chicago to yellowstone road trip map

Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park is a monumental journey that takes you from the Great Lakes to the grand wilderness of America's very first national park.

The 1,340-mile road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone takes over 21 hours of driving without stops and takes you through the wilderness of Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Take at least 3 to 4 days to make the most of the scenic route.

Read on to find the best places to stop, amazing nature to explore and top tips for making the long drive to Yellowstone as enjoyable as possible.

How far is Yellowstone National Park from Chicago, and how long will the road trip take?

Possibly one of the longer journeys many people will ever make, the direct route covers 1,340 miles and takes approximately 20 hours of driving to complete.

Now, with a trip that long we certainly don't want to make it any longer than we have to. However, we are going to make a little detour, in order to make sure you get the opportunity to see absolutely everything that's on offer.

That's why the route we're going to take will cover 1,390 miles and take about 21 hours. Considering we'll be making multiple stops along the way, what's an extra 50 miles if it gives you the chance to have a number of incredible experiences you'd otherwise miss out on?

Best road trip route from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park

The route to Yellowstone may be long but most of it is pretty straightforward, as you'll be following a number of Interstates for the bulk of the journey. Don't worry about the scenery though, as these aren't the busy, built-up interstates you would see in the city, just long open roads, winding through the countryside.

Whether you're flying into Chicago or you simply don't have your own transport in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you'll want to take care of ASAP.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

Road trip route from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park

We begin by heading out on I-88 which begins in the west side of the city, and following it to its completion, near the Iowa state line. From here you'll switch to I-80 West and follow it some 285 miles, until just northwest of Omaha.

Continue west by joining I-880 where it begins and follow it a whopping 16.5 miles to its conclusion, before switching to the I-29 and taking it north to Sioux Falls.

You're now going to spend over a third of your journey on one road, as we take the I-90 west, some 556 miles across the Great Plains, to the town of Buffalo, Wyoming, at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains.

The final 220 miles of our journey will see us get off the interstate and take some smaller country roads.

Begin by taking the US-16 west, to the town of Ten Sleep, from where turn north onto Ten Sleep Hyattsville Road and follow Routes 49 and 31 to Manderson.

From Manderson, US-20 North and Route 30 West will bring you to US-14 at Burlington which will then take you all the way to Yellowstone's East Entrance.

Best places to stop between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park

As you can imagine, the length of the road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone means you will need to break it up with a few stops.

While we will go through a full rundown of everything to see on the way further down, let's first take a look at the absolute best places to stop for the night and make the most of the long drive.

A relaxing break in Des Moines

Our first stop lies some 330 miles to the west of Chicago, in the state of Iowa. The capital and largest city in the state, Des Moines is a beautiful location that doesn't get the recognition it deserves, largely due to its location.

While there's plenty to keep you entertained night and day in the city, it's an attraction just outside the city that may be the most compelling reason to visit.

Winterset is a small town just outside Des Moines and is known as the birthplace of the one and only John Wayne. An absolute must is to visit the museum dedicated to his life located in the house where he was born.

This museum will let you get to know one of the most famous movie stars of all time on a very personal level with lots of mementos and interesting displays.

Considering we're headed to Wyoming, which is widely known as cowboy country, what better stop to make than learning about the big screen's most famous cowboy along the way?

This trip is shaping up to be one you won't forget, so why not make it even more special by staying at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton ?

Its prime location in the heart of Des Moines puts you right in the middle of everything, with attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Science Center of Iowa just a short walk away.

Split your trip with a stay at Sioux Falls

Located just slightly under the halfway mark on our route from Chicago to Yellowstone, Sioux Falls sits the perfect place to split the trip in two. The most populous city in South Dakota, Sioux Falls, is situated on the banks of the Big Sioux River.

It's a city most famed for its stunning collection of parks and wide-open spaces, most notably Falls Park, where the waterfalls that give the city its name can be found.

This is the perfect place to experience a small taste of what lies ahead in Yellowstone, while still being surrounded by civilization to make relaxing with a nice meal or a drink at the end of the day much easier.

Although there are a few decent lodging options, I'd recommend staying at the Clubhouse Hotel Sioux Falls - a great hotel with a very natural feel to it, sitting right along the riverfront .

A quick stop in Rapid City

After crossing the entire width of South Dakota and before looping around the Black Hills National Forest along the I-90, you'll come to Rapid City.

You have multiple national parks and forests, the historic town of Deadwood, wildlife safaris, the Sturgis Festival, the Crazy Horse, and Mount Rushmore monuments all on your doorstep.

If you wanted to drive a little further, there's even the site of the famous Wounded Knee Massacre under 90 minutes southeast of the city.

With this being a trip centered around exploring the natural side of this beautiful part of the world, it only makes sense that our accommodation should do the same, which is why you simply have to stay at the Sweetgrass Inn Bed & Breakfast .

This charming bed and breakfast has a true homey feel with cozy rooms and a beautiful garden. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the mornings during your stay. The B&B also has a restaurant and bar, with evening entertainment on some days.

You will be located a short drive from Journey Museum and Dinosaur Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial is just a 25-minute drive from the property.

Things to see on a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park

As I mentioned earlier, there are an incredible number of sights and attractions on this trip, so making sure you get to see everything you want can be quite a challenge.

Hopefully, we will be able to help you out with that though, as the following is a list of the best things to see along your journey, so you can tick them off as you go and keep track of what you've done.

• Iowa Cornfields - You won't miss these vast fields on your way across the state, especially if you're driving during the summer months.
• Des Moines - The capital and largest city in the state of Iowa.
• John Wayne Birthplace Museum - Located in the small town of Winterset is the museum dedicated to his life and work in the home where he was born that has been restored to how it would have been back in 1907.
• Omaha - The capital city of Nebraska, Omaha is worth a stop to explore its quaint neighborhoods, one of the most famous zoos in the world and vibrant food & beer scenes.
• Sioux Falls -The largest city in the state of South Dakota.
• Wall Drug - Sitting on the edge of Badlands National Park, Wall Drug is full of Wild West-themed stores, restaurants and, you guessed it, a drug store.
• Badlands National Park – A one-of-a-kind national park with a mix of sprawling prairies and rocky canyons. Look out for bison and bighorn sheep that call Badlands there.
• Rapid City - The second largest city in South Dakota has that familiar feeling even if you've never been before.
• Wind Cave National Park – One of the longest and most intricate cave systems in the world is hidden under the forests and prairies of South Dakota near Custer State Park.
• Deadwood -A large Wild West town in the Black Hills where you can walk the same streets as the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp and visit the spot where Wild Bill Hickok was killed.
• Crazy Horse Memorial - What may one day become the world's second-largest statue is a huge carving of the native war chief that has been in construction since 1948 with no completion date in sight.
• Mount Rushmore - Theworld-famous monument depicting some of America's famous presidents, carved into the Black Hills rockface.
• Black Hills National Forest - A 1.25-million-acre mix of forests and mountains in the southwestern corner of South Dakota.
• Devils Tower National Monument - The famous rock formation is as beautiful as it is mysterious.
• Thunder Basin National Grassland - Vast flat grassland in eastern Wyoming.
• Bighorn National Forest - One of the oldest protected forests in America and home to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark.
• Shoshone National Forest - The oldest protected forest in the United States, covering 2.5 million acres.

Best time to go on a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park

This is a trip that's all about experiencing the great outdoors. Everything you do from sightseeing and hiking to picnicking and possibly even camping will occur outdoors.

Therefore, if we want this trip to be any fun, we need to make sure we have good weather to do it in. Thankfully, unlike some other national parks like Death Valley of Grand Canyon, the temperature doesn't reach unbearable highs, even in the peak of summer.

The best time to make the road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone is from May to September. The weather will be warm with little chance of rain, giving you the best opportunity to explore nature. Be prepared to share your experience with tourist crowds in July and August.

Remember that some roads to and in Yellowstone close down for winter. You can still make the drive from Chicago and stay just outside the National Park, taking snowmobiles, skis or other means of getting about, but you won't be able to appreciate Yellowstone in all its glory.

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12 Iconic Stops from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park (Road Trip Itinerary Included)

Setting out from Chicago and heading towards Yellowstone? The route ahead promises more than just the destination. 

Between the urban rhythms of Chicago and Yellowstone’s wild expanses, a rich journey unfolds.

In Rockford, pause to find tranquility amidst green expanses. Journey through South Dakota and marvel at landscapes that shift from rolling hills to towering monuments. 

As you drive into Wyoming, anticipate the charm of towns where the spirit of the Wild West still lingers.

Our guide zeroes in on 12 standout stops, ensuring that every segment of your drive is dotted with moments to remember. 

Dive deep, drive safe, and let every mile be a memory. Your ultimate road trip is about to begin.

Table of Contents

Planning Your Road Trip from Chicago to Yellowstone

The open road between Chicago and Yellowstone promises a journey rich in contrasting landscapes, vibrant cities, and iconic landmarks. 

To ensure this adventure runs smoothly, a little preparation goes a long way.

Selecting the Right Time:

Embarking on this expedition is all about timing. While summer offers longer days and warm weather, late spring and early fall are more accommodating. 

These periods usually sidestep Yellowstone’s busiest moments, giving you a more intimate experience. And while Yellowstone is enchanting all year round, be aware that unexpected snowfall can occur even in June. 

It’s always a good idea to check weather updates for both the park and the route you intend to take.

Packing For the Trip:

With a journey that stretches across different terrains and climates, packing can be a little tricky. Remember to include both warm and light clothing; while Chicago might be warm, Yellowstone’s nights can be chilly.

Essential navigation tools, like updated maps or a GPS, will keep you on track. And since some stretches between stops are long and isolated, keeping an extra stash of snacks and water is advisable.

Preparing Your Vehicle:

Your vehicle is going to be your most constant companion on this trip. A comprehensive check is essential before you hit the road. 

This means looking over the basics like oil levels and tire conditions, but also ensuring things like brakes and lights are in optimal condition. 

It’s not just about avoiding breakdowns, but ensuring every drive is a safe one.

Safety First:

While the open road calls for adventure, safety should never be compromised. Driving during daylight hours is recommended. 

Not only does this let you soak in the views, but it also avoids potential hazards, especially as you get closer to wildlife-rich areas like Yellowstone. 

In the vast stretches of road, ensure you’re mindful of fuel levels, as gas stations can be few and far between.

Mapping Your Route:

Though there are multiple ways to approach Yellowstone, the I-90 W is among the most scenic. 

This route weaves through states, introducing you to landmarks like the haunting beauty of the Badlands and the grandeur of Mount Rushmore, before eventually leading you to the breathtaking landscapes of Yellowstone.

Considering a Rental:

If you’re starting your journey without a car, Chicago offers plenty of rental options. One worthy of consideration is Discover Cars . 

They have a diverse fleet, ensuring you can pick a vehicle that fits your road trip needs perfectly.

Recommended Road Trip Route: Chicago to Yellowstone

Embarking on a journey from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park , you’re in for a treat as you pass through a myriad of landscapes, towns, and historical sites.

Setting out from the bustling heart of Chicago, take I-90 W which serves as your primary highway for a significant part of this adventure. This will soon lead you to the charming city of Rockford, IL , a short drive away and the perfect introduction to your road trip .

Continuing on I-90 W, you’ll venture into Wisconsin and be welcomed by the scenic beauty of Madison .

The journey seamlessly flows from Madison to the riverside charm of La Crosse, WI , still on I-90 W. As you cross into South Dakota, the landscape subtly begins to shift, and soon you’ll find yourself in the cityscape of Sioux Falls .

A little further west on I-90, and you’ll discover the quirky town of Mitchell, SD , home to the iconic Corn Palace.

The highway then guides you to the rugged terrains of Badlands National Park .

Your connection with I-90 W continues as you roll into the cultural hub of Rapid City, SD , a city that thrums with history and modernity.

From Rapid City, a detour via US-16 W brings you closer to the majestic Mount Rushmore .

