Day 6 - Grand Forks, ND to Minot, ND

Most of this travel day was spent on a 4-lane, limited access, divided highway. Communities of size were far apart and services were limited.

The Route
We drove a short distance on I-29 from the campground to US-2 and then took US-2W to Minot (MY-not).  The drive distance was 225 miles.

About the Day
It was sunny, the temperature reached 82, and it was windy with lots of blowing dust.  We had constant cross-winds over 25 mph.

Blowing dust dimmed the sun in places.

The highway was in good condition.

The color of the field ponds caught our attention ... very dark blue or indigo, almost black in some areas. The effect is caused by lack of sunlight reflection from the bottom of the pond.

We picked Lakota as a place to stop for breakfast and a chance to talk with some local folks. It's a small farm community that was barely awake on this Saturday morning. Seasons Cafe was not busy.  We chatted with the server/cook/manager and a couple visiting from South Dakota.

Parking was no problem in Lakota.

Seasons Cafe didn't look like much, but
breakfast was freshly made and tasty.

Devils Lake is the largest city on US-2 between Grand Forks and Minot. There's lots of new construction. We suspect Devils Lake is a beneficiary of the oil boom.

Rugby (the next largest city) provided a special treat.  It's the geographical center of North America ... which seems more significant than having the world's largest ball of twine.

Carol on a very windy day.

Flags fly over the monument.

Directions for those in need.

Scenes along the way included vast fields, few cities and reminders that oil is big in the state.

Oil tank cars heading for a fill up.

The Campground
Roughrider Campground is located on the west side of Minot just off US-2. It's not fancy, but it's well managed and nice with a western charm.

Site #82