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- Time for More Great Northern Road Trip Stops!
Summary
- Start the Great Northern Road Trip in Olympic National Park in Washington, where you can hike, explore a temperate rainforest, and enjoy stunning views.
- Stop in Spokane, Washington for city attractions, including downtown shops, wineries, and beautiful parks like Riverfront Park and Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden.
- Explore Glacier National Park in Montana, where you can hike through glacier scars, drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, and spot wildlife.
Road trips are one of the most unique ways to tour the country. Some adventures on wheels are road trips that explore the many national parks around the US, while others let travelers enjoy the wide open spaces or simply make the most of a Spring Break getaway. Route 2, dubbed the Great Northern Road, follows in the footsteps of the old railroad tracks and is filled with history and natural beauty. Four different National Parks rest along the road, and historically and culturally significant cities fill any space left in between.
The Great Northern Road Trip is a true cross-country venture and, in fact, an international one as well. The 2,115-mile road starts in Washington before heading through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The road trip then heads even further north into Canada and ends back in the United States through New Hampshire, Vermont, and finally, Maine. The route and two countries have many more than the following worthy stops, but the ones below offer the ideal starting point for any traveler preparing to undertake this cross-country odyssey.
The distances provided are based on the distance between stops along the US Route 2 roadway. Several of these stops have more efficient driving options for those hoping to cut down on time but still follow the overall path of the Great Northern road trip map.
UPDATE: 2023/12/07 00:25 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN
Time for More Great Northern Road Trip Stops!
When the road trip is over 2,000 miles long, narrowing down the stops can be a challenge. This article has been updated with three more stops to consider along the Great Northern Road Trip. Applicable fee information has also been updated to reflect current prices.
13 Olympic National Park, Washington
Start the trip with plenty of hiking and scenery, with views of the only temperate rainforest in the US
Olympic National Park speaks for itself in terms of natural beauty. The first major stop along US Route 2, the temperate rainforest with miles of walking trails and cascading waterfalls, sets the tone for a truly breathtaking road trip and highlights one of the most unique experiences in US national parks.
Considering free highlights such as Lake Crescent, Kalaloch and Ruby Beach, and Hurricane Ridge each beg for their own day of exploration, the hardest part of starting here is leaving for the open road with any time left.
- Things to Do in Olympic National Park, Washington: Hiking, Biking, Guided Tours, Visitor Centers, Beach Walks, Hoh Rainforest
- Olympic National Park Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle
12 Spokane, Washington
Enjoy city attractions, Downtown Spokane, and wineries and parks
After enjoying the natural landscape of Olympic National Park, travelers can enjoy some more steady terrain and indoor attractions in Spokane, Washington. Window-shop through downtown, enjoy the local wineries, or catch a show at the Martin Woldson Theater.
For those who aren't quite ready to go inside, the wide variety of things to do in Spokane, including Riverfront Park, Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, and Green Bluff Farms, all offer beautiful natural scenery in the middle of the big city.
- Things to Do in Spokane, Washington: Waterfall hikes, Riverfront Park, Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, Green Bluff Farms, Winery Tours, Martin Woldson Theater, Walk Downtown Spokane
11 Glacier National Park, Montana
Hike through glacier scars, drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and view wildlife
Any travelers going through Glacier National Park have to stop and take in the majesty of one of the 10 most-visited national parks in the US. Visitors can start by driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers enough stops to take a full day. Depending on the season, drivers may find themselves driving under a waterfall, surrounded by wildflowers and wildlife.
Off the scenic route, travelers can also enjoy Swiftcurrent Lake or Lake Mcdonald, some of the most picturesque lakes in the water-filled park. Another hotspot for travelers of all abilities and interests, Glacier National Park, is a must for anyone hoping to see all the natural beauty the northern states have to offer.
