Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Charles Town, West Virginia and Ely, Minnesota

The journey from Charles Town, West Virginia to Ely, Minnesota is a long and scenic drive that will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes and smaller towns across the U.S. The journey covers a distance of approximately 1,200 miles and takes about 18 hours, depending on the route you take and the stops you decide to make along the way. If you're planning on making the drive, we've put together a list of five unexpected places you can stop to break up the journey and explore unique landmarks and must-try food.

Munster, IN

Before diving into the main five stops, it's worth mentioning Munster, IN, which is located halfway on the journey between Charles Town and Ely. You can break the journey up by making a stop here to check out the local breweries or grab a bite to eat. The south side is home to the Three Floyds Brewing Company, a well-known brewery where you can get a cold beer and sample some of their food offerings which includes sandwiches, pizza, and smoked meats.

1. Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County, Crawfordsville, IN

The Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County is a historical museum in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where you'll find a collection of artifacts from the area's rich past. The museum has exhibits ranging from delving into pre-historical animal remains to delving into the lives of pioneers who moved west. You can't miss stopping here because of its location near one of the busiest streets, this is a prime place to catch that rare local festival or community farmers market. Whilst visiting the museum, you can sample some delicious locally-sourced food like fried chicken, cheeseburger picnics, pickles, and hot sauce.

2. The Old Market, Omaha, NE

The Old Market in Omaha, Nebraska is a former warehouse district that has been transformed into an entertainment center, which is worth a visit. The district is packed with local art, boutiques, bookstores and restaurants. You can enjoy some of the tasty barbecued food which includes smoked meats, grilled ribs, and specially made sauce can satisfy your taste buds. It's also a great spot to grab a cup of coffee and experience the vibrant energy.

3. Wall Drug, Wall, SD

Wall Drug is a must-stop destination in South Dakota. This place is famous for its quirky and eclectic roadside attractions and is usually marked by a large replica of the place on billboards across the state. At Wall Drug, you'll find a large selection of western gifts, souvenirs, clothing, and knick-knacks, as well as various sweet treats. The cafe has been serving coffee, donuts, and burgers to travelers since 1931 and is well worth a visit.

4. Fargo Air Museum, Fargo, ND

The Fargo Air Museum in Fargo, North Dakota, is another great stop on the way to Ely. This museum boasts a vast collection of aircraft from World War II and beyond that are fully restored and maintained. Visitors can learn about the different aircraft on display while wandering through the museum's various exhibits. The museum also has a cafe where visitors can sample some of the best in-house French fries and burgers.

5. Betty's Pies, Two Harbors, MN

Finally, before reaching your destination in Ely head to Betty's Pies, the famous landmark restaurant in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Visitors come from all across the country to try the best homemade pies in town, and they're worth the trip. Betty's Pies is known for its fruit pies like rhubarb and apple pies, and their savory option which includes their famous chicken pot pie. They also have several other food options for those who want more than just pie, such as sandwiches and salads.

Taking a road trip from Charles Town to Ely is a long journey, but it can also be one of the most memorable trips of a lifetime. With these five unexpected stops, you can make the trip a lot more enjoyable and obtain parking and take a break from a car seat. From the quirkiness of Wall Drug and the delicious food at Betty's Pies to the historical exhibits at Carnegie Museum and the Omaha Old Market, this trip offers something for everyone.