Once you’ve soaked in the grandeur of this iconic monument, head back to US-16 W, moving towards Deadwood, SD , a town deeply rooted in Wild West history.

Your next significant stop is Devil’s Tower, WY , an imposing natural structure that stands tall against the Wyoming sky.

Heading out from Deadwood, take US-85 S which will merge into WY-24 W, guiding you directly to the base of Devil’s Tower.

The journey from Devil’s Tower to Cody, WY is especially scenic. Start on WY-24 W, merge onto I-90 W, and then shift gears onto US-14 W from Sheridan.

This route meanders through the Bighorn National Forest, leading you straight into the heart of Cody.

Finally, as you approach the climax of this memorable road trip , a drive on US-14 W/US-16 W/US-20 W from Cody delivers you to the grandeur of Yellowstone National Park , marking a fitting end to your journey from the urban streets of Chicago to the wild heart of America.

12 Unmissable Stops Between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park

Travel is as much about the journey as the destination. While Yellowstone’s allure is undeniable, the path from Chicago to this national gem is studded with its own array of marvels. 

As highways stretch ahead, varied landscapes, historical sites, and unexpected wonders comes to life. 

The Midwest, with its rolling plains, gives way to the rugged beauty of the West. Every town and city en route has its own story, its own charm.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or someone simply looking to take a break from the long drive, there’s a stop tailored for you. 

These 12 destinations, handpicked for their uniqueness, ensure that your road trip is as enriching as the time spent in Yellowstone. 

They’re more than just pit stops; they’re chapters in your travel story.

So, as you rev up the engine and set the playlist, let’s dive into these must-visit waypoints that make the road from Chicago to Yellowstone a journey to remember.

Rockford, IL

Approximately 90 miles from Chicago.

Situated along the banks of the Rock River, Rockford serves as an inviting first stop on your route to Yellowstone. Known for its blend of cultural offerings and recreational opportunities, it’s a city that effortlessly combines relaxation with exploration.

Dotted with tree-lined streets and historic neighborhoods, Rockford’s Anderson Japanese Gardens stands out as a centerpiece of tranquility. With every step, the meticulously designed paths lead you through a landscape reminiscent of traditional Japanese gardens, complete with koi-filled ponds and ornate bridges.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s commitment to the arts, evident in places like the Rockford Art Museum . Housing a collection of over 2,000 artworks, it showcases regional and national artists, offering a peek into the vibrant local art scene.

When it comes to dining, Rockford boasts an array of eateries that cater to diverse palates. Lino’s , for instance, offers classic Italian dishes in a warm, family-friendly setting, while Octane InterLounge melds modern aesthetics with a menu that’s a delightful mix of contemporary flavors.

No visit to Rockford is complete without acknowledging its historical significance. The Midway Village Museum paints a vivid picture of the region’s past, complete with a village street that transports visitors back in time.

As you pull out of Rockford, refueled and rejuvenated, it’s hard not to feel a growing sense of anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead on the open road.

Madison, WI

Approximately 148 miles from Chicago.

Further northwest from Rockford, the city of Madison beckons with its lakeside beauty and vibrant atmosphere. As the capital of Wisconsin, it offers a blend of rich history, progressive energy, and natural splendor, making it a must-visit on your journey to Yellowstone.

Nestled between Lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison’s skyline is beautifully punctuated by the iconic dome of the Wisconsin State Capitol . Those keen on architecture and history can take a guided tour inside, and if you climb to the observation deck, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the UW-Madison Arboretum is a haven. Spanning over 1,200 acres, it’s a delightful maze of trails, gardens, and natural areas, painting a picture of Wisconsin’s diverse ecosystems.

When hunger calls, Madison offers a smorgasbord of options. The Old Fashioned is a beloved spot, serving up hearty Wisconsin fare, from cheese curds to locally-sourced meat dishes. Meanwhile, for a global twist, Graze is known for its farm-to-table approach, presenting dishes inspired from around the world.

Culture seekers should not miss the Chazen Museum of Art , home to an expansive collection ranging from ancient sculptures to modern paintings.

Leaving Madison, with its blend of city charm and serene landscapes, you’ll be invigorated and ready for the next leg of your adventure towards Yellowstone.

La Crosse, WI

Approximately 270 miles from Chicago.

As you continue your journey, La Crosse emerges as a picturesque riverside city, cradled by the Mississippi River on one side and bluffs on the other. This gem in Western Wisconsin promises a mix of outdoor beauty, historic charm, and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for travelers seeking a momentary retreat from the road.

One of La Crosse’s defining features is the Grandad Bluff , standing tall over the city. A drive to its summit rewards visitors with breathtaking views that stretch out to the neighboring states of Minnesota and Iowa. It’s a tranquil spot, ideal for stretching your legs, capturing photos, and soaking in the panoramic sights.

The city’s relationship with the Mississippi River is undeniable and is best explored by taking a stroll along the Riverside Park . Here, you can watch boats glide by or even hop on one of the paddlewheel riverboats for a scenic cruise.

In the heart of downtown, you’ll find a medley of shops, eateries, and historical buildings. Dining options like The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern offer gourmet dishes with a side of river views. For those looking for a casual bite, Pearl Street Brewery not only serves up local craft beers but also hosts live music, encapsulating La Crosse’s vibrant local scene.

As you depart from La Crosse, with memories of river vistas and scenic bluffs, the road forward is filled with promise, leading you deeper into the vast landscapes of the American Midwest.

Sioux Falls, SD

Approximately 570 miles from Chicago.

Emerging from the rolling plains of South Dakota, Sioux Falls stands as a testament to the natural and cultural richness of the Midwest.

With its cascading waterfalls, green parks, and budding arts scene, this city offers a refreshing pause on your westward journey to Yellowstone.

Dominating the city’s attractions is the namesake Falls Park . The Big Sioux River tumbles over pink quartzite, creating a series of waterfalls that have been a marvel for centuries.

The park’s observation tower provides an elevated view, but there’s something particularly enchanting about walking the pathways close to the falls, hearing the roar of the water and feeling its mist.

Beyond its natural allure, Sioux Falls boasts a vibrant downtown. Historic buildings have been repurposed into modern boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Crawford’s Bar & Grill , for instance, merges the old-world charm of its historic building with a modern menu, making it a delightful dining experience.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the SculptureWalk , an outdoor exhibit showcasing sculptures from artists around the world, sprinkled throughout the city’s streets.

Meanwhile, history buffs might gravitate towards the Old Courthouse Museum , offering intriguing insights into the region’s past.

As you set out from Sioux Falls, rejuvenated by its blend of nature and culture, the horizon beckons with the promise of further adventures, nudging you ever closer to the wild heart of Yellowstone.

Mitchell, SD

Approximately 650 miles from Chicago.

As the road unfurls towards Yellowstone, Mitchell introduces itself as a quirky, yet charming stop in South Dakota. This small town, with its unique blend of history and creativity, provides a delightful detour, hinting at the vast tapestry of American culture and innovation.

Arguably, Mitchell’s most famed attraction is the Corn Palace . Adorned with colorful murals made entirely of corn and other grains, this architectural marvel changes its designs yearly, celebrating the agricultural heritage of the region.

While it might seem like an unusual attraction, the artistry and dedication behind these murals are genuinely impressive.

Mitchell’s downtown is a nostalgic journey through time. Vintage storefronts and local eateries, like Shay’s Restaurant and Lounge , offer hearty meals reminiscent of classic Americana. It’s the kind of place where every dish feels like comfort food, and the locals greet you with genuine warmth.

For those interested in diving deeper into the region’s history, the Dakota Discovery Museum is worth a visit. It chronicles the stories of the early settlers, indigenous tribes, and the evolution of this part of the Midwest.

As Mitchell fades in the rearview mirror, its corn murals and friendly ambiance linger in memory, a testament to the diverse and often unexpected joys of the road from Chicago to Yellowstone.

Badlands National Park, SD

Approximately 770 miles from Chicago.

After cruising through South Dakota’s plains, the stark and mesmerizing landscape of Badlands National Park rises dramatically.

The park’s rugged beauty, marked by layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires, offers a vivid contrast to the earlier legs of the journey, making it a pivotal stop en route to Yellowstone.

The striking geologic deposits of Badlands are not only visually captivating but also tell tales of ancient horses, rhinos, and other creatures that once roamed this land.

For those eager to delve deep into these tales, the Fossil Exhibit Trail is enlightening. It’s a boardwalk trail, suitable for all ages, showcasing some of the park’s most fascinating fossil finds.

Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat. The park is a sanctuary for many animals, from the swift-footed pronghorn to the iconic American bison.

As the sun begins its descent, the likelihood of spotting some of these magnificent creatures, like bighorn sheep or even a coyote, increases.

For the more adventurous, the park offers an array of trails , each varying in difficulty. One of the most popular is the Notch Trail , which rewards hikers with panoramic views of the White River Valley.

Another gem is the Window Trail , a short path leading to a natural window that perfectly frames the park’s rugged beauty.

As night falls, the Badlands experience doesn’t end. The park boasts some of the country’s darkest night skies, making it a haven for stargazing.

Those wishing to immerse themselves fully in this wilderness can set up camp at one of the park’s campgrounds . Cedar Pass Campground is a favorite , offering both facilities and proximity to some of the park’s most iconic vistas.

Departing from Badlands National Park, the memories of its otherworldly landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the vastness of its starlit skies serve as a poignant reminder of nature’s wonders on the road to Yellowstone.

Rapid City, SD

Approximately 800 miles from Chicago.

A stone’s throw from the rugged wilderness of the Badlands, Rapid City stands as a vibrant urban oasis in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Fondly known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” Rapid City seamlessly melds the charm of a small town with the energy of a burgeoning city.

As you meander through its streets, a delightful introduction awaits in the form of the City of Presidents project. Life-sized bronze statues of American presidents dot the corners of the downtown area, inviting visitors to take a whimsical, historical walking tour.

Beyond its urban heart, the natural wonders surrounding Rapid City beckon. The Reptile Gardens , for instance, is more than just a showcase of reptiles. This family-friendly attraction is home to stunning botanical gardens, exotic birds, and a mesmerizing collection of reptiles from around the world.

Hungry from exploration? Rapid City’s dining scene is both diverse and delicious. Tally’s Silver Spoon stands out, serving classic dishes with a gourmet twist, all in a cozy, retro setting. For those seeking flavors from further afield, Kōl offers a modern take on wood-fired dishes, drawing inspiration from global culinary traditions.

However, no visit to Rapid City would be complete without acknowledging its proximity to one of America’s iconic landmarks: Mount Rushmore . Just a short drive away, this monument is a testament to the nation’s history and a must-see.

As you depart from Rapid City, with its blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, it’s clear that this South Dakotan gem is more than just a pit stop; it’s a highlight in its own right on the epic drive to Yellowstone.

Mount Rushmore, SD

Approximately 830 miles from Chicago.

Emerging from the dense forests of the Black Hills, the colossal faces of four U.S. presidents carved into granite form an arresting sight.

Mount Rushmore isn’t just a monument; it’s an emblem of the American spirit, and a testament to human ingenuity and determination.

Crafted by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and later by his son Lincoln Borglum, this masterpiece took over 14 years to complete.

Representing the first 150 years of American history, the visages of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln gaze out over the landscape, each chosen for their significant contribution to the nation’s foundation, growth, development, and preservation.

While the sheer scale of Mount Rushmore is impressive from any angle, the Presidential Trail offers a closer look, allowing visitors to wander through the pines and get different perspectives of the monument.

Along the way, interpretive panels delve into the history, artistry, and the sheer audacity of the project.

After taking in the monument’s majesty, the Carvers’ Marketplace nearby is a good place to refuel. With a backdrop of the Black Hills and the iconic monument, this eatery offers regional dishes and refreshing beverages.

Just a short drive from the monument is the Mount Rushmore Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center . Here, you can deepen your understanding through exhibits and a short film showcasing the risks, challenges, and innovations of the carving process.

