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Great Lakes to Great Plains

  • Minneapolis
  • Fargo
  • Bismarck
  • Medora
  • Minot
  • Grand Forks
  • Bemidji
  • Duluth
  • 12 nights from
  • £2,125 per person

    • Trip Code: SD-1420

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Holiday Overview

Embark on a 12-day self-drive adventure through the stunning landscapes of Minnesota’s Great Lakes and North Dakota’s Great Plains. Begin in Minneapolis, where you can stroll across the historic Stone Arch Bridge and marvel at the Mississippi River’s only natural waterfall. For music enthusiasts, a visit to Paisley Park, Prince's iconic home and recording studio, is a must.

As you journey into North Dakota, watch the scenery transform and make time to explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park—an ideal spot to catch a breathtaking sunrise. On your return to Minnesota, travel through Grand Forks to Bemidji, the first town on the Mississippi River, before completing your loop back in Minneapolis. This unforgettable journey offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and vibrant history.

Great Lakes to Great Plains includes:

  • Return flights from the UK
  • 12 Nights accommodation
  • Car Hire
1

Day 1 - UK to Minneapolis

Arrive at award-winning Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Pick up your rental car and proceed to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the Mississippi Riverfront in Downtown Minneapolis where you can walk across the Historic Stone Arch Bridge and gaze at the only natural waterfall on the Mississippi River (St. Anthony Falls). Consider visiting Water Works Park or Historic Mill City Museum, which brings Minneapolis' history to life. Next, enjoy a beverage and bite at one of the many restaurants along St. Anthony Main (oldest street in Minneapolis), while overlooking the Mighty Mississippi River. Try a local favorite-Owamni by the Sioux Chef which focuses on native/indigenous ingredients. Lastly, end your day exploring Mall of America-the largest retail and entertainment complex in the U.S. The mall features 520 stores, 60 restaurants and the nation's largest indoor theme park-Nickelodeon Universe.

Featured accommodation

Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites

2

Day 2 - Minneapolis

Start your morning off right with breakfast where the locals go-Hen House or Hell's Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis. Follow it up by a guided MSP Highlights Tour, Walking Tour or Food/Brewery Tour. If exploring on your own is more your thing, consider our convenient bike share program (Nice Ride) to wander around more than 50 miles of bike trails via the Grand Round National Scenic Byway. Gather for lunch at one of the many food halls in MSP, such as the Midtown Global Market, Malcom Yards or Keg & Case. Next, enjoy a relaxing guided river cruise with Paradise Charter Cruises, or rent your own kayak with Paddle Share. For music lovers, make sure to catch a show at First Avenue & tour Paisley Park (Prince's home a recording studio). End your evening by indulging in a local favorite-The Juicy Lucy-a burger with cheese stuffed into the middle of the patty rather than placed on top. Two well-known Minneapolis restaurants claim to be the inventors of the burger, Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club.

Featured accommodation

Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites

3

Day 3 - Minneapolis to Fargo

Today, drive west toward North Dakota and take a stop at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center to find out daily happenings and get your picture taken with "The Woodchipper," made famous from the movie Fargo. Stop in at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead to see the locally built Hjemkomst Viking Ship that sailed back to Norway. Afterwards, head downtown! Relax at the new Broadway Square or take a short walk to the Plains Art Museum. In the evening, stay in downtown Fargo. Walk the coolest street in the area. Great dining options include: 46 North Pints & Provisions, Blackbird Woodfire, Mezzaluna, No Bull Smokehouse, Pounds, The Boiler Room or Wurst Bier Hall to name a few! When done with dinner, take a photo in front of the historic and iconic Fargo Theatre!

Featured accommodation

Ramada by Wyndham Fargo

4

Day 4 - Fargo

For breakfast, try out some local favorites-The Shack on Broadway, BernBaum's, Black Coffee and Waffle Bar, or Boiler Room. Experience great optional activities such as Fargo Air Museum, Bonanzaville, USA (where you can step back in time!) or the Red River Zoo which features both native and exotic animals found in similar climate conditions as the Red River Valley. Finish off the evening at a wonderful local eatery.

Featured accommodation

Ramada by Wyndham Fargo

5

Day 5 - Fargo to Bismarck

Continue to your next destination to the capital of North Dakota. Take a pit stop in Jamestown where you can take a selfie with Dakota Thunder, the world's largest buffalo. Once in Bismarck, visit the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum located on the North Dakota State Capitol grounds. Take an optional cruise on the Lewis & Clark Riverboat! Upon your arrival, try out some local favorites-The Peacock Alley, Pirogue Grille, Bistro 1100, Laughing Sun Brewing Company, Blarney Stone Pub or The Toasted Frog.

