Lake and Greater Grand Forks in Darley Newman’s footsteps. Travel to destinations where Scandinavian heritage, Dakota culture, prairie landscapes, rising waters, vibrant downtowns, and unforgettable flavors connect three dynamic communities. This journey follows the spirit of SiSu— a Finnish word meaning grit, resilience, and extraordinary perseverance — a theme that defines the people who call this region home.
Follow Darley’s 6 Days Road Trip Itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival in Minot
Arrive at Minot International Airport (MOT) and settle into:
Hampton Inn by Hilton Minot Airport
1400 North Broadway
Minot, ND 58703
Phone: (701) 838-1400
Take the evening to unwind and prepare to explore a community shaped by Scandinavian heritage and prairie determination.
DAY 2 – Minot: Scandinavian Roots & Urban Revival
Scandinavian Heritage Park
1020 S Broadway
Minot, ND 58701
Local Guide: Kae Watson
Begin the day exploring the only park in the world representing all five Nordic countries. Highlights include:
Gol Stave Church replica
Finnish sauna experience
Swedish Dala Horse
Sigdahl House (oldest structure in North Dakota)
Through stories and traditional dress, learn how Nordic immigrants shaped Minot — and how the concept of SiSu continues to define its people.
Darley Newman marvels at the beauty and grandeur of the Dala Horse—a traditional carved and painted symbol from Sweden’s Dalarna province—on the grounds of Minot’s Scandinavian Heritage Park
Darley Newman gets in the cherry picker with Australian artist Guido Van Helten to get a close-up look at his work on the Union Silos in Minot, ND.
DAY 3 – Minot Outdoors & Travel to Devils Lake
Minot Outdoor Recreation Area
4720 10th Ave NW
Minot, ND 58703
Explore prairie trails, wildlife viewing areas, and peaceful river landscapes. Popular nearby options include:
Bison Plant Trail (cycling)
Woodland Trail (fishing & walking)
Minot is also near five national wildlife refuges offering free public access.
Afternoon Drive to Devils Lake (Approx. 2 hrs. 15 mins)
Darley Newman joins Woodland Resort owner Kyle Blanchfield at Proz Lakeside @ the Cove to savor the restaurant’s famed pizza and fresh-caught Devils Lake fish.
Success! Perch Patrol’s Steve “Zippy” Dahl guided Darley Newman to the perfect Devils Lake spot, where she landed her first fish within minutes.
DAY 4 – Devils Lake Fishing & Greater Grand Forks
Fishing with Perch Patrol Guide Service
1012 Woodland Drive
Devils Lake, ND 58301
Guide: Steve “Zippy” Dahl
Head out at sunrise on one of the Midwest’s premier freshwater fisheries. Learn about Devils Lake’s unique history — a lake that has naturally risen for decades, reshaping roads, farmland, and communities.
The Liquid Bean
316 4th St NE
Devils Lake, ND 58301
Warm up after a morning on the lake at this locally loved coffee shop in downtown Devils Lake. Enjoy fresh coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, and breakfast bites while connecting with locals and soaking in the easygoing community atmosphere.
Downtown Devils Lake Street Murals
4th Avenue & 4th Street Area
Devils Lake, ND 58301
Stroll just a block from The Liquid Bean to discover three vibrant murals that celebrate the history and spirit of Devils Lake. The largest mural depicts the story of the lake itself — including its dramatic rise over the decades — offering a colorful visual summary of the community’s resilience.
Drive to Greater Grand Forks (Approx. 1.5 hrs.)
DAY 4 (contd.): Grand Forks
Bd Mixed Metals
18 S 3rd Street
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Artist & Owner: David Badman
Discover handcrafted jewelry and downtown light pillars inspired by the Red River and the historic 1997 flood crest.
Ralph Engelstad Arena
One Ralph Engelstad Arena Drive
Grand Forks, ND 58203
General Manager: Jody Hodgson
Tour one of the nation’s premier collegiate hockey arenas — home of UND hockey and championship tradition.
Rhombus Guys Pizza (Rooftop Dining)
312 Kittson Ave
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Co-Owner: Matt Winjum
Enjoy creative specialty pizzas like the Spicy Pickle or T-Rex while overlooking vibrant downtown streets.
Overnight:
Hilton Garden Inn
4301 James Ray Dr
Grand Forks, ND 58203
Darley Newman enjoys an immersive college ice hockey experience at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, ND, courtesy of General Manager Jody Hodgson.
Darley Newman shares her excitement for Grand Forks, ND, in front of a mural showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks.
Hal Gershman, owner of Harry’s Steakhouse, welcomes Darley Newman with a toast of timeless cocktails—a Classic Martini and an Old Fashioned—perfectly matching the steakhouse’s classic ambiance.
The mural behind Darley Newman reflects her thoughts on, “Why not, Minot?”