Leaving Mount Rushmore behind, its granite faces etched in memory, the road ahead promises further adventures, each resonating with the rich tapestry of America’s past and present as you continue toward the wonders of Yellowstone.

Deadwood, SD

Approximately 870 miles from Chicago.

As you venture deeper into South Dakota, the very fabric of the landscape seems to whisper tales of the past. Deadwood stands as a living testament to these tales.

Once a booming hub during the gold rush era, this Wild West town has preserved its legacy, making it an unmissable chapter on your journey to Yellowstone.

The moment you set foot in Deadwood, the cobblestone streets and well-preserved 19th-century buildings transport you back in time. This is the very town where legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane roamed, leaving behind stories of daring, adventure, and intrigue.

Visiting the Adams Museum gives visitors a deep dive into these tales, offering a blend of artifacts, photographs, and displays that chronicle the town’s tumultuous and vibrant history.

The spirit of the Wild West isn’t just confined to museums here. The entire town seems to celebrate its heritage. Saloons, once the epicenters of revelry and camaraderie, still dot the streets.

The Saloon No. 10 , for instance, isn’t just a place to grab a drink. It’s where Hickok met his end during a poker game, making it a landmark soaked in history.

For a bite to eat, Deadwood Grille offers a mix of modern culinary delights set against a backdrop of historical ambiance, a blend that characterizes much of Deadwood.

Of course, no visit would be complete without acknowledging the town’s gold rush roots. The Broken Boot Gold Mine offers guided tours that delve deep into underground passages, recounting tales of miners who once sought their fortunes in these very caverns.

As Deadwood fades in the distance, its tales of gold rushes, legendary figures, and Wild West adventures add a rich layer to the tapestry of experiences that shape the road to Yellowstone.

Devil’s Tower, WY

Approximately 950 miles from Chicago.

Rising abruptly and majestically from the rolling plains of northeastern Wyoming, Devil’s Tower stands as a geological wonder and a sacred monument to many Native American tribes.

This massive igneous intrusion, with its distinctive columnar formations, captures the imagination and offers a hint of the rugged beauty the American West is renowned for.

Legend and lore surround this iconic landmark. Many Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, have stories that describe its origin, often weaving tales of giant bears clawing at the rock, leaving behind the tower’s unique vertical furrows.

These stories, intertwined with the tower’s natural allure, make it a place of both reverence and wonder.

Beyond its spiritual and cultural significance, Devil’s Tower is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Climbers from around the world are drawn to its challenges, with its craggy columns providing both thrill and skill tests.

For those preferring to keep their feet on the ground, a network of trails, like the Red Beds Trail , circle the monument, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur from various angles.

The town nearby, while small, complements the experience. Eateries like Cowgirl Pizza & Laundromat offer a quirky dining experience, combining good food with the charm that small-town America excels at.

Before departing, a visit to the Devil’s Tower Visitor Center can add depth to the experience. Here, exhibits shed light on the tower’s geology, history, and the cultural significance it holds for numerous Native American tribes.

As you set course from Devil’s Tower, its silhouette on the horizon serves as a stark and beautiful reminder of the vast, diverse, and often awe-inspiring landscapes that define the journey from Chicago to Yellowstone.

Approximately 1,180 miles from Chicago.

As you approach Yellowstone, the vibrant town of Cody offers a slice of authentic Western experience, serving as a gateway to the park and a cultural hub of Wyoming.

Founded by the legendary showman Buffalo Bill Cody, the town encapsulates the spirit of the American West in its history, attractions, and undeniable charm.

One of Cody’s crowning jewels is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West . This sprawling complex of five museums is a treasure trove for history buffs, art lovers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

It delves deep into the legacy of Buffalo Bill, the art and artifacts of the American West, and the intricate relationship between people and the land.

The pulse of the Old West is palpable throughout Cody, but nowhere more so than during the Cody Nite Rodeo . Held every evening in the summer, it showcases the skill and daring of cowboys and cowgirls, keeping rodeo traditions alive and vibrant.

When it comes to dining, Cody delivers a delightful mix. The Irma Hotel , built by Buffalo Bill himself, offers a vintage dining experience, complete with an old-fashioned saloon.

On the other hand, establishments like Bubba’s Bar-B-Que serve up hearty Western meals that are sure to satisfy after a day of exploration.

Before heading towards Yellowstone, taking a scenic drive down the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway is a must. This stretch offers a mesmerizing preview of the natural wonders awaiting in the park, from towering mountains to rushing rivers.

Leaving Cody, you carry with you a sense of the Wild West’s legacy, a spirit of adventure, and the anticipation of the natural splendors soon to unfold as you edge closer to the wonders of Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park: Your Destination!

Spanning three states and covering over two million acres, Yellowstone National Park isn’t just America’s first national park; it’s a monumental ode to the untamed beauty of nature.

A place where geysers erupt with clockwork precision, where waterfalls cascade down rugged terrains, and where the majestic wildlife roams free, Yellowstone is both an adventurer’s dream and a serene retreat.

A Geological Wonderland:

At the heart of Yellowstone’s allure are its geothermal wonders. The park sits atop a volcanic hotspot, leading to a vibrant tapestry of geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles.

The most iconic of them all, Old Faithful , has been drawing visitors for generations, known for its predictable eruptions that shoot boiling water high into the air.

But there’s more to explore, like the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring or the boiling mud pots, each narrating the tales of the Earth’s fiery belly.

A Realm of Cascading Waters:

The park’s water features are as varied as they are stunning. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a must-visit. This massive geological formation is marked by the roaring Yellowstone River and two breathtaking waterfalls.

The viewpoint from Artist Point provides a panoramic view of the canyon, making it a favorite spot for both photography and quiet contemplation.

The Call of the Wild:

Yellowstone is a sanctuary for North America’s most iconic wildlife . From the herds of bison grazing in the valleys to the stealthy approach of a mountain lion, the park is a haven for animals.

Early mornings and dusks are the best times for wildlife viewing. Places like Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are often touted as the park’s prime wildlife-watching locales, offering opportunities to spot wolves, elk, and even bears.

Endless Trails to Explore:

For the avid hiker, Yellowstone offers a plethora of trails. Whether you’re looking for a serene walk amidst wildflower meadows or a challenging trek up mountainous terrain, there’s a trail for every adventurer here.

The Mount Washburn trail, for instance, rewards hikers with panoramic views of much of the park. For those seeking a less strenuous journey, the Mystic Falls Trail offers a delightful mix of geothermal features and a stunning waterfall.

Staying Inside the Park:

For those wishing to immerse themselves fully in the Yellowstone experience , the park offers a range of accommodations.

From the historic charm of Old Faithful Inn to the rustic campgrounds scattered across the park, there’s a stay to match every traveler’s preference.

It’s always advisable to book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot in this slice of wilderness.

A Cultural and Historical Legacy:

Yellowstone’s charm isn’t just in its natural wonders. The park holds significant cultural importance for many Native American tribes, who have been stewards of this land for countless generations.

A visit to the Yellowstone Gateway Museum in nearby Gardiner provides valuable insights into the park’s rich tapestry of history, geology, and its deep ties to indigenous communities.

Visitor Tips:

While Yellowstone promises an untamed experience, it’s essential to remember that this is a delicate ecosystem.

Sticking to marked trails, keeping a safe distance from wildlife, and practicing ‘Leave No Trace’ principles ensures that the park remains pristine for future generations.

Yellowstone National Park, with its vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and geothermal marvels, is a testament to the wild, untamed beauty of nature.

It’s not just a destination; it’s an experience, an adventure, and a journey into the heart of the American wilderness.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to rediscover its wonders, Yellowstone promises memories that will last a lifetime.

A Personal 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park

Day 1: chicago to badlands national park.

Departure from Chicago: As dawn breaks over the iconic Chicago skyline, the excitement of the road trip ahead sets in. After some last-minute checks and a hearty breakfast, you set off on your journey.

You’ll be covering approximately 990 miles on this day, so an early start is crucial.

Traveling through Illinois & Wisconsin: As you navigate through Illinois, the urban landscape gradually gives way to the more pastoral sceneries of Wisconsin.

I-90 W will be your trusty route, offering stretches of scenic beauty characterized by rolling farmlands, quaint towns, and occasional glimpses of the Mississippi River.

Highlight Stops: Two significant stops to break the long drive could be Rockford, IL and La Crosse, WI . In Rockford, a short detour to the serene Anderson Japanese Gardens offers a tranquil respite.

By the time you reach La Crosse, WI, a walk along Riverside Park provides a picturesque view of the Mississippi, making for a great lunch spot.

Entry into South Dakota: As you cross into South Dakota, the landscape starts to shift. Gentle plains slowly morph into more rugged terrains, hinting at the natural spectacle awaiting you.

Arrival at Badlands National Park: By late afternoon or early evening, the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park come into view. The park’s canyons, spires, and layered rock formations offer a stark contrast to the terrains you’ve traversed so far.

Camping for the Night: For an immersive experience, consider setting up camp at the Cedar Pass Campground within the park .

This campground not only offers basic amenities but also places you right in the heart of Badlands, allowing for an early start to exploration the next day.

Before turning in, don’t miss the opportunity to stargaze; Badlands boasts one of the darkest skies in the country.

Day 2: Badlands National Park to Yellowstone National Park

Morning in Badlands: Wake up to the surreal landscapes of Badlands, painted in hues of gold by the early morning sun.

After a camp breakfast, take a short hike on the Notch Trail or the Window Trail for one last view of the park’s dramatic terrain.

Both trails are relatively short, with the Notch Trail being around 1.5 miles round trip and the Window Trail only 0.3 miles, making them perfect for a morning exploration.

Departure to Mount Rushmore: Around mid-morning, start your drive to Mount Rushmore, located approximately 85 miles away. The journey will take you through the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota, adding to the day’s visual treat.

Visit to Mount Rushmore: By early afternoon, the iconic faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln etched into the granite cliffs greet you.

Spend a couple of hours here, learning about the significance of the monument, capturing photographs, and perhaps grabbing a bite at the Carvers’ Café.

Drive to Yellowstone: Post-lunch, embark on the most extended leg of the day – the journey to Yellowstone National Park .

The drive is approximately 450 miles, taking you through the vast expanses of Wyoming. The route offers a mix of highways and scenic byways, especially as you approach closer to Yellowstone.

Arrival at Yellowstone: As evening nears, the majestic vistas of Yellowstone begin to unfold. Given the extensive area of the park, the first sights you encounter will largely depend on which entrance you choose.

The most direct route would be via the East Entrance, which takes you past Cody, WY – a town steeped in Wild West history.

Camping for the Night: Once inside Yellowstone, consider camping at the Bridge Bay Campground located near Yellowstone Lake.

The campground is well-equipped and serves as an excellent base for your upcoming Yellowstone explorations.

After setting up camp, soak in the wilderness around you, with the promise of in-depth park exploration over the subsequent days.

Day 3: Geysers & Hot Springs in Yellowstone

Morning Exploration: Start your day with the early morning mist rising off Yellowstone’s myriad hot springs. There’s something particularly mesmerizing about the park’s geothermal features bathed in the soft dawn light.

After a quick breakfast at your camp, gear up for a day centered around some of the park’s most iconic geothermal wonders.

Old Faithful Encounter: Your first stop is the world-renowned Old Faithful geyser. Named for its consistent eruptions, this geyser has become a symbol of Yellowstone’s raw, untamed power. Try to time your visit to witness one of its frequent eruptions, where boiling water and steam are thrust upwards of 100 feet into the air.

The Old Faithful area also boasts of a range of other smaller geysers and hot springs, so take your time to wander and soak in the sights.

Afternoon at Grand Prismatic Spring: Post-lunch, drive to the Midway Geyser Basin, home to the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring . As the largest hot spring in the U.S., its grandeur is undeniable. But it’s the spring’s vivid colors – from deep blue centers to fiery orange edges – that truly capture the imagination.