- Things to Do in Glacier National Park: Hiking, Biking, Scenic Drives, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Wildlife Watching, Birding, Camping
- Glacier National Park Entrance Fee: $35/vehicle
10 Lewistown, Montana
Get back to the city for history, art museums, and shopping in Lewistown Historic District
Hopping back to another historical center along Route 2, Lewistown, Montana, is a window into multiple parts of the past. The Central Montana Historical Museum and the Bear Gulch Pictographs both bring the unique history of the area to life, with helpful staff at both places to answer questions and add depth to the experience.
Paired with a variety of food and drink options, the historic Judith Theater, and unique local shops and farms in and around the Lewistown Historic District, Lewiston offers the perfect escape back in time.
- Things to Do in Lewistown, Montana: Central Montana Historical Museum, Bear Gulch Pictographs, Walk through Lewistown Historic District, Biking, Hiking
9 Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
See wildlife, stay at the historic lodge, and hike through this northern state
This next area is one of the most unique road trip stops between Washington and Maine, as it's super otherwordly. Still, The Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park are amazing not only for the views but for their impact on the National Park system. It was these lands, filled with prairie dogs and bison, that inspired then-president Teddy Roosevelt to create the system that exists today.
Visitors hoping to follow his footsteps can drive a 36-mile scenic loop along the South Unit, visit Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, or simply count Prairie Dogs in Prairie Dog Town. Those looking for more of an adventure can trek to Elkhorn Ranch, Roosevelt's retreat during his later years.
- Things to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota: Hiking, Biking, Camping, Wildlife Watching, Birding, Scenic Drives
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle
8 Duluth, Minnesota
Enjoy the port city experience, stroll big parks with large waterbodies, and shop local streets
As the port city for Lake Superior, Duluth is full of land and water activities alike. The city itself is full of reminders of its history as a shipping town, including the Aerial Lift Bridge, which connects the tourist and industrial sides of the town.
Restaurants and local shops give guests a feel for the city's unique feel, and the many districts offer a chance to explore different aspects of the city. The Lincoln Park Craft District, Skyline Drive, and Canal Park Neighborhood each offer unique walking paths and urban and lake views; there is nothing missing in this lakeside city stop.
- Things to Do in Duluth, Minnesota: Walk through Duluth Neighborhoods, Boating, Paddleboarding, Aerial Lift Bridge, Lincoln Park Craft District
7 Canyon Falls Roadside Park, Michigan
Year-round access to hiking trails, with summer swimming areas, and deep canyon views
Michigan is one of the last state-side stops before this road trip goes international, and the Canyon Falls Roadside Park offers some amazing last views of the United States. With year-round hiking trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes, this getaway is perfect any time of year.
The park offers both a fairly level four-mile hike along the Canyon Gorge Trail or a more intense 19.4-mile hike along the North Country Trail. The Canyon Gorge itself is a sight, reaching 300 feet deep and a mile wide at some points. With so much to see, this is the perfect last look at the US.
- Things to Do in Canyon Falls Roadside Park, Michigan: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Guided Walks, Birding, Wildlife Watching
- Canyon Falls Roadside Park Entrance Fee: FREE
6 Mackinac Island, Michigan
Get out of the car and enjoy this small island with no vehicles
This road trip stop might be a bit of a stretch when it comes to Mackinac Island on Lake Superior in Michigan. Cars aren't actually allowed on the island, but that doesn't mean this stop isn't worth pulling over for. Round-trip ferry rides start at just $34 per adult, and there are a number of places to stay on Mackinac Island itself.
With the car back at the port, Mackinac Island is the perfect place to enjoy hiking, boating, or even a horse-drawn carriage through the timeless towns. A true reprieve from the monotony of the car, there is no doubt that Mackinac Island is the perfect side trip along the Great Northern road trip.
- Things to Do on Mackinac Island: Visit the Mackinac Island Arch Rock, Horse-Drawn Carriages, Hiking, Biking, Boating, Walking Tours of Mackinac Island
5 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Go international to the capital of Canada, tour historical buildings, museums, and public spaces like parks
As the national capital of Canada, Ottawa is home to National Hill, where visitors can enjoy daily sound-and-light shows, changing-of-the-guard ceremonies, walking, rollerblading, or biking around the unique buildings. An afternoon at any of the museums, including the Canadian Museum of Nature, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian War Museum, offers a great indoor look at the history of the region.
