Have done Washburn, ND to Minot during two separate trips. Remember some headwinds, but I think that was out of the norm.
If heading north, hang a left on ND 37 to Garrison, ND, the self-proclaimed Walleye Capital of the World. In the city park you find Wally the Walleye.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ga...176394!9m1!1b1
The town it cute. At 21 N. Main there is a cool old pharmacy with a Rexall Drugs sign.
Just south of town
via CR 15 is Ft. Stevenson State Park on the damned up Missouri River. Nice place to camp. Leaves an easy day to Minot.