These colors, caused by various species of thermophilic bacteria, shift and shimmer, reflecting the vast Montana sky above. Walking along the boardwalk, you’ll get an up-close view, but for a more expansive vista, consider the short hike to the overlook.

Evening Wind Down: After a day filled with nature’s spectacles, head to one of the park’s eateries. The Old Faithful Snow Lodge Obsidian Dining Room is a great option, offering a mix of local and international dishes.

As the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the park, reflect on the day’s adventures and anticipate the explorations that the next day holds.

Day 4: Wildlife of Yellowstone

Morning Relocation: As a new day dawns in Yellowstone, it’s time to shift your base for a change in scenery and proximity to the northern attractions of the park .

Pack up early from Bridge Bay Campground and make your way to the Pebble Creek Campground , nestled between the Lamar Valley and the park’s Northeast Entrance.

This campground offers a more rugged and intimate experience with the wilder parts of Yellowstone.

Exploration of Hayden Valley: After setting up camp, start your day’s adventure with a drive to Hayden Valley . This expansive valley, cradled between Yellowstone Lake and the Washburn Range, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

With binoculars in hand, keep an eye out for herds of bison, elk, and even the occasional grizzly bear. The valley is also dotted with a variety of thermal features, adding to its mystique.

Afternoon in Lamar Valley: Post lunch, head to the famed Lamar Valley . Often dubbed as the “Serengeti of North America,” this region of Yellowstone is renowned for its rich wildlife.

Here, you stand a good chance of spotting wolves, especially if you’re visiting during the early morning or late evening hours.

The Lamar River courses through this valley, and its banks often play host to prancing pronghorns and wandering herds of bison.

Visit to Mammoth Hot Springs: As the day progresses, make your way to Mammoth Hot Springs . These dynamic springs feature a complex of terraces made of crystallized calcium carbonate.

The terraces are in a constant state of change, shaped both by the flow of water and the heat-loving organisms that thrive here. As you walk along the boardwalks, marvel at the unique formations that resemble cascading waterfalls frozen in time. You will also see elk and bison around the hot springs here!

Evening Retreat: After a day filled with valleys and springs, return to Pebble Creek Campground. Enjoy an evening by the campfire, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the creek and the possibility of stargazing in the clear night sky.

Day 5: Canyons, Kayaks, and Lakeside Serenity in Yellowstone

Morning at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone: Start your day with a visit to one of the park’s most breathtaking sites, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone .

This deep canyon carved by the Yellowstone River is a vivid tapestry of red, yellow, and pink hues. The two primary waterfalls – the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls – add to the canyon’s grandeur.

The Brink of the Lower Falls trail is particularly rewarding, bringing you to the top of the most iconic waterfall in the park.

Feel the mist on your face and hear the thunderous roar as the water plunges down into the depths of the canyon.

Afternoon Kayaking: As the day warms up, head to Yellowstone Lake for some water-based adventures. The vast blue expanse of the lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is the perfect setting for kayaking.

Paddle through the serene waters, taking in the picturesque surroundings and keeping an eye out for waterfowl and other lakeside wildlife. If you didn’t bring your own kayak, rentals are available at the Bridge Bay Marina .

Evening by Yellowstone Lake: After returning your kayaks, spend the evening exploring the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake . The Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins , with its colonial architecture and panoramic windows, offers a delightful spot to wind down.

Grab a drink, perhaps dine at their restaurant, and watch the sun cast a golden glow over the lake. The gentle lapping of waves on the shore and the silhouettes of distant mountains against the twilight sky provide a tranquil backdrop, allowing for moments of reflection on your Yellowstone journey so far.

Day 6: Yellowstone to Sioux Falls

Departure from Yellowstone: With a heart full of memories from America’s first national park , set out early from Yellowstone.

The familiar expansive landscapes and winding roads bid you farewell as you begin your approximately 12-hour drive towards Sioux Falls, covering nearly 650 miles.

Scenic Drive through Wyoming: As you navigate through Wyoming, the raw beauty of the state, characterized by vast plains and distant mountain ranges, serves as your backdrop.

This leg of the journey is perfect for contemplative moments, reflections, and taking in the grandeur of the American West.

Brief Stops in South Dakota: South Dakota welcomes you with its own set of diverse landscapes. Consider stretching your legs at Rapid City or Mitchell for a quick bite or coffee.

Rapid City offers a taste of urban South Dakota, while Mitchell’s quirky Corn Palace makes for a fun photo opportunity.

Arrival at Sioux Falls: By evening, the urban lights of Sioux Falls beckon. After the long drive, the city offers a refreshing change of pace.

Overnight at Sioux Falls: Sioux Falls boasts several comfortable and luxurious accommodations. One recommendation would be the Hotel on Phillips . Located in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls, this historic boutique hotel blends old-world charm with modern amenities.

After checking in, consider a leisurely walk around Falls Park to witness the city’s namesake waterfalls under the evening lights.

Followed by this, treat yourself to a sumptuous dinner at one of the many local eateries. Parker’s Bistro is a local favorite, offering a fusion of classic and contemporary dishes.

Day 7: Sioux Falls to Chicago

Morning in Sioux Falls: Wake up in the heart of South Dakota’s most populous city, Sioux Falls. Before embarking on the final leg of your journey, it might be worth taking a morning stroll. The serene Big Sioux River that flows through the city is particularly beautiful during the early hours, with the gentle gush of the waterfalls providing a calm start to the day.

Departure from Sioux Falls: With a quick breakfast, perhaps at Josiah’s Coffeehouse & Café which is popular for its hearty American breakfasts, start your journey eastward. The trip from Sioux Falls to Chicago is approximately 570 miles, and with the heartland of America stretching out before you, the drive promises scenic beauty and moments of reflection.

Journey through the Midwest: The road from Sioux Falls to Chicago takes you through the core of the Midwest. As you pass through parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, embrace the picturesque farmlands, rivers, and quaint towns that define this region.

Stops along the Way: About halfway through the drive, consider making a stop at La Crosse, WI . Nestled along the Mississippi River, it’s a great spot for a leisurely lunch and perhaps a quick walk along Riverside Park for panoramic river views.

Chicago’s Welcome: As the sun begins to dip, the iconic skyline of Chicago comes into view. The city, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, welcomes you back, offering a stark contrast to the natural wonders you’ve been immersed in.

Homecoming: Reaching your home in Chicago, there’s a mix of the joy of return and the sweet melancholy of an adventure concluded.

Unpack, settle in, and perhaps, as the evening settles, take a moment to reminisce about the landmarks, terrains, and experiences that shaped your road trip from the Windy City to the wild heart of Yellowstone and back.

How many days is enough to see Yellowstone?

Yellowstone National Park , spread over 2.2 million acres, is a vast expanse of wilderness, geothermal wonders, and diverse wildlife. Ideally, a visit of 3 to 4 days allows visitors to explore the major attractions, such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and several key wildlife viewing areas.

A 3-day trip can cover the primary geothermal sites and the most accessible wildlife zones.

However, for those keen on delving deeper into the park’s less-traveled paths, experiencing a variety of hiking trails, or engaging in activities like fishing and boating, a longer stay of 5 to 7 days would be more fulfilling.

Regardless of the duration, each day in Yellowstone offers a unique experience, and the time spent truly depends on individual interests and the pace of exploration.

As the allure of the open road calls out to many, a journey from Chicago to Yellowstone stands out as one of the most diverse and enriching road trips America offers. From the urban rhythms of Chicago to the untouched wilderness of Yellowstone, this route traverses landscapes that capture the essence of the American spirit.

Along the way, towns steeped in history, valleys echoing with wildlife calls, and geothermal wonders that defy belief all vie for attention.

For anyone seeking to undertake this journey, the promise isn’t just in the destination but in the myriad moments that stitch the journey together.

The shared laughter during a campfire night, the awe in front of a gushing geyser, the silent contemplation on a serene lakeside, or the thrill of spotting a wild bison herd – these become the memories that linger long after the trip concludes.

So, as you plan your adventure from Chicago to Yellowstone, let this guide serve as a companion.

But remember, while the guide provides direction, it’s your personal detours, spontaneous stops, and immersive experiences that will truly define your journey. Safe travels, and may the road always rise up to meet you.

About The Author

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• SOUTH DAKOTA

Perfect Chicago to Yellowstone National Park drive as I did it in 10 days! 🌋 Chicago Illinois to Wyoming road trip

So you want to go on a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park!

In September and October 2021, I did a road trip from Chicago to Wyoming.

Well actually it was from Michigan to Wyoming. It was a road trip out west from Michigan .

But that included driving on the outskirts of Chicago on day 1… so that means I also did drive from Chicago to Yellowstone. 😜

So I can also give you some ideas on how to get to Yellowstone if you are starting from the Chicago area!

It took me 10 days to drive from Chicago to Yellowstone.

That is one way, from leaving the Chicago area to entering Yellowstone National Park for the first time.

No, it doesn’t have to take you 10 days to drive from Chicago to Yellowstone!

And in fact, my first overnight stop was in Wisconsin.

If you are starting the drive from Chicago, you probably won’t want to make your overnight stop until after you get out of Wisconsin, unless you’re getting started from Chicago late or something.

So you could say it was more like 9 days to get from Chicago to Yellowstone.

Even so, it’s possible to make the drive in much fewer days if you want.

How long is the drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park?

Driving directly, it might take around 20 hours of driving time from Chicago to Yellowstone.

Of course, it’s a bad idea to do this drive in one day.

It might even be bad to do this drive in 2 days. That would be driving an average of 10 hours each day. I can imagine some people will think that’s doable.

But I would say that at minimum, taking 3 days to drive from Chicago to Yellowstone starts to seem actually reasonable. That would be an average of 6 to 7 hours a day.

So if you want your road trip from Chicago to be focused on Yellowstone National Park and this is mainly a Yellowstone National Park road trip, then you might say you are going to take 2 days or 3 days to drive to Yellowstone from Chicago.

But there are a bunch of other stops that you can make if you want the “journey” (aka the drive to Yellowstone) to be meaningful too!

Of course, there are many different ways you can do this drive depending on your time and interests!

Below will show you one driving route to start to give you some ideas… the way I did it… if you want to break up the drive and spend more time along the way from Chicago to Yellowstone!

What is there to see between Chicago and Yellowstone?

Minor stop: Glacial Drumlin State Trail (Wisconsin)

My first overnight stop was at the Sandhill Station Campground along the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. It was just a place to sleep. This is a Wisconsin state park campground .

This is located about 45 minutes east of Madison WI.

Chicago to Sandhill Station Campground is around a 2.5 hour drive. ( map )

Chicago to Madison WI is also around a 2.5 hour drive. ( map )

1. Great River Bluffs State Park (Minnesota)

On a previous trip back from out west , I made a stop at Great River Bluffs State Park.

Great River Bluffs State Park is a Minnesota state park in Winona MN , and this can make for a break-up point right after you leave Wisconsin.

It is located pretty much directly off of I-90.

So if you want to get a little further out from Chicago but still want a shorter driving day, then this can be another camping option, as there is the Great River Bluffs State Park campground.

You can also make it a stop to go for a short hike that ends with views of the Mississippi River.

There is a Minnesota state park entry fee of around $7.

Chicago to Great River Bluffs State Park is around an 4.5 hour drive. ( map )

Great River Bluffs State Park to Yellowstone National Park is around an 16 hour drive. ( map )

2. Palisades State Park (South Dakota)

Palisades State Park is a small South Dakota state park that can also make for a nice break-up point as you drive west along I-90 in South Dakota .

This is located in eastern South Dakota, and you’ll take the I-90 exit shortly after entering South Dakota from Minnesota.

All of the best places to visit in South Dakota are in western South Dakota, so this is something to do in eastern South Dakota along I-90.

There is the Palisades State Park campground.

There are also the Palisades State Park cabins .

South Dakota state park camping cabins are simple (bring your own everything including bedding) but it’s a budget-friendly way to have a roof over your head!

