Northern Minnesota to Montana

[Sborders]

Our plan is to take US 2 from Minnesota thru North Dakota to the Rockies in western Montana. Does anyone think we should take interstate 94 rather than US 2? Can anyone suggest interesting sights to see along US 2 without straying too far from our planned path? We are not concerned with how long it will take to get to Montana, just trying to avoid traffic.

 

[Riverbug]

US 2 is a great alternative to 94. Took that Hwy last year going to/from Alaska (residence is MN). We avoid freeways as much as possible. Highways are just a better scenic drive and we like passing through various towns along the way. Sorry, I don't have recommendations on sights to see since we were just going home at that point. The road is in very good shape. We plan to take that route again to visit Roosevelt Nat'l Park.

 

[marine6805]

We, much like Riverbug, avoid Freeways/Interstate's at all cost. Every year we have done our boomerang from Blaine WA to Michigan City IN and beyond (8 times total) we tried different routes and found that U.S. 2 was not only pleasant, but quiet as well. We stayed of U.S. 2 from West Central Montana as w far East as we could go on the way to the UP of Michigan! Would definitely do it again!

 

[Campbellupnorth]

Our plan is to take US 2 from Minnesota thru North Dakota to the Rockies in western Montana. Does anyone think we should take interstate 94 rather than US 2? Can anyone suggest interesting sights to see along US 2 without straying too far from our planned path? We are not concerned with how long it will take to get to Montana, just trying to avoid traffic.

We have taken both routes from Northern Minnesota. We will be on some of 94 heading west and some of 2 on the way home with a bit more northern route through Canadian Rockies. All the parks are unique but some may be difficult to find camping nearby. The question on their maintenance and openness is a bit I question this year as well. We are keeping plans flexible. Highway 2 is a nice route. Interstate 90 is also a nice route to see different territory.

 

[RV adventure]

We have taken US 2 from Everett WA to Wisconsin and back many times. This is our preferred route unless there are weather conditions or heavy road construction. Most years it is better road conditions than 90 or 94. We like to spend at least a week at Glacier National Park if you are going that far. East Glacier and St Mary have campgrounds or boondock spots.

 

[mgeiger]

Our plan is to take US 2 from Minnesota thru North Dakota to the Rockies in western Montana. Does anyone think we should take interstate 94 rather than US 2? Can anyone suggest interesting sights to see along US 2 without straying too far from our planned path? We are not concerned with how long it will take to get to Montana, just trying to avoid traffic.

We did Rt Wisconsin to Washington state in 2020. It was beautiful not much traffic. We stayed at several harvest hosts and state parks

 

[north channel novels]

We love Route 2. My father drove us to the west coast on it over 70 years ago before there was a continuous Trans-Canada Highway. Now, each time we we trailer to the western States to visit Californian family, we take Route 2 for at least part of the way. Last time, three summers ago, almost right out to the coast. Quieter pace, good roads and decent campgrounds/RV pks.

 

[traveldawg]

Like others, we've also driven along US2. We drove from West Glacier to Bimini. While I don't recall anything remarkable, we drove from day-to-day and had no trouble stopping at RV parks along the way without making reservations.

 

[rjjudd]

Minot, ND was one of our stopping points to Glacier. They had a great little zoo along with a Scandinavian Park. Both can be seen in one day. We also stopped at Sleeping Buffalo RV in Saco, MT. The resort has its own natural hot spring pool.

 

[WhittleBurner]

Like others, we've also driven along US2. We drove from West Glacier to Bimini. While I don't recall anything remarkable, we drove from day-to-day and had no trouble stopping at RV parks along the way without making reservations.

We also found US2 to be boring. Much of the ride is farmland and flat for quite a distance. Lots of loooong coal trains in the distance. Once you get closer to the mountains it gets better visually.
That said it's in great shape and has a high speed limit. Camping is easy to find and much of it is filled with workers

 

[ajg617]

We dropped down from Duluth to pick up I-94 west in 2023 on our way to Glacier. Mostly due to time constraints and a planned stop in Billings. Personally, I thought I-94 in ND was actually one of the smoother interstates we've driven on. The scenery through Theodore Roosevelt National Park was impressive.