Experience Americas Most Treasured Roads
Touring the Byway
22 Miles | 5 Days/ 4 Nights | Gateway City: Grand Forks, North Dakota
The backway runs between Cavalier and Vang, meandering along the bends of the Pembina River. The river, which has carved the dramatic Pembina Gorge, is the only white-water river in the state. Enjoy the recreational, historical and natural scenery opportunities of the area.
We recommend starting your journey in Grand Forks which reveals the story of the region at attractions such as the North Dakota Museum of Art and the Grand Forks Historical Society and Heritage Village.
View the Detailed Itinerary below to see the full route, which is complete with dining, shopping, and lodging recommendations!
Highlighted Attractions
St. Stanislaus Church Historic District
The centerpiece church in the 11-acre St. Stanislaus Church Historic District, one of the most important Polish structures in the area. Splendid Gothic Revival architecture is flooded with light through 19 stained glass windows, highlighting the statuary, canopied pulpit, and twin carved confessionals. The historic district including the rectory, St. Anthony Academy, and cemetery was the social home for Polish immigrants in the area.
Pembina State Museum
The seven story Observation Tower at the Pembina State Museum delivers a stunning 360-degree view of the Red River Valley, where on a clear day, you can see for nearly 10 miles. The permanent exhibit gallery features 100 million years of the region’s history, starting with fossils found at glacial Lake Agassiz. An authentic Red River oxcart is on display, along with objects from the fur trade, military forts, and history at the US/Canadian border. Changing exhibits highlight specific topics from North Dakota’s history and a gallery displays the art of Einar Olstad, inspired by ranch life in the Dakota badlands. The museum store carries items handcrafted by North Dakota artists, ranging from note cards and fur trade items to wheat weaving and Native American crafts.
Icelandic State Park
Icelandic immigrants played a huge part in the settlement of northeastern North Dakota. Hailing from New Iceland at Lake Winnipeg in Canada and villages in Wisconsin, the new settlers lived in the “Icelandic Townships” of Akra, named after Akranes, near Reykjavík; Beaulieu, Gardar,
named for Gardar Svavarsson, the first Scandinavian to visit Iceland; Thingwalla, and Hallsson named for early settler, Johann Hallson. Icelandic State Park, specifically established to preserve this pioneer heritage includes the Akra Community Hall and the 1897 Hallson Church, with beautiful stained-glass windows, a church bell, pastor’s chair and altar. The Pioneer Heritage Center displays items from pioneer days in restored historic buildings from the turn of the century. The 200 acre Gunlogson Nature Preserve and sanctuary features a three-mile trail along the Tongue River with birds ranging from Watermeal and Bishop’s Cap to a dozen rare species of Pileated Woodpecker and Western Wood-Pewee.
Gingras Trading Post
The 170-year-old buildings at the Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site, the oldest standing structures in North Dakota, preserves the 1840s home and trading post of Antoine Blanc Gingras.
Pembina Gorge
The Pembina Gorge encompasses the largest uninterrupted block of woodlands in North Dakota, and the longest segment of unaltered river valley in the state. Digs at the prehistoric fossil site has recovered marine creatures of the past, when a road project accidentally exposed the fossilized remains of a large prehistoric reptile. Interpretive signs explain the creature and the geology of the region. Birdwatchers will observe more than 75 species of breeding birds and wildlife such as mountain lions, bears, elk, and bobcats.
To experience all that Coming Together from the Past has to offer, purchase the complete itinerary!
The detailed itinerary includes:
- A complete trip experience organized in geographic order, to print down and go.
- A full description of the Byway tour.
- Each trip experience begins in a gateway city with commercial flight availability (and often ending in another) to enhance the Byway experience.
- Attractions and activities along the full length of the Byway selected to truly tell the story of the places you visit.
- Detailed description of each attraction and activity, including the address, telephone number, hours of operation, admission fees and suggested time to allow for a visit.
- Accommodations (related to the theme of the Byway or unique to the destination wherever possible) positioned in the correct locations and including breakfast wherever possible.
- Dining suggestions positioned in the correct locations for lunch and dinner.
- All attractions, accommodations and dining locations arranged into Days that allow time for relaxation, savoring meals and enjoying the experience.
- A road trip to create memories and intrigue your mind.