Family-friendly stops along Highway 2 west
A Hwy 2 family tour offers easy-to-reach attractions, hands-on museums, parks, and outdoor fun across Minot, Devils Lake, and Grand Forks. Along Highway 2, families can explore kid-friendly stops that balance learning, play, and great local food, without long drives or complicated planning.
DAY 1: MINOT
Coffee & a Trip to the Zoo
Start the day with coffee and a fresh-baked scone or caramel roll at Prairie Sky Breads. Just a few blocks away, head to Roosevelt Park Zoo. Families can feed giraffes or watch tigers roam overhead along their catwalks, making it an easy and exciting stop.
Tasty Sandwiches & Sweet Treats
After some exploring, Magic City Hoagies is a great place to refuel. Known for generously stuffed sandwiches, this downtown spot lets you customize subs with in-house-cut meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies. For dessert, stop next door at Magic City Sweets. Ice cream lovers can add fun toppings like candies, sour worms, or even cereal.
A Picnic in the Park
For a relaxed break, grab lunch and head to Scandinavian Heritage Park. Here, families can picnic while exploring statues and buildings that celebrate Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, and Icelandic heritage. This 14-acre park is free to visit and offers plenty of space for kids to explore, making it a favorite stop on a Hwy 2 family tour.
Play at the Children’s Museum
Next, visit Magic City Discovery Center, a hands-on attraction that blends a children’s museum with a science center. Kids can climb the 37-foot Magic Climber to a B-52 at the top and enjoy views of Minot from above. Inside, more than 150 interactive exhibits across 12 galleries keep kids engaged while encouraging learning through play.
Kid-Friendly Golf Fun
To wrap up your time in Minot, families can enjoy golf course designed just for kids. Wee Links offers a junior golf course that’s fun for all ages. The Putt District features glow-in-the-dark mini golf, while The Bunker provides indoor putting practice in a kid-friendly setting.
DAY 2: DEVILS LAKE
Breakfast in Downtown Devils Lake
Begin the day with breakfast at The Old Main Street Café. This local favorite serves classic pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, and bacon in a cozy, small-town setting. After breakfast, take time to walk downtown and spot colorful murals painted along the buildings.
Early Afternoon Hiking at White Horse Hill
Take the scenic drive out to White Horse Hill National Game Reserve to watch animals such as bison, elk, and deer in their natural habitat, and hike well-kept and breathtaking trails that lead you all throughout the refuge.
Drinks & Lunch at the Liquid Bean
As you head back into town, stop at the Liquid Bean for an Italian soda, frozen drink, or espresso. While there, grab a panini-pressed sandwich with several tasty options to choose from.
Explore Devils Lake from the Water
Creel Bay Golf Course rents paddleboards and kayaks and offers great views from the patio. In addition, Woodland Resort rents pontoons, making it easy to relax, swim, and enjoy the lake for the afternoon.
Dinner in Devils Lake
To end the day, Devils Lake offers several family-friendly dining options. Anna’s Charras and Tequila serves authentic Mexican favorites. For families craving comfort food, Coyote Pizzeria is a hit with kids, and Cedar Inn Family Restaurant provides classic comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere.
DAY 3: GRAND FORKS
Breakfast at Darcy’s Café
Start the morning at Darcy’s Café, a legendary diner known for Midwestern classics. Favorites include cinnamon roll pancakes, corned beef hash, knoephla soup, fleischkuekle, and hearty hotdish specials.
Sweet Treats at Widman’s Candy Shop
Next, stop by Widman’s Candy Shop for a must-try treat. Their famous chocolate-covered potato chips, known as Chippers, are shipped worldwide. They have been dipping everything from blueberries to bacon in chocolate since 1949.
Lunch at the Red Pepper
For lunch, grab a grinder at the Red Pepper. These iconic sandwiches feature deli meats, Swiss cheese, lettuce, taco meat, hot sauce, and a signature creamy white sauce. Beyond grinders, the Red Pepper also serves Mexican-inspired dishes that families love.
Jump, Play & Compete at Northern Air
For active fun, Northern Air Family Fun Center offers trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, and arcade games. Plus, families can try laser tag, virtual reality games, and even axe-throwing, making it a high-energy stop on a Hwy 2 family tour.
Pizza & Waterpark Fun at Canad Inns
Finally, wrap up your trip at Canad Inns Destination Center. Families can enjoy pizza at Garbonzo’s and play in the arcade. Best of all, Splashers of the South Seas Indoor Waterpark features 40,000 square feet of slides, pools, and splash zones—an unforgettable way to end the journey.
Featured on Travels with Darley: This family-friendly Hwy 2 route includes stops in Minot, Devils Lake, and Greater Grand Forks that were recently featured in Darley Newman’s North Dakota itinerary. Explore her blog for inspiration, then use our guide to plan your own family road trip.