Despite being the country's capital, Ottawa is not as much of a tourist destination as several of Canada's nearby areas, meaning that Ottawa's amazing must-try foods and unique places to stay are often more affordable than some other stops along the road.
- Things to Do in Ottawa, Canada: Canadian Museum of Nature, National Gallery of Canada, Canadian War Museum, Walk through Downtown Ottawa, Ottawa River Cruises
4 Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Enjoy a cultural center of Canada with museums, science and learning centers, and tasty Canadian food
Full of architectural, botanical, and cultural wonders, the French-speaking Montréal is a hotbed for every interest. Wandering Old Montréal, travelers can enjoy the unique food and activities that fill the area. The Notre Dame Basilica and St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal both offer insight into the religious influences of the area throughout history while also offering breathtaking art and architecture to explore.
Back outside, the Montréal Botanical Garden, part of Montréal's Space for Life Natural Sciences Museum Complex, allows visitors to walk through over 22,000 different types of plants from all over the world. With so much history, culture, and language to explore, Montréal is a perfect finale to Canada before re-entering the United States to finish the trip.
- Things to Do in Montréal, Canada: Montréal's Space for Life Natural Sciences Museum Complex, Walking tour of Old Montréal, Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
3 Burlington, Vermont
Add a scenic drive, visit the free museum and public galleries, or walk through the classic Vermont parks
Vermont is best known for its scenic fall drives, but there are plenty of reasons to include this compact state on a road trip along a US 2 road trip. One of the best road trip stops in Vermont, Burlington has lots of activities to enjoy, even for those with just 24 hours (or less!).
Burlington has a variety of museums and galleries to explore, including the free-to-visit Fleming Museum Of Art at the University of Vermont. These indoor attractions, paired with the year-round natural beauty of Burlington and its surrounding area, make this charming town a must-visit along the Great Northern road trip.
- Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont: Shelburne Museum, ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Park Walks, Scenic Drives, Hiking, Biking
2 Montpelier, Vermont
The capital of Vermont, access to the Green Mountains, walkable downtown with a variety of shops
Vermont is one of the safest tourist destinations in the US (according to statistics), so even for road trip travelers who are unfamiliar with the region, this small Northeastern state is a great place to spend a little extra time. Montpelier is the capital of Vermont and the smallest state capital in the country.
Despite its small size, Montpelier offers a variety of activities to enjoy, both indoors and outdoors. Whether enjoying a scenic drive through the Green Mountains or satisfying a sweet craving at Bragg Farm Sugar House, Montpelier promises plenty of reward for those who take the time to pause in this tiny but mighty capital city.
- Things to Do in Montpelier, Vermont: Bragg Farm Sugar House, The Vermont Historical Society Museum, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Scenic Drives, Visit The Coburn Covered Bridge
1 Acadia National Park, Maine
Scenic hiking, biking, and drives with forests, beaches, and coastal Maine food
The Great Northern Road Trip ends as it began - in one of the most popular national parks in the US. Those not tired of the car can drive Acadia National Park's 27-mile Park Loop Road, which offers amazing views and easy access to other favorite spots, such as Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, and Wildwood Stables.
For travelers more interested in stretching their legs, Acadia National Park offers multiple hiking trails, from easy strolls such as Jordan Pond Nature Trail to more intensive hikes like the height-defying Precipice Trail (aptly named, so those afraid of heights should steer clear).
For a grand finale, Cadillac Mountain’s summit sets hikers and drivers alike atop the highest point not only in the park but also the highest summit along the Northeastern seaboard, offering a perfect last view of a true cross-country road trip. Overall, Acadia is easily one of the best stops on the Great Northern Road Trip for outdoor enthusiasts, so plan a couple of days to spend exploring the park to round off the ultimate Washington to Maine road trip route!
- Things to Do in Acadia National Park, Maine: Hiking, Biking, Scenic Drives, Guided Walks, Wildlife Watching, Birding
- Acadia National Park Entrance Fee: $35/vehicle