Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Brownsville, Texas, to Pembina, North Dakota
Driving from Brownsville, Texas, to Pembina, North Dakota, might not be the most conventional road trip, but it surely is a journey worth taking. The route stretches for over 1,700 miles, and according to Google maps, it takes around 26 hours to complete, without considering stops or rest areas. The route takes you through breathtaking sceneries, from the sun-kissed roads of the Texan and Oklahoman countryside to the cold, wintery lands of North Dakota. On this route, you will find plenty of opportunities to explore, read on, and discover some of the most unexpected places that you should visit on your trip.
Halfway Stop: Wichita, KS
As you embark on your journey from Brownsville, Texas, one of the top destinations on your list should be Wichita, Kansas, located right in the heart of the United States. Even though the city is not well-known among tourists, it is a vibrant and bustling center of history and culture, with plenty to see and do. Wichita is home to the world-renowned Wichita Art Museum, which houses over 7,000 pieces of history, ranging from works of art from ancient Greece to contemporary art. Visitors should also check out the Botanica Wichita Gardens, where you find exotic flowers and plants that are sure to impress.
Favorite Food: In Wichita, try the local breakfast sandwich, The Wichita Train Special, available at Doo-Dah Diner, which is made with onions, peppers, tomatoes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar cheese served on a bagel.
1. The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX
Located in Amarillo, Texas, the Cadillac Ranch is one of the top roadside attractions that you cannot miss. The site features ten Cadillac cars buried nose-first in the ground, with colorful graffiti covering the entire length of the vehicles. The Cadillac Ranch is a unique tribute to the American Automobile Manufacturing industry, which is worth a stop for any car enthusiasts or anyone seeking a vibrant photo opportunity.
Favorite Food: Visit The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo for a 100% Texas Beef Steak challenge, with a 72 oz. heavily marbled steak, served with shrimp cocktail, baked potato, salad, and bread roll, all for FREE if you can eat it all within an hour.
2. The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, MO
The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri, is a beautifully crafted chapel, both inside and out, that celebrates peace, love, and hope. The chapel was created by American artist Samuel J. Butcher, who was inspired by a passage in the Bible when he created his famous "Precious Moments" illustrations. The chapel has over 500 pieces of art, ranging from bronze sculptures to religious mosaics that visitors can see and admire.
Favorite Food: In Carthage, take a bite of locally famous fried chicken from Clanton's Cafe, prepared according to a recipe that has been passed down for four generations.
3. The Spam Museum in Austin, MN
The Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota, is an unusual, interactive museum that celebrates the iconic Hormel Foods' Spam product. Inside the museum, visitors will learn about the roots of the famous pork product and the origins of its unique flavor. The Spam Museum is a quirky and fun stop for anyone passing by, especially for people who appreciate unique museum experiences.
Favorite Food: Visit The Old Mill Restaurant, located in Austin, to taste the restaurant's famous chicken pot pie, infused with unique spices and flavors.
4. The World's Largest Buffalo in Jamestown, ND
Jamestown, North Dakota, is home to the world's largest movement buffalo monument, named "Dakota Thunder." The monument sits in a beautiful park that is home to other historical landmarks such as The Frontier Village, which is a reenactment village that replicates a typical frontier town from the early 19th century. Visitors should also check out Jamestown Reservoir, which is excellent for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating.
Favorite Food: Stop by The Depot Cafe in Jamestown to taste locally sourced North Dakota steak dishes, including the chef's famous bison burgers.
5. The Scenic Drive at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, ND
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, North Dakota, offers a beautiful scenic drive that takes visitors through North Dakota's rugged Badlands. The National Park has over 70,000 acres of wilderness and offers unlimited opportunities for wildlife sight-seeing, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. Visitors can also tour the Roosevelt family Ranch, which was the summer home of the former US President, Theodore Roosevelt.
Favorite Food: Stop by Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery, which serves up delicious organic breakfast dishes, including their signature dish, caramelized onion and goat cheese quiche.
With so much to see and do, this trip is one for the memory books. The key is to add unique and unexpected places to your itinerary. Incorporating the above five destinations into your road trip itinerary makes for a more memorable journey. Hitting the road and exploring the United States is always an adventure, but this trip is a must-do. Get in the car, turn up the music, and embark on this unforgettable journey of discovery.