DAY 1: MINOT

Brunch in downtown Minot

Start your Hwy 2 couples trip with brunch in downtown Minot. Sip on bottomless mimosas inside a restored tractor and machinery factory at The Starving Rooster. The brunch menu features Brick Oven Breakfast Pizza, Crème Brûlée French Toast, and Breakfast Nachos. On warm days, large doors open for an airy, open-air dining experience.

Shop around and search for Minot Street Art

After brunch, take time to explore downtown Minot. The area is full of charm and features more than 25 pieces of street art. Browse records at Budget Music or hunt for a new kitchen gadget at Gourmet Chef. While you’re downtown, look up to spot Union Silos, the largest mural in North Dakota.

Fun times and healthy competition

Next, add a little fun to your couple’s trip on Hwy 2 with a stop at The Putt District. Play glow-in-the-dark mini golf or head downstairs to the board game café for some lighthearted competition.

Wine and dine till way past nine

As the evening rolls in, head to Off the Vine, downtown Minot’s premier wine destination. The cellar features more than 100 wines, plus rotating featured wines and cocktails each month. Pair your drinks with handcrafted tapas, pizzas, and house-made lavash to end your night on a relaxed note. 

DAY 2: DEVILS LAKE

Stop by Crossroads Coffee & Espresso
The next morning, continue your Hwy 2 couples trip east toward Devils Lake. Begin the day at Crossroads Coffee & Espresso, a locally owned shop with small-town charm and friendly faces. Grab an espresso, Italian soda, Big Train drink, or tea before hitting the road.

Lunch on the shore
By midday, pick up lunch to-go from a local favorite like Cedar Inn, The Old Main Street Cafe, or Mr. and Mrs. J’s. Then head to Lakewood Beach, spread out a blanket or set up chairs, and enjoy a quiet picnic together along the shoreline.

Check out Black Paws Brewing Company
Later, stop at Black Paws Brewing Company in downtown Devils Lake. Sample house-brewed beers, regional drafts, and North Dakota ciders. Meanwhile, relax with a board game and soak in the laid-back atmosphere.

Enjoy a great theatre performance at Roosevelt Park 
If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss Fort Totten Little Theatre at Roosevelt Park. This Broadway-style musical highlights impressive local talent and brings in professional performers. It’s a great way to add live entertainment to your couples trip on Hwy 2.

Finish up your night at The Ranch Steak House 
To close out the day, enjoy dinner at The Ranch Steakhouse, voted the best steakhouse in North Dakota. Choose from fish, steak, or pasta dishes, and save room for their decadent dessert tray. By the end of the meal, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite.

DAY 3: GRAND FORKS

Rent a bike and ride along the Red River of the North on the Greenway.
On your final day, continue your Hwy 2 couples trip to Grand Forks. Rent bikes and explore the Greenway, a 2,200-acre park system along the Red and Red Lake rivers. Along the way, you can bike, walk, bird-watch, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Stop in Badman Design for a unique gift to bring home
After your ride, visit Badman Design in historic downtown Grand Forks. The expansive showroom features handmade items like jewelry, mirrors, wine racks, sculptures, and limited-edition ornaments. It’s a great place to find a meaningful keepsake from your trip.

Lunch at the eclectic North Dakota Museum of Art Café
For lunch, head to the North Dakota Museum of Art Café. Enjoy fresh sandwiches, salads, and daily specials made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, all surrounded by inspiring artwork.

Explore the North Dakota Museum of Art 
After lunch, spend time exploring the museum’s current exhibits and gift shop. The museum is nationally recognized for its human rights exhibitions and diverse collection of regional, national, and international art across three galleries.

Relax with a massage at Avant Salon & Spa
Before dinner, unwind with a massage at Avant Salon & Spa. Choose from full-body massages, facials, body treatments, and more. It’s the perfect reset after a few days on the road.

Dinner at the Toasted Frog, a local hotspot
Finally, end your couple’s trip on Hwy 2 with dinner at The Toasted Frog. This 21+ lounge serves gourmet favorites like fried cheesy pickles, wood-fired pizza, and filet mignon. With an extensive martini and wine list, it’s a memorable way to wrap up your getaway.