"The American Legion Memorial Highway" can be your traveling host both summer and winter. From the International Peace Garden spanning the border between Canada and the United States in North Dakota's Turtle Mountains all the way south to Ellendale and beyond to the International Bridges across the Rio Grande River, joining Texas and Mexico. . . U.S. 281 is a route that can serve the tourist as well as the commercial highway user.

The vacationer can enjoy upland game, waterfowl, deer hunting, fishing, long summer days, lingering twilight and cool summer nights.

Through the prairie and rich farmland of the Dakotas you can join each community in county fairs, rodeos, horse shows, see historic buildings, interesting places and the natural wonders of the area.

During the spring of the year, birds of many feathers make their way here to begin nesting. A drive down 281 will capture your attention with a colorful display of birds filling the abundant wetlands.

During the summer the aroma of fresh cut hay and wildflowers make each breath a pleasure. The lush green fields turn yellow with sunflowers, canola and mustard. A hint of dark blue spots the area as the flax fields mature. Then the harvest begins as farmers rush to beat the prairie rains.

As fall approaches you'll see the harvest moon set against golden fields of grain and hunters taking to those very fields in search of the abundant wildlife. At the northern end of US 281 the fall colors are most evident as you pace yourself with a leisurely drive across a varied landscape.

Winter brings a whole new element to the area, despite its bad reputation, snowmobilers ice fishermen are the first to tell you they look forward to the crisp white adventure that awaits them.

US 281 is a rout for those who want to view more of the splendors of nature and be more in tune with their surroundings. It's a route that was founded to provide safe passage from the Mexican border to Canada. Emphasis was then, and is still on courtesy and service to the traveler. Be our guest, north to south, summer and winter, on US 281.

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