#Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from California and North Dakota
If you're looking for a unique road trip experience, consider driving from California to North Dakota. You'll travel through some of the most beautiful landscapes in America and experience some hidden gems. The distance between the two states is approximately 1,750 miles, and the journey takes around 28 hours. Here are five unexpected stops on the way that will make your trip unforgettable.
##Halfway Point: I-15, Pocatello, ID 83202, USA
Before we get started on the five unexpected stops, it's worth mentioning the halfway point, I-15 in Pocatello, ID. Take a break here, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat before continuing your journey. It's a perfect place to relax before the final leg of the journey.
##1. Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Lassen Volcanic National Park isn't typically a destination for those traveling from California to North Dakota, but it's an unexpected jewel that you need to visit. The national park features active geothermal areas with bubbling mud pots, boiling springs, and steaming fumaroles. You can also get an incredible view of Lassen Peak, a volcano that's more than 10,000 feet high. After exploring the park, grab a slice of pizza at Lassen Cafe and Gift in Mineral, CA.
##2. Wyoming Dinosaur Center, Thermopolis, WY
If you're traveling with kids or are a dinosaur enthusiast, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center is a must-visit location. The center has a wide collection of dinosaur bones, including the only Archaeopteryx fossil in America. The museum also has a unique dig site program where you can experience digging fossils yourself. After exploring the center, head to One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company for some refreshing beer.
##3. Devil's Tower National Monument, WY
Devil's Tower is a huge stone pillar that's at least 60 million years old and rises approximately 1,300 feet from the ground. The towering rock formation is considered sacred to several Native American tribes, and visitors can learn about the historical significance in the visitor center. There's also a hiking trail around the base of the monument that has incredible views of the surrounding landscape. After exploring the area, grab a burger at the Tower View Cafe.
##4. Fargo Air Museum, Fargo, ND
The Fargo Air Museum is an ideal place for plane enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in aviation history. The museum has a collection of rare airplanes, including rare military and civilian aircraft. You can also take a ride on a biplane or a helicopter. After exploring the museum, head to The Boiler Room for a delicious steak dish.
##5. World's Only Corn Palace, Mitchell, SD
The corn palace in Mitchell, SD, is a surreal folk-art creation with hundreds of murals made from corn. The corn palace has existed since 1892 and is a unique roadside attraction that must be seen to be believed. The murals have different themes every year and are created using more than 275,000 ears of colorful corn. After exploring the palace, grab some Midwestern cuisine, like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, at The Depot Pub and Grill.
##Conclusion
Driving from California to North Dakota is the perfect way to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in America. Along the way, you'll encounter some unexpected places that'll make your trip unforgettable. From Lassen Volcanic National Park to the World's Only Corn Palace, these locations offer something unique and fascinating. So pack up your car, hit the road, and enjoy the journey to North Dakota.