Featured accommodation

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bismarck

6

Day 6 - Bismarck to Medora

Depart for Medora with optional pit stops along the way to Salem Sue, Richardton Abbey, or the Enchanted Highway. Time change to Mountain time! In Dickinson, visit the Badlands Dinosaur Museum. Need coffee? The Brew, located inside an old church former President Theodore Roosevelt used to attend, is a great stop. Get to know the town of Medora. Visit the ND Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Chateau de Mores. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks and visit the many shops of Medora. For dinner and entertainment, attend the Pitchfork Steak Fondue and Medora Musical!

Featured accommodation

AmericInn by Wyndham Medora

7

Day 7 - Medora

Take an early morning to visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and watch the sunrise on top of Buck Hill. Along the way, grab some breakfast and coffee at a few local favorites-The Cowboy Cafe or The Farmhouse Cafe. In the evening, take a wildlife viewing trip through the park or watch the sunset at Wind Canyon. For dinner, enjoy some great local options-Theodore's Dining Room, Badland's Pizza, Little Missouri Saloon & Dining, Boots Bar and Grill.

Featured accommodation

AmericInn by Wyndham Medora

8

Day 8 - Medora to Minot

Spend the morning in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park before enjoying lunch in Watford City-Outlaws, JL Beers, or Stonehome Brewing. Then head east to New Town, where you'll find the new MHA Nation Interpretive Center and Earth Lodge Village! Plan to spend a few hours at these cultural sites, sitting on the banks of Lake Sakakawea. In the evening after enjoying a few local eateries, feel free to take a visit to the Scandinavian Heritage Park where you can walk through any time.

Featured accommodation

Baymont by Wyndham Minot

9

Day 9 - Minot to Devils Lake to Grand Forks

Before departing to Grand Forks, make a quick visit to the Old Main Street Cafe. Upon arrival in Grand Forks, take a tour of The Ralph, North Dakota Museum of Art, Japanese Garden or Downtown Greenway. For dinner, make your way downtown and choose from some local favorites-The Toasted Frog, Sky's Restaurant and Cloud 9 Lounge, or Rhombus Guys Brewery. Or for a late night snack, visit a local favorite at Red Pepper.

Featured accommodation

AmericInn by Wyndham Grand Forks

10

Day 10 - Grand Forks to Bemidji

In the morning before leaving Grand Forks, enjoy one of the best suggested home-cooked meals at Darcy's Cafe with optional dinein or Grab & Go. Take an easy drive to your next destination and enjoy all the nature and greenery the drive has to offer as you pass by. Spend the day in Bemidji, known as the first city on the Mississippi River, and for it's small-town charms and North Woods beauty. Visit the iconic folksy statues of Paul Bunyan and his sidekick, Babe the Big Blue Ox, which has welcomed tourists since 1937-be sure to take some "selfies"! Take a stroll through the charming streets and storefronts of downtown where you'll find great optional activities for the entire family.

Featured accommodation

Super 8 by Wyndham Bemidji

11

Day 11 - Bemidji to Duluth

En route to Duluth, take a brief stop in Grand Rapids, the birthplace of Judy Garland, best known for her role as Dorothy in Wizard of Oz. As you reach Duluth, one of Minnesota's most popular tourist destinations, visit the architecturally stunning downtown with trendy lakeside neighborhoods. Make sure not to miss a glimpse of the tall ships that pull into the Duluth port or the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge that rises high above neighborhood. Visit the popular Canal Park that offers restaurants, breweries, and shopping boutiques.

Featured accommodation

AmericInn by Wyndham Duluth

12

Day 12 - Duluth to Minneapolis

For an additional journey on your way back to Minneapolis/St. Paul, take a tour of the Scandinavian heritage in Minnesota at one of many locations on your way back from Duluth. Famous author Wilhelm Moberg's characters Karl Oscar and Kristina have statues in Lindstorm, known as a little slice of Sweden in Minnesota. Here you will also find historic Swedish homes and architecture, as well as modern day Swedish influences in the local food and shops. For a fun photo spot, the town of Mora has the world's largest Dala Horse. For lunch, feel free to stop by Tobies Restaurant located in Hinckley, MN-famous for their caramel rolls.

Featured accommodation

Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites

13

Day 13 - Minneapolis to UK

Before returning your rental car and flying home, take time to enjoy a relaxing walk along the picturesque Minnesota River at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington-minutes from MSP airport.

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