Day 4, June 30, 2025 — Leonard, ND → Malta, MT
The trees thinned, the sky stretched out forever, and suddenly the world felt huge. There’s a moment on every trip when the horizon swallows you whole—and this was it. We rolled into the great wide open, chasing adventure on four wheels (plus towing four wheels), trusting the road to take us somewhere unforgettable.
Before leaving Sheyenne Oaks this morning, we were visited by a surprise guest—the friendliest dog we’ve ever met. He appeared out of nowhere, tail wagging, and trotted right into the RV like he lived there. Not a bark, not a beg, not a shoe out of place—just calm companionship and happy sighs as he soaked up belly rubs. A perfect canine sendoff as we headed out via dirt road and back onto I-94.
Thoughts from the Road:
- What are pelicans doing in North Dakota?
- What if we get blown off the road from the strong crosswinds?
- What is this yellow crop? (Turns out it’s canola.)
Around lunchtime, we took one of our favorite detours of the day: the Enchanted Highway, a 32-mile roadside art installation made entirely of scrap metal. Created by local artist Gary Geff, the sculptures are massive and surreal—rising from the plains like a dream. Most of the metal is old scrap metal from oil field materials, vehicles, and machinery. We stopped at the first two installations on the route:
- Geese in Flight (the world’s largest scrap metal sculpture—left a duck here!)
- Deer Crossing, which features a walkable maze
We grilled burgers roadside and the girls tossed a football under perfect 80-degree skies. Sunshine, breezes, and burgers—it doesn’t get more road trip than that.
Our next detour came courtesy of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We pulled off at the Painted Canyon Overlook and were rewarded with sweeping views of the multi-colored Badlands. Way down in the canyon, we spotted a juvenile bison grazing in the shade. Dad’s zoom lens came in clutch—thank goodness for real cameras in moments like this.
With three hours and fifteen minutes left to Malta, we left the interstates behind and crossed into Montana. We’re officially in Big Sky Country.
From Wibaux to Malta, Route 2 winds through the Great Plains—rolling, open, and starkly beautiful. Scrubby grass, scattered cattle, and tiny towns spaced just far enough apart to make you feel truly remote. We passed more roadside sculptures, including the Hillside Animal Statues in Glasgow and a whimsical Chinese Dragon in Saco. No traffic. No people. Just Kevin, the Jeep, and us.
The land flattens again as we neared Malta, broken only by distant hills that get Rob unreasonably excited. Every time they appear, he yells, “Mountains!” and I dutifully snap photos even though I know the Rockies are still hours away. But hey, he’s the driver. He gets hopeful.
As we pulled into Malta, we wrapped up our second full audiobook. Plot twist? Totally got us. Dozens of wild guesses later, we were wrong again. But we’re hooked. These thrillers are our driving soundtrack and the hippos are keeping score. (Spoiler: the hippos are unimpressed.)
Malta is small—like, really small. We aimed for Trafton Park, a first-come, first-served campground with water hookups. Just $5 in an envelope, and you’re good to go. We found a pull-through site quickly, surrounded by rodeo grounds, cattle auction lots, and a scattering of tent campers and cars (though, likely, some were just parked for the night).
Dinner was at Stretch’s Pizza, a short walk across the train tracks. While waiting for our order, Rob challenged me to an air hockey rematch. This time, I emerged victorious. My redemption arc is complete.
We ended the day battling mosquitoes with After Bite and collapsing into bed, ready for tomorrow. Glacier National Park is just four hours away—and I’m more than ready to see the Rockies rise up on the horizon. Bring on the mountains.
End of Day Stats:
Mileage: 602 miles
States Today: ND → MT
Rubber Ducks Deployed: 2
Hippos: Dusty, observant, and skeptical of our amateur detective skills. Holding steady.
Cue: Into the Great Wide Open by Tom Petty – to inspire that awestruck feeling of being in so much space!
Wandering, But Not Lost 