Day 2 - Minot (Contd.)
Union Silos
318 1st Ave NE
Minot, ND 58703
Artist: Guido van Helten
Local Contact: Tim Baumann
View North Dakota’s largest mural, painted on towering grain silos by internationally acclaimed Australian artist Guido van Helten. The artwork celebrates local people and stories while symbolizing the city’s resilience following historic flooding.
Citizens Alley
106 E Central Ave
Minot, ND 58701
Local Guide: Jessica Ackerman, Executive Director, Local Motives
A vibrant downtown gathering space featuring murals, seasonal ice skating, splash fountains, markets, concerts, and public art. Learn how thoughtful urban design revitalized Minot’s city center.
Downtown Minot Murals & One Brand Monument
Main Street & Central Avenue
Minot, ND
Stroll colorful streets featuring the “Why Not Minot?” mural and bold public art installations celebrating the city’s spirit.
Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks
510 E Central Ave
Minot, ND 58701
Owners: Nick Holwegner & Eric Johnson
Sample creative craft beer at the only North Dakota brewery to win a Gold Medal at the World Beer Cup. Their award-winning “Gin & Spruce” showcases experimental brewing and hometown pride.
Darley Newman takes time to venture out to the easily accessible outdoor recreation areas in the outskirts of Minot.
DAY 3 (contd.): Devils Lake
White Horse Hill National Game Preserve
2107 Park Dr
St. Michael, ND 58370
Visitor Services Manager: Colleen Graue
Drive through this scenic preserve to observe:
Bison
Rocky Mountain elk
White-tailed deer
Prairie dogs
Wildflowers in bloom
The preserve offers hiking trails and educational exhibits that highlight the region’s ecological importance.
Ski Jump Hill
3951 Ski Jump Road
St. Michael, ND 58370
Host & Cultural Guide: KJ Graywater
Overlooking White Horse Hill, learn about Dakota (Sioux) culture through storytelling, teepee demonstrations, traditional dance, and insights into the Spirit Lake Tribe. This private hilltop experience offers powerful cultural connection and panoramic views.
Black Paws Brewing Company
422 4th St NE
Devils Lake, ND 58301
Owner: Jeb Oehlke
A revitalized historic building now home to a lively craft brewery known for “No Joke” blonde ale and “Strong Beard Game” coffee stout.
Woodland Resort & Lakeside Dining
1010 Woodland Dr
Devils Lake, ND 58301
Owner: Kyle Blanchfield
Enjoy lakeside views at North Dakota’s largest resort. Live music, marina views, and sunset over Devils Lake capture the area’s relaxed energy.
Overnight:
Sleep Inn & Suites
Devils Lake, ND
Darley Newman stands with artist Carla Freschette in front of the downtown Devils Lake mural, as Freschette shares the inspirations behind her artwork.
Darley Newman raises a glass with Black Paws Brewing Co. owner Jeb Oehlke, tasting No Joke blonde ale, Strong Beard Game coffee stout, and Norman Conquest—named after the brewery’s beloved Newfoundland mascot.
Team BD Mixed Metals in Grand Forks crafted and gifted Darley Newman a custom pair of earrings during her visit. Thank you, Dave, Hayes, Aria, and Mark—hello, gorgeous!
DAY 5 – Greater Grand Forks: Markets, Rivers & Wine
Town Square Farmers Market
1 S 3rd St (DeMers Ave & N 3rd St)
Grand Forks, ND
Market Manager: Dawn Rognerud
Browse fresh produce, lefse, artisan foods, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Enjoy live music and community energy in the heart of downtown.
The Greenway & Sorlie Memorial Bridge
100-198 Demers Ave
Grand Forks, ND
Explore 2,200 acres of scenic riverfront trails created after the 1997 flood — now a national model for flood recovery and urban planning.
Grape Mill Vineyard & Winery
18696 430th Ave SW
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
Owners: The Halverson Family
Taste cold-hardy varietals like Marquette and Frontenac overlooking the Red Lake River. The vineyard’s innovative growing techniques highlight regional agriculture at its finest.
Widman’s Candy Shop
4325 13th Ave S
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Owner: George Widman
A North Dakota institution since 1885, Widman’s is famous for its handcrafted chocolates and the beloved “Chippers” — chocolate-covered potato chips that perfectly balance sweet and salty. Family-owned for generations, this stop offers a delicious taste of regional tradition and small-batch confectionery craftsmanship.
Harry’s Steakhouse
421 Demers Ave
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Owner: Hal Gershman
Dine at a classic 1940s-style steakhouse serving premium 1881 Hereford beef from ranches across the Northern Plains. A restaurant built on family history and regional pride.
DAY 6 – Departure
Depart from:
Minot International Airport (MOT)
orFargo Hector International Airport (FAR)