Chicago to Palisades State Park is around an 8.5 hour drive. ( map )

Palisades State Park to Yellowstone is around a 12.5 hour drive. ( map )

See more about planning your Chicago to Yellowstone road trip:

• Palisades State Park camping cabins

3. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

Badlands National Park is the best national park in South Dakota .

The main thing to do is to drive along Badlands Loop Road.

Badlands Loop Road is THE road to drive in Badlands National Park. It’s the main road through the park.

All you have to do is drive this road and you will get scenic views!

This is also the road that has pretty much all of the popular viewpoints and popular hikes in Badlands National Park .

There are campgrounds in Badlands National Park .

The Cedar Pass Campground is the more convenient Badlands campground because it is located almost directly off of the Badlands Loop Road. 

While the Cedar Pass Campground is the most convenient, you may also want to go camping in Badlands National Park in the more remote area of the park too.

That’s where you will find the  free Sage Creek campground where you have a very good chance of seeing prairie dogs .

And you also have a chance at seeing buffalo walking right past your tent!

If you are not camping, then driving towards this remote Sage Creek area will also give you a chance to see prairie dogs and buffalo.

When you are in Badlands National Park, you also have a chance to see bighorn sheep too!

For that, you have a chance to see them just by driving the main area of Badlands Loop Road.

Chicago to Badlands National Park is around a 12.5 hour drive. ( map )

Badlands National Park to Yellowstone is around an 8 hour drive. ( map )

• Things to do in Badlands National Park for views!
• Camping in Badlands National Park (with buffalo and prairie dogs!)
• Where to see bighorn sheep in Badlands National Park
• Yellowstone National Park tour from Jackson Hole
• Grand Teton National Park wildlife sunset tour
• For women: Teva walking sandals (one of the best sandal brands for the outdoors, perfect for lots of walking around outside)
• For men: Teva sandals
• Moisture-wicking tech t-shirt for women perfect for hiking and hot days when you'll be outside a lot sweating
• tech-t-shirt for men
• You will thank yourself for having hiking poles if you're doing the best hikes in Great Teton National Park or a national forest!
• For women: Merrell hiking shoes (one of the best outdoor shoe brands, perfect for hiking in Wyoming!)
• For men: Merrell hiking shoes
• Rain poncho in case it rains and it won't stop you from doing things outside!
• For more ideas, do a search for hiking clothes !

4. Wall Drug (South Dakota)

Wall Drug is a complete tourist attraction.

As you are driving along I-90 west in South Dakota, you will see a TON of signs for Wall Drug .

There are really just THAT many that it will have you thinking… what is this Wall Drug?!?!

Well, personally I think it’s skippable.

But it’s also kind of an all-American road trip story, and you are on a road trip yourself, so… you might want to be a part of it and stop by!

I did an overnight at a hotel in Wall SD. (Super 8 by Wyndham Wall – reviews )

Chicago to Wall SD is around a 12.5 hour drive. ( map )

Wall SD to Yellowstone is around an 8 hour drive. ( map )

• What is up with Wall Drug?

5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial (South Dakota)

Mount Rushmore is one of the most popular places to visit in South Dakota from out of state… if not THE most popular.

If you want to stay for a night or 2 near Mount Rushmore, there are a few hotels near Mount Rushmore in Keystone SD.

The big city near Mount Rushmore is Rapid City SD, and this is around 30 minutes away.

Mount Rushmore is in the famous Black Hills of South Dakota.

A popular drive related to Mount Rushmore is to drive through the Iron Mountain Road tunnels that includes a tunnel view of Mount Rushmore .

If you want to make time for it, you might also be interested in driving through Custer State Park also in the Black Hills. For example, you can drive through the Needles Eye Tunnel .

There are also buffalo in Custer State Park.

There are also camping cabins in Custer State Park , along with other more “luxury” Custer State Park lodging options .

If you want to stay for a few days in the Black Hills, this area is also where you will find Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument .

And then not too far away is also the National Natural Landmark of the Mammoth Site where you can see what’s said to be the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world.

Chicago to Mount Rushmore is around a 14 hour drive. ( map )

Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone is around an 8 hour drive. ( map )

• Things to do in Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Things to do in the Black Hills for views!
• Things to do in Custer State Park
• Custer State Park camping cabins

6. Spearfish Canyon (South Dakota)

The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is a scenic drive that you can make along the way if you are driving from Mount Rushmore to Devils Tower . (Next on the list!)

You can make it just about the drive.

Or you can get out of the car for a couple of stops too, like for hiking to Spearfish Falls .

There are waterfalls in Spearfish Canyon !

There is also the Roughlock Falls Road that you can take from Savoy SD to get to Roughlock Falls Trail .

Chicago to Spearfish SD is around a 14 hour drive. ( map )

Spearfish to Yellowstone is around a 6.5 hour drive. ( map )

• Spearfish Canyon
• Spearfish Canyon waterfalls

7. Devils Tower National Monument (Wyoming)

Devils Tower is an iconic rock formation.

If you only want to dedicate 1-2 hours to Devils Tower, that’s completely reasonable.

There are some quick things to do at Devils Tower .

I did an overnight at a hotel near Devils Tower. (Best Western Devils Tower Inn in Hulett WY – reviews )

Then I did 1 night at the Devils Tower campground .

If you are at Devils Tower when it’s dark, you might see rock climbers lighting up Devils Tower!

Chicago to Devils Tower is around a 15 hour drive. ( map )

Devils Tower to Yellowstone is around a 6.5 hour drive. ( map )

• Driving from Mount Rushmore to Devils Tower
• Things to do in Devils Tower National Monument
• Camping in Devils Tower National Monument

8. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

There are 2 national parks in Wyoming .

You know about Yellowstone, and Grand Teton is the other one.

Since you are so near if you are going to Yellowstone, you really shouldn’t miss Grand Teton National Park !

If you’re short on time, even a drive through the park can be worth it.

You will get views of the Teton Range .

The best road to drive if you are truly short on time is Teton Park Road .

Along the way you will also pass by the turn-off for Jenny Lake Scenic Drive .

If you have more time, then you will want to do the whole 42-mile Grand Teton Scenic Loop Drive . (Teton Park Road is a part of it.)

And if you have even more time… or instead of the rest of the scenic loop… you can do a short hike with mountain views! (For example, hike to Taggart Lake.)

For Grand Teton National Park, the most popular gateway town is Jackson WY or Jackson Hole.

Grand Teton and Yellowstone are connected.

So depending on your route (aka what you’re doing after Yellowstone), you may or may not want to go to Grand Teton before you go to Yellowstone.

From Devils Tower, you can go directly to Yellowstone. Going to Grand Teton first is a detour.

So going directly to Yellowstone is another way you can take a few days off of your Yellowstone road trip.

I went to Grand Teton first. And then after Yellowstone I was went to Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho for lava fields and caves !

Driving from Yellowstone to Craters of the Moon , you can also drive the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway to stop by for waterfalls.

Also on the way to Grand Teton, I spent a couple of nights in a Wyoming national forest cabin too.

If you decide to go to Grand Teton National Park before Yellowstone, then also see about how to drive from Devils Tower to Grand Teton .

Chicago to Grand Teton National Park through South Dakota is around a 21 hour drive. ( map )

• Best things to do in Grand Teton National Park
• Driving through Grand Teton National Park
• How to spend one day in Grand Teton National Park
• Driving from Grand Teton to Yellowstone

9. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

And you’ve made it to Yellowstone National Park!!!

What makes Yellowstone National Park very special is the Yellowstone supervolcano !

Because of the Yellowstone supervolcano, there are tons of thermal features to see all over Yellowstone National Park.

So you must be sure to see geysers, hot springs, mudpots , and fumaroles (steam vents)!

This is not too hard to do since there are so many of them.

You do this by visiting the many thermal basins that are in the park.

THE best things to do in Yellowstone National Park are to see the Old Faithful geyser eruption (see from ground level and the geyser overlook ) and to see the Grand Prismatic Spring (see from ground level and the spring overlook ).

The West Thumb Geyser Basin is another one of the great things to do in Yellowstone, as you get to see thermal features with the backdrop of Yellowstone Lake.

And hopefully you will get to see a bunch of smaller geyser eruptions, like the Clepsydra Geyser !

There are also buffalo in Yellowstone National Park.

• Best things to do in Yellowstone National Park
• How to spend an easy-going one day in Yellowstone National Park

Download offline maps before you go!

It’s quite possible that you will have minimal data in some places as you are driving to Wyoming.

It will be best to download offline google maps before you go! This is free.

If you’ll be doing some day hikes in Wyoming, see the best apps for hiking in Wyoming !

And those are just a few ideas on how to drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park!

More for your Chicago to Yellowstone road trip planning:

• Best places to visit in Wyoming
• Wyoming national forest cabins
• Best places to visit in South Dakota
• Campgrounds in South Dakota

And, after Yellowstone, maybe you want to loop back around and make the return trip from Yellowstone to Chicago with a detour through North Dakota to go to another national park! ( map ) In which case…

• Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Or, you can drive the southern route back to Chicago. You can drive the Snowy Range Scenic Byway in Wyoming.

And then you can take a detour to Toadstool Geologic Park in the Nebraska Badlands that is part of Oglala National Grassland.

PLUS: A separate summer road trip for you closer to home: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

HAPPY DRIVING TO YELLOWSTONE FROM CHICAGO!

Sensational Chicago to Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

Best stops between the Windy City and Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular road trip destinations in the United States ; people drive to Yellowstone from all corners of the country and for good reason! The incredible geysers, huge canyons, and abundance of wildlife make it a place unlike any other. 

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone may be a big endeavor, but it’s also a trip that’s full of opportunities to explore along the way. Making your way west across the United States, a Chicago to Yellowstone drive uses some of the same routes as the pioneers who first traveled in covered wagons. 

Read ahead on this guide to the ultimate Chicago to Yellowstone road trip so you can learn about the fascinating historic landmarks, huge cultural cities, and incredible natural wonders along the way. 

Distance from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park 

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The most direct route from Chicago to Yellowstone covers roughly 1,390 miles. This drive takes you on I-80 West from Chicago to Omaha. From Omaha, you cross over to Sioux Falls, then follow 1-90 west to Buffalo, Wyoming. From here, you continue on state roads to reach the East Entrance of Yellowstone.  

If you were to drive to Yellowstone from Chicago without stopping, it would take about 20 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. 

To make the most of your Yellowstone National Park road trip, we’d highly recommend planning for a minimum of four days for this scenic route. If you have time, it’s not a bad idea to plan for a week or two to complete the drive so you can stop at more parks and cities along the way! 

Summer is by far the most popular time of year to drive to Yellowstone, thanks to the great opportunities for hiking, swimming, rafting, and other attractions around the park. However, summer is also the season when you’ll need to contend with the most tourists, and temperatures can sometimes become very hot. 

The “shoulder seasons” of spring and fall are good picks since the weather is typically mild, and there aren’t quite so many tourists. 

Although it’s possible to drive Chicago to Yellowstone National Park in winter, keep in mind that many of the accommodations in the park are closed in this season and driving conditions can be tricky. However, if you’re a skier or winter enthusiast, this may suit you just fine! 

Best Stops On A Chicago To Yellowstone Road Trip

Now that you have an idea of what the logistics of a drive from Chicago to Yellowstone entail, here are some of the top places to stop along the way.  

• Catch these scenic drives in Illinois before you set off cross-country!

Driving from Chicago to Des Moines takes between 5 and 6 hours, depending on how many stops you make, so Des Moines is one of the best places to take a leisurely lunch break for early starters or spend your first night on your road trip to Yellowstone. 

You’ll find a variety of cool art exhibits at the Des Moines Art Center , which has an impressive collection from artists, including Georgia O’Keefe and Henri Matisse. 

Des Moines is also considered to have one of the best farmers’ markets in the country. Farming is a big part of the economy and lifestyle of Iowa, and picking up some fresh snacks or local crafts is a great addition to your Chicago to Yellowstone road trip! 

The largest city in South Dakota is a great place to spend the night as you drive to Yellowstone. With a great combination of history, natural beauty, and culture, you could spend just an overnight to rest up or spend a few days exploring. 

Even if you don’t have much time, you can stop to visit Falls Park in the center of the city , where you can view the impressive waterfalls the city is named after. Wander along the paths or rent a bike if you want to venture further on the 35 miles of bike trail crisscrossing the city. 

To experience some of the cultures of the city, the Orpheum Theatre is the place to go. Since 1913 this theatre has been the hub of the city’s jazz and blues scene and performing arts events. Check out what music or theater events are on your time in the city for a special treat! 

If you have a little more time in Sioux Falls, you can visit the nearby Palisades State Park , about 30 minutes outside the city. The impressive cliffs, winding rivers, and stunning quartz formations of this park make it a top hiking and swimming location in the state. 

The other-worldly landscape of the Badlands is a must-visit spot on a road trip to Yellowstone. At the very minimum, you should stop to take some photographs from one of the lookout points along the drive, but it also shouldn’t be out of the question to spend a night or two! 

Covering over 250,000 acres, the Badlands holds stunning opportunities for hiking. Window Trail is a good option for an easy path that’s kid-friendly and doesn’t take too long (but still holds plenty of jaw-dropping views!). Experienced hikers can check out the Cliff Shelf, which, as the name suggests, cuts close to red-rock cliff drops. 

In addition to the geological formations, the park is also known for its wildlife, including bison and antelope. Throughout spring and early summer, you’ll be treated to a beautiful array of prairie wildflowers interspersed with tall grasses. 

Badlands has an excellent campground if you want to spend a night under the stunning starry sky of South Dakota or there is Cedar Pass Lodge (seasonal, April to October) within the park. Keep in mind that reservations can fill up quickly, so make sure to book in advance! 

The other alternative is to continue onward to Rapid City, just 75 miles further west and make this your based for a couple of days exploring in South Dakota.

Rapid City is the gateway to the Black Hills National Forest and a prime home base for exploring some of the nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore. 

In the downtown area of Rapid City , there’s a great array of local boutiques and restaurants as well as plenty of accommodation options, so you can spend a day or two here as you drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. 

Check out the City of Presidents exhibit, which features bronze replicas of former American presidents around the downtown area. These statues make perfect spots for photographs of your trip and are a fun way to teach young kids about U.S. history! 

Nearby, there are lots of options for hiking or other fun outdoor activities like horseback riding tours and rafting down rivers. 

The best road trip to Yellowstone across South Dakota must include a visit to Mount Rushmore . One of the most famous national landmarks of the United States, this huge 60-foot-tall carving features the faces of four of the most influential presidents in U.S. history: George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. 

There are a few places to appreciate the carving, and the best might be Grand View Terrace , where you’ll get the classic perspective of the monument. Plus, there are also telescopes here for use in case you want to get an even closer look at the artisanship of the carving! 

If you have more time than a stop at Grand View Terrace, you can include a walk along the Presidential Trail . This half-mile trail is easy and paved, making it good for families with young kids, and it will bring you closer to the base of the mountain. 

Mount Rushmore is a spot you’ll definitely want to have photos of to commemorate your Chicago to Yellowstone road trip! 

Another of the landmarks close to Rapid City you won’t want to pass up is Crazy Horse Memorial . About 16 miles away from Mount Rushmore, it’s easy to visit both of these landmarks in one day during a drive to Yellowstone. 

This memorial is still in progress and is being built to commemorate the Lakota Sioux warrior Crazy Horse. Once it’s completed, it will be the largest monument in the world!

From US Highway 16/385, you can pull off into the memorial’s entrance, and from here, there’s a shuttle bus that will take you right to the mountain’s base for an up-close view of the impressive construction in the making. 

You can also check out the visitor center with fascinating history on Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, as well as pictures of the progress through the years. 

Wind Cave National Park is a wonder to behold both above and below ground. Some people even say that opportunities for spotting wildlife which make their home in the mixed-grass prairie of this park rival Yellowstone! 

On any trip to Yellowstone, you’re guaranteed to see animals like bison and elk, but Wind Cave has a few other surprises which Yellowstone lacks. 

As you may have guessed from the name, the caves of this national park are what set it apart from other sites in the U.S. Keep in mind that to enter the caves, you have to be part of a guided tour. There are a couple of options for tours, most of which last about an hour and are fairly easy. If you’re interested in a more difficult cave excursion, there are longer tours that take you deeper into some of the lesser visited areas of the caves.  

Make sure you book any cave tours well in advance since they fill up very quickly, especially in the peak tourist season of summer! 

Devil’s Tower, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Wind Cave National Park are all within driving distance from Rapid City on a day trip, ortry the smaller town of Custer, well located to these key attractions in South Dakota.

If you have time to add an extra loop to your Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip, we’d highly recommend stopping at Devils Tower .

This natural formation is sacred to the Native American tribes who inhabited the Dakotas before the formation of the United States, and it remains a protected site that is capable of inspiring wonder in every visitor. 

The tower was formed from ancient volcanic activity and rose a stunning 867 feet from the flat plains surrounding it. Unfortunately, there’s no way to get to the top of Devil’s Tower unless you’re a seasoned rock climber with a climbing permit , but the view from the base is more than impressive enough to warrant a visit. 

There are a number of hiking trails around Devil’s Monument, the most popular of which is the short 1.3-mile-long Devil’s Tower Trail which is paved and forms a loop around the tower. If you’re looking for a hike without as m

It is a long drive from here to the next few highlights in the north of Wyoming, so be prepared to fuel up and spend a full day on the road.

If you’re interested in experiencing the stunning landscape of the wild west without the crowds, which are guaranteed to be part of any trip to Yellowstone, then we’d highly recommend planning to stop at the Shoshone National Forest .

You could make it a short afternoon excursion to check out one of the hiking trails, or it would be easy to spend an entire week or more in this wilderness wonderland! 

Covering about 2.4 million acres, Shoshone National Forest is full of pristine mountain lakes, the crossroads of three mountain ranges, and the same sort of variety of wildlife you’ll find at Yellowstone. 

There are a variety of campsites around Shoshone, some of which are first-come-first-serve and others that require reservations. Amenities at campsites also vary, some with running water and toilets, and others with only latrines. Shoshone also has a few limited cabin options, but there are no lodges or hotels here like there are in and around Yellowstone. 

Hiking is one of the most popular attractions of Shoshone. There are easy to moderate trails like Popo Agie Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful cascading waterfall and swimming hole. More experienced hikers may want to check out the Stough Creek Basin Trail which is a seven-to-eight-hour hike with spectacular mountain views and overlooks over a rushing mountain river.

A neighboring national park of Yellowstone, Grand Teton is a little bit out of the way for a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone, but it’s still very manageable to include in your wild west adventure, before or after your Yellowstone visit. 

The park gets its name from its tallest mountain peak, Grand Teton, which towers 13,700 feet! Other smaller (but still impressive) mountains cover the park along with grasslands, forests, rivers, and alpine lakes. 

Take a boat ride out onto Jenny Lake or hike to one of the numerous waterfalls which are found all around the park, like the famous Hidden Falls. 

The Snake River winds its way through the park, and during the summer, it’s a popular spot for kayaking, swimming, river rafting, and jet boating. Other park activities include horseback riding tours, rock climbing, camping, fishing, and skiing in the winter – Jackson Hole being one of the most popular ski resorts in Wyoming.

A drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park will take you to the East Entrance. This entrance is the gateway to Yellowstone Lake , which sits at an elevation of 7,733 feet and is an impressive 20 miles long. 

The East Entrance of Yellowstone is generally the less busy entrance to the park, but it’s also farther from some of the top attractions like Old Faithful and Yellowstone Canyon.

We’d recommend spending a few nights on the east side of the park to see the lake and some of the smaller geysers, then loop around to the North or West Entrance of Yellowstone to visit some of the other wonders of Yellowstone. 

• Lodge bookings within the national park fill up fast over the summer months, as do popular Yellowstone camping spots. Alternatively, close the East Entrance you’ll find accommodation options in Wapiti . If you are driving through the park, close to the West Entrance you’ll find several more motel inn, hotel and lodge options in West Yellowstone .
• Be aware of crossing time zones on this trip; Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota are in CST/CDT, crossing to Wyoming and Montana, you are in MST/MDT – a one hour time difference.
• Pack a variety of clothes; even in the summer, temperatures can drop during the night, so it’s a good idea to have layers. 
• Keep in mind that on a drive from Chicago to Yellowstone, there will be several long stretches of road without good stopping points. Check a map to plan for stops to get gas, pick up snacks, or take a rest break – we recommend Road Trippers for this 
• Seeing wildlife is one of the best parts of a trip to Yellowstone, but always remember to keep your distance and never try to feed wild animals! 
• For latest road conditions on your journey, you may want the Wyoming 511 app , South Dakota 511 or Iowa 511 handy

Further Guide For Road Tripping to Yellowstone

There are many different ways you can approach a road trip to Yellowstone; straddled across three states, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, your nearest major international airports are to the south and west:

• Follow this road trip itinerary from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone , taking in the magic of Grand Teton and Idaho Falls on your way
• From the west, follow this incredible road trip itinerary from Seattle to Yellowstone , taking you through the highlights of Washington State, Idaho and Montana with several detours and route alternatives that can see you in Glacier National Park and Mt Rainier National Park.
• After Yellowstone, why not take the incredibly scenic drive through Montana to Glacier National Park. You could extend this majestic journey even further from Glacier to Banff in Canada or try these Wyoming scenic driving routes .

More Road Trips From Chicago

• Check out these 9 easy day trips and short drives from Chicago
• You can easily tackle some of these scenic drives in Illinois over a weekend
• For another long adventure from Chicago, why not check out our driving itinerary from Chicago to Niagara Falls , or Chicago to New York City

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40 Best Stops Between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park

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How long is the drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park?

The direct drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park is 1,388 mi (2,233 km) , and should have a drive time of 21 hrs 47 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Milwaukee , Minneapolis , Wisconsin Dells , Custer , Rapid City , Madison , Cody , Deadwood , Sioux Falls , and Dubuque , as well as top places to visit like Six Flags Great America and Milwaukee Art Museum, or the ever-popular Bookworm Gardens.

Top cities between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park

Wisconsin Dells

Minneapolis

Sioux Falls

Best stops along Chicago to Yellowstone National Park drive

Bookworm gardens.

Six Flags Great America

Milwaukee art museum.

Harley-Davidson Museum

Woodfield mall, american family field, volo museum, tristan crist magic theatre, lake geneva shore path, eaa aviation museum, starved rock state park, fireside dinner theatre, anderson japanese gardens, olbrich botanical gardens, wisconsin state capitol, henry vilas zoo, new glarus brewing company, devil's lake state park, cave of the mounds, noah's ark waterpark, mt. olympus water & theme park resort, the house on the rock, blaum bros. distilling co., u.s. grant home state historic site, national mississippi river museum & aquarium, fenelon place elevator company, grandad bluff, jacob leinenkugel brewing company, minnesota marine art museum, top searches in yellowstone national park, other popular road trips from chicago, explore nearby places.

• Yellowstone National Park
• West Yellowstone
• Silver Gate
• the Island Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Teton Village
• Saint Anthony

All related maps of Yellowstone National Park

• Map of Yellowstone National Park
• Map of West Yellowstone
• Map of Gardiner
• Map of Moran
• Map of Silver Gate
• Map of the Island Park
• Map of Cooke City
• Map of Grand Teton National Park
• Map of Wapiti
• Map of Ashton
• Map of Tetonia
• Map of Alta
• Map of Moose
• Map of Kelly
• Map of Chico
• Map of Driggs
• Map of Emigrant
• Map of Teton Village
• Map of Pray
• Map of Victor
• Map of Big Sky
• Map of Newdale
• Map of Saint Anthony
• Map of Jackson
• Map of Cody
• Map of Wilson
• Map of Dubois
• Map of Cameron
• Map of Roscoe
• Map of Red Lodge
• Map of Rexburg

Yellowstone National Park throughout the year

• Yellowstone National Park in January
• Yellowstone National Park in February
• Yellowstone National Park in March
• Yellowstone National Park in April
• Yellowstone National Park in May
• Yellowstone National Park in June
• Yellowstone National Park in July
• Yellowstone National Park in August
• Yellowstone National Park in September
• Yellowstone National Park in October
• Yellowstone National Park in November
• Yellowstone National Park in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Yellowstone National Park?

Get inspired for your trip to Yellowstone National Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
• 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
• 3-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
• 4-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
• 5-Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from chicago to yellowstone national park.

Yes! You can drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park.

How far is Yellowstone National Park from Chicago by car?

The drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park is 1,388 miles (2,233 km).

How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park?

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park should take you 21 hrs 47 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park?

Gas from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park would cost around $122 to $284 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park?

You could check out Six Flags Great America and Milwaukee Art Museum, or the always popular Bookworm Gardens!

What are the best cities to visit between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park?

People love visiting Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Wisconsin Dells, among others.

What's the weather like in Chicago?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Chicago in January
• Weather in Chicago in February
• Weather in Chicago in March
• Weather in Chicago in April
• Weather in Chicago in May
• Weather in Chicago in June
• Weather in Chicago in July
• Weather in Chicago in August
• Weather in Chicago in September
• Weather in Chicago in October
• Weather in Chicago in November
• Weather in Chicago in December

What are some other road trips from Chicago?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Chicago.

• Chicago to New York City drive
• Chicago to Washington DC drive
• Chicago to Orlando drive
• Chicago to Toronto drive
• Chicago to Las Vegas drive
• Chicago to Nashville drive
• Chicago to Milwaukee drive
• Chicago to Saint Louis drive
• Chicago to New Orleans drive
• Chicago to Niagara Falls drive
• Chicago to Boston drive
• Chicago to Louisville drive
• Chicago to Indianapolis drive
• Chicago to Branson drive
• Chicago to Cleveland drive
• Chicago to Gatlinburg drive
• Chicago to Montreal drive
• Chicago to Memphis drive
• Chicago to Atlanta drive
• Chicago to Philadelphia drive
• Chicago to Cincinnati drive
• Chicago to Pittsburgh drive
• Chicago to Baltimore drive
• Chicago to Wisconsin Dells drive
• Chicago to Detroit drive
• Chicago to Savannah drive
• Chicago to San Antonio drive
• Chicago to Madison drive
• Chicago to Charleston drive
• Chicago to St. Augustine drive

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8 Ultimate Stops on Chicago to Yellowstone Road Trip

Embark on one of the monumental journeys of America in our Chicago to Yellowstone road trip

From the grand spectates of Chicago to the natural wonders of Yellowstone, discover the best of America’s wilderness, expansive landscapes, and deep forested areas. Considered one of the experiential journeys,  Chicago to Yellowstone road trip  is a journey of a lifetime. It’s a culmination of America’s finest states and finest attractions. This road trip brings to life some niche experiences & discoveries you could never imagine. 

About Chicago and Yellowstone National Park

Chicago, the urban dense city, is one of the most populated areas of America. It’s the largest city in the Midwest, housing more than 2.7 million people. When you consider a town of this size, it’s easy to guess that Chicago boasts unique touristic experiences, homely culture, and a variety of things to do. Furthermore, Chicago’s world-class museums, historical landmarks, architectural gems, and luxury boutiques make the city fun to explore.

On the other hand, Yellowstone marks a symbol of tranquillity, peace, and calmness. The wilderness and rugged landscapes of the national park make Yellowstone one of the must-visit destinations in the United States. The park is also home to lush green valleys, canyons, and exciting natural wonders that amaze visitors with their awe-inspiring fascinations.

We’ve got a couple of handy in-depth starter guides to help you understand the beautiful landscape of Yellowstone National Park:

Yellowstone Itinerary: Find out how to spend one to five days in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Lodging & Cabins: Discover where to stay affordably in Yellowstone. Yellowstone Experiences & Attractions: Explore 19 amazing things to do in Yellowstone NP with kids.

Chicago to Yellowstone Road Trip The drive to Yellowstone National Park from Chicago is pretty extensive. You will know the drive time & routes in the below sections. However, the entire journey comprises three short road trips in itself. They are namely: Chicago to Sioux Falls , South Dakota to Mount Rushmore (204 miles), and Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone (385 miles).

Pro Tip: If you want to avoid long road trips, we suggest picking up one of the routes to explore the region. South Dakota to Mount Rushmore is the most preferred and scenic route out of all.

How to Plan Chicago to Yellowstone Road Trip

This section will brief you on all the important aspects of planning a perfect Chicago to Yellowstone road trip. From understanding the drive routes to driving times for each of the routes, you’ll get a thorough idea of how to reach Yellowstone comfortably.

Best Route to Reach Chicago to Yellowstone

The drive from Chicago to Yellowstone cuts through four American states  Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.  As you start from Chicago, take the I-90 W to reach Sioux Falls. Continue driving down I-90 W till you reach Mount Rushmore. To continue toward Yellowstone National Park, there are three primary routes to choose from: the Beartooth Highway, Cloud Peak Skyway, and the Bighorn Scenic Byway. I highly recommend taking the Beartooth Highway, as it’s one of the most scenic drives from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone.

Find out more | Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone – An In-depth Guide .

Driving Times for Chicago to Yellowstone

The drive from Chicago to Yellowstone is 1340 miles (2156 km). If you were to drive non-stop, arriving would take approximately 21hr 15mins.  The route cuts through the scenic landscapes of  Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming . Since you’ll be stopping at several stops to enjoy the state’s attractions, we recommend spanning your journey seven to ten days.

Pro tip: To cover a road trip like Chicago to Yellowstone, you need ample time. Most people say you can cover this route within three to five days (including pit stops), but we do not recommend that. Consider spending a minimum of seven days exploring the best of each American state. The maximum you can spare for this journey is ten days.

How to Rent a Car

To rent a car for your Chicago to Yellowstone road trip, I suggest Rentalcars.com . I’ve personally used their service and have found it incredibly affordable compared to other rental operators. With max safety assurance, you can be sure of booking the right vehicle for your entire journey.

Chicago to Yellowstone National Park Map

Here’s a driving route map to reach Yellowstone National Park –

Best Chicago to Yellowstone Road Trip Stops

Explore urban chicago.

From serious adventures to fun-seeking thrills, there’s always something special that you’d find in Chicago. If you’re visiting this Midwestern metropolis for the first time, then you’ll have the time of your life. The city is home to unique green spaces like Grant and Millennium Park, landmarks such as the Chicago Bean sculpture and Buckingham Fountain, and many world-class museums, pubs, and cafes.

However, this uplifting atmosphere of Chicago can easily overwhelm a tourist. Below are some of the recommended activities which you should definitely see or do on your first-ever visit –

Take a boat ride on Lake Michigan

Across four states of America: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin – Lake Michigan is a sheer beauty in terms of recreational activities and shimmering beaches. And with the backdrop of Chicago’s tall skyscrapers, the lake shines even more magnificently.

Read more | A Beginner’s Guide to Lake Michigan

One of the best ways to enjoy the city’s urban life is to take a boat ride around Lake Michigan. It’s a preferred way to explore the town while avoiding the busy summer crowds. Moreover, these scheduled boat trips run throughout the day, and they take you across the historical landmarks of Chicago. Some special boat trips always try an extra effort to give you a different perspective of Chicago.

Book activities | Recommended, most popular Lake Michigan tours .

Visit Chicago Observation Deck

The most touristy thing to do in Chicago is to  visit the observation deck  on the 94th floor of John Hancock Centre. Undoubtedly, it’s a recommended activity for those visiting the city for the first time. The panoramic views of Chicago’s urban jungle are a sight to behold.

Go on an architecture cruise

This is an experiential activity, as few visitors venture into the city to marvel at its architectural landmarks. And to gasp at historical grandeurs is worth spending money on and speaking of vantage points to view these gems? There’s none. But, the best way to explore them in their entirety is to travel waterways via the Chicago River

Must-Do Activity  |  Book a 1.5-hour guided Architectural Cruise of Chicago .

This guided tour’s notable structures include: Marina City Goldberg, Merchandise Mart, Willis Tower, Chicago Board of Trade Building, Lake Point Tower, and much more. The tour also includes hospitality of food & drinks.

Have lunch at Navy Pier

There’s no better place than Navy Pier in Chicago to relax and unwind. This iconic waterfront space houses renowned restaurants and cafes that serve multinational global cuisine. Apart from culinary scenes, visitors will thoroughly enjoy the shopping atmosphere. With luxury brands & boutiques lining up the pier, there’s no way you would go back empty-handed. Further to this exploration, countless walking & boat trips are scheduled throughout the day to take you in & around Chicago.

Where to stay: The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown | Millennium Knickerbocker | Hyatt Place Chicago

Looking for culinary food tours across Chicago? Chicago’s Craft Brewery Tour : Experience the hippest breweries in Chicago. Chinatown Food Walking Tour : Explore Chinatown in this 2.5-hour guided tour. Chicago’s Gourmet Tour : Admire serene sets of Lake Michigan on this cruise gourmet tour.

Pro tip: Do take small halts during a long road trip It’s highly advisable to take small pit stops while on a long, extensive road journey. For our road trip, the first distance i.e. Chicago to Sioux Falls is 574 miles . Hence, to break this route – we will be taking a stop at Rockford and Madison (Wisconsin).

Visit the towns of Rockford & Madison

A visitor passing through the state must notice the two famous towns of Wisconsin, Rockford, and Madison. Both these towns form an integral part of Wisconsin’s tourism and have been driving crazy amounts of tourists for over a decade.

Madison has five lakes, gourmet restaurants, 270 green parks, free museums, and amazing biking trails. Any outdoor person would absolutely love exploring Madison and experiencing its abundance of things. Below are some of the recommended things to do in Madison:

Explore Five Lakes:  If you’ve got the time, look no further than its alluring lake beauty. Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa cover 15,000 acres of land filled with water-bound activities and experiences.

Hiking & Biking:  Madison is known for its outdoors. Home to over 270 parks and 200 miles of bike trails, bring out your inner adventure to extensively explore the landscape of Madison.

Arts & Culture:  Thumping beats are loud here at Madison. The bustling rock concerts, the peaceful art shows, and the peaceful museum exploration all add up to your experience.

Looking for more activities in Madison? Read this in-depth guide to find out more experiential activities best suited across all seasons. This will help you plan better in terms of visiting Madison in the right season.

As energetic as Madison is, Rockford is a quaint, peaceful town boasting calm surroundings, beautiful gardens, and world-class museums. It’s also one of the best places in Wisconsin to relax and unwind before you continue your journey toward Yellowstone National Park.

Visit the Anderson Japanese Gardens:  One of the ‘to-do’ things in Rockford is to explore the tranquillity of Anderson Japanese Gardens. Set in a serene environment, the gardens are home to tiny waterfalls, pavilions, tea houses, and stone-paved paths. 

Cruise on the Rock River:  Since Rockford is situated on the banks of the Rock River, one of the fun things to do is to take a short boat ride to explore the sights. The onboard guide will tell you about the town’s intriguing history and culture.

Where to stay: Radisson Hotel & Conference Center | Hampton Inn Rockford | Hampton Inn & Suites Madison

Discover the charm of Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls is among the most incredible places to stop by during your Chicago to Yellowstone road trip. It’s an important tourist destination in the entire South Dakota region and across the central states of America. In addition to its importance, visitors absolutely love staying at Sioux Falls. From exploring the town’s museums and historical landmarks to venturing out to discover the wilderness and beautiful hikes – there are plenty of things to do in Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls can ultimately overwhelm you with its abundance of attractions & experiences. We thought of shortlisting them so that you spend time visiting only the best ones. Here are some of the must-do things during your first visit to Sioux Falls –

Visit Falls Park

Are you wondering why the name Sioux Falls is? Well, there’s a reason behind it. And this reason is pretty valid.

Sioux Falls is home to ancient rock formations through which a series of waterfalls passes. On average, 7400 gallons of water rush through these craggy rocks. Visitors can marvel at this raw landscape generated by South Dakato’s amazing geology setting.

To explore this waterfalls series, you must visit Falls Park. There are plenty of observation decks and 360-degree view platforms to make your viewing experience more pleasing. Those who love adrenaline fun can take bike rides across the trails spread across Falls Park. These biking trails offer tourists a closer look into the waterfalls. Towards the end of the course, a cafe is built amidst the remnants of an old power company.

Venture out on Sioux Falls Bike Trails

The only best way to explore Sioux Falls is through hiking & biking. These two are the most popular activities, and they justify every sightseeing venture you will do. Moreover, it’s an affordable source of exploration that can get you closer to all hidden gems spread across Sioux Falls.

Rent a bike through a local operator and get your adventure started. All bike trails are paved orderly, leading to some of the most beautiful sights of Sioux Falls. These loop trails cover almost 30 miles and circuit around the town. The most popular route is the  Sioux Falls Bike Trail Loop . Considered for beginners, it’s a must-explore trail for all those who want to go easy on their adventure.

Explore Downtown Sioux Falls

After an exploration packed with beautiful scenery, it’s time to hit Downtown Sioux Falls. This bustling area houses some of the best restaurants, cafes, pubs, local museums, art galleries, and more. I personally like to sit and relax at a cafe while watching tourists hustling & shopping across the boutiques on the streets.

Where to stay: ClubHouse Hotel & Suites | Hilton Garden Inn | Hyatt Place Sioux Falls

Explore the rugged Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is one of the epic and underrated spots of South Dakota. The spellbinding scenery, gorgeous terrain, and sharp pinnacles create one of the most dramatic sights in America. Whether you’re an explorer, a hiker, or a photographer – you can spend weeks exploring the abundance of Badlands National Park.

Not to forget, the drive from Sioux Falls to Badlands National Park across the densely forested areas is truly remarkable. The journey itself justifies the beauty of South Dakota. Visitors will find this route extremely special.

Pro tip: Be ready for Badland’s rough terrain Badlands National Park is known for its extreme summers and harsh winters. It’s advisable to carry essential clothing items and hiking equipment for your trip to Badlands. Furthermore, always keep a booster (energetic drink) or dry snacks to keep yourself pumped.

Here’s a brief info on the must-do things to see & experience in Badlands National Park –

Badlands National Park Loop Road

If you’ve only got a half-day to explore the sights of the Badlands, take the Badlands National Park Loop Road. Spanning over 30 miles, this circuit is one of the most-driven routes of the park. The amount of things to see across the loop road is simply magical. While it may take you only an hour to complete the loop, it will take you much longer (probably 5-6 hours) once you realize the amount of sightseeing stops this loop road has.

Badlands Loop Road is a proper, structured paved route that is easy to drive and follow. Once you start your journey, you’ll soon hit overlook points, scenic vantage platforms, and boardwalk trails. Make plenty of stops along the way to soak in the rugged interior charm of this backcountry.

Some notable places (overlooks) you shouldn’t miss include  Pinnacles Overlook  (known for incredible views),  Yellow Hills of the Badlands  (known for its yellow-coloured hill display),  Yellow Moulds Overlook  (known for its fossils & geological features), and  Panorama Point  (can’t miss this for sunrises and sunsets).

Please be a careful explorer while driving Badlands Loop Road. Road kills are common at this juncture. It’s advisable to maintain a safe distance (minimum 100ft) between your vehicle and the animal.

Hike the Notch Trail

Notch Trail is naturally built for kids and families. Being one of the best things to do in Badlands National Park, Notch Trail is a 1.5-miles round trip packed with exciting things to see. This facilitated trail runs across a scenic canyon, steep climb-up trails, ancient rock formations, and fossils. Furthermore, the area around the Notch Trail is indeed striking for sunset admirers. The slopes of Badlands mountains get completely bathed in orange hues.

Discover the Fossil Exhibit Trail

The Fossil Exhibit Trail takes you back in time by letting you discover the fossil exhibits of extinct creatures who once lived in this national park. The trail is the only place to learn about these discoveries while gaining meaningful knowledge about the fossils. The Fossil Exhibit Trail runs 2.5 miles long, with accessible boardwalks and paved routes, making it one of the must-explore areas.

Visit Homestead Overlook

Apart from all the overlooks you might’ve already seen from Badlands Loop Road, there’s one in particular that you should definitely see. Homestead Overlook is one of the natural gems of Badlands National Park. In contrast to the blue skies, the orange shades of the mountain slopes are a sight to admire! Oh, and you can also spot plenty of prairie in this region.

As mentioned, Badlands National Park is not limited to only the four experiences listed above. There’s a plethora of things to see & do. Here are some notable ones (you should definitely take time to explore): visiting  Hay Butte Overlook , watching the sunsets from  Big Badlands Overlook , spotting the  Badlands Wall , and hiking the  Door Trail .

How do I book hotels for this road trip? Travel Realms partners with two of the leading hotel booking platforms: Booking.com & Hostelworld. For a traveller looking for a varied accommodation option, I suggest exploring stays at Booking.com . For those who prefer budgeted rooms, visit Hostelworld .

Wander the beautiful Custer State Park

Custer State Park is one of the awe-inspiring destinations of our Chicago to Yellowstone road trip. Nestled in the Black Hill region of the United States, the entire state park is filled with natural landmarks, towering peaks, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife.

Interestingly, Custer State Park is still known to a lot of people. It is less popular than Badlands National Park or Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Even during summer, you won’t find its hiking trails crowded like the others. So easy; you can spend a couple of days exploring the majestic Custer State Park.

Some of the must-do activities in Custer State Park include:

Drive the Needles Highway

You absolutely can’t miss doing one thing in Custer State Park. And that’s driving the scenic Needles Highway. This 14-mile loop road forms part of the central South Dakota Highway 87. As the name implies, this picturesque circuit allows visitors to view world-famous granite zeniths. The entire Highway is adorned with narrow curves, long tunnels, and panoramic vantage points. Honestly, you’ll always need more of the views here.

Circle the Wildlife Loop Road

The Wildlife Loop Road is another must when visiting Custer State Park for the first time. It’s a long, stretched circuit road that cuts through pine-covered hills and grasslands. Since the road runs through the park’s forested areas, expect to see a wide range of unique wildlife. Some of them which you can spot are prairies, bison, bighorn sheep, coyotes, eagles, and hawks.

Fun Fact: Custer State Park was acclaimed as one of the World’s Top Ten Wildlife Destinations. Due to its incredible array of unique animal and bird species, the park has been a paradisical place for all wildlife photographers and explorers. The state park also has a dedicated wildlife reserve.

Visit Sylvan Lake

Nestled amidst the giant rock formations of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake is popularly known for its striking beauty and contrasting setting. The lake water shines brightly during the day, reflecting the blue hues of the clear skies. From a different angle, it looks as if the rock formations are holding out the water from spilling out.

Most visitors pass the Needles Highway, making it a quick pit stop for Sylvan Lake. However, it’s worth spending some time admiring the terrain that surrounds the water. The lake has a swimming beach and a beautiful 1-mile walking trail leading you to impressive scenic points. Other activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and picnicking are common.

Marvel at Mount Rushmore National Monument

Mount Rushmore is truly one of the monumental landmarks of our Chicago to Yellowstone road trip. It houses one of the world’s largest sculptures featuring the United States’ four presidents. The completion of the work was done by 1941, however, these 60-ft tall sculptures look as if they were recently carved.

Visitors often have Mount Rushmore National Monument listed down in their American bucket list experiences. And I think it should be for all, as the sight of these sculptures itself is so glorious. As a matter of fact, over 3 million tourists pay a visit here to view this patriotic site.

Popular things to do around Mount Rushmore National Monument:

Hike the Presidential Trail

This beginner-level walking trail is perfect for families travelling with kids. The whole path is filled with scenic vantage points that provide different angle views of the national monument. Moreover, walking the Presidential Trail takes you away from the hustle & bustle of the busy tourist crowd. It’s also relatively quieter during the mornings.

Join a Guided Excursion

The best way to explore Mount Rushmore in its entirety is to join a guided ranger tour . Led by expert rangers, these excursions offer deeper engagement and perspective into the political and environmental history of the area. The tour stops at several points covering explanations on various topics. You can visit the Visitor Centre at Mount Rushmore to book these tours.

Further Resource | These are some of the best accommodation options in Mount Rushmore.

Visit Devils Tower National Monument

Devil’s Tower National Monument is one of the important landmarks in the United States. This iconic site is sacred and holy to the Native Americans, as their tribal connections are strong to this monument. Annually, rituals and ceremonies are held by these tribal communities, where prayers are offered in remembrance of a person.

Well, apart from all its history, Devil’s Tower is a sight to marvel at. Being the first national monument in the U.S., the place has been a long-standing beauty to all visitors and locals. What makes the landmark more interesting is the fact that it has got numerous theories & mysterious stories. (I’ll leave this surprise for your exploration).

Two of my favourite things to do around Devils Tower National Monument include:

Hike the trails

If you could do one thing during your visit to the Devil’s Tower, it should be to explore the site’s amazing hiking trails. From beginner to moderate and difficult ones, there are routes designed for every adrenaline level. Of course, the most difficult ones require you to be physically fit – but it also guarantees you splendid views of the tower. Some of the options to try include: the Tower Trail (1.3 miles), Red Beds Trail (2.8 miles), South Side Trail (0.6 miles), and Joyner Ridge Trail (1.5 miles).

Go stargazing

Devil’s Tower National Monument is located in northeastern Wyoming, which is remotely away from any town or city, This eventually means the site is well protected from pollution. And nothing could be perfect than having a clear sky to gaze at the stars. During summers, the park officially launches its ranger-led night tours . Book them to experience one of the memorable nights.

How much time do you need? Ideally, two to three hours is more than enough to spend at Devils Tower National Monument (unless you partake in activities like hiking or stargazing). This gives you ample time to explore the surroundings, marvel at the pinnacles of the landmark, capture photos, plus visit the visitor’s centre.

Discover Yellowstone National Park

We finally hit the last stop of our road trip i.e. Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking wonderland of geothermal activity, brimming with gorgeous terrain and abundant wildlife. It’s one of America’s most visited places year-round, with millions of tourists travelling & discovering the best sights within the park.

Though you may have visited some of the best stops on this road trip, but there’s nothing like Yellowstone. This national park is a culmination of all nature-based activities, making you indulge in them thoroughly. I’ve been to Yellowstone National Park a couple of times, and every time the place had a different experience stored for me. And that’s what I love the most about this park. No matter which season, you always have the fruitful joy of visiting Yellowstone.

I’ll list down a few things which should ultimately be on your bucket-list adventures. For a detailed experiential list, check out our 19 Friendly Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park with Kids .

Grand Prismatic Spring

The rainbow-coloured shades of Grand Prismatic Spring are a spectacular sight to watch. Being one of the main highlights of Yellowstone National Park, this geothermal pool has been a crowd-puller for ages. It’s also the most photographed landmark of the park. What’s more unique is the fact that Grand Prismatic Spring changes its colour every season. And to watch this sight, I suggest either taking the Boardwalk Trail through Midway Geyser Basin or heading to Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook.

Old Faithful Geyser

One of the most recognizable landmarks of Yellowstone – the Old Faithful Geyser – is a natural hot spring that erupts at every 90 minutes interval. Even though it’s 150 years old, the eruption timings are pretty accurate. Usually, Old Faithful Geyser is always crowded. So, it won’t be a nice spectate to see the eruption. Instead, hