Route 2 roadside attractions

road trip dakota
North Dakota's Scandinavian heritage is on display in Minot.

Rugby, N.D., bills itself as the geographical center of North America and there's a stone cairn to mark the spot. You'll also find The Prairie Village Museum, which displays buildings and artifacts of early settlement. Then there's a statue of Cliff Thompson, the Scandinavian Giant, the World's Tallest Salesman, a local lad who grew to a lofty eight foot seven inches.

In central Montana is a unique attraction called Havre Beneath the Streets, a relic from the early 1900s when this railroad town was destroyed in a fire. The residents lived underground as they rebuilt above, with tunnels linking homes and businesses including a meat market, saloon and bordello.

Minot celebrates its Scandinavian heritage with a park that includes replicas of a Norwegian stave church, Danish windmill, and Finnish sauna. Admission is free. It also hosts the state fair in mid-July.

Where to stay. All three of these towns offer a good selection of chain motels with rates of about $70 and up. There are several lodges in and around Glacier National Park. They tend to sell out quickly during the summer so book early.

First published May 19, 2015: 11:41 AM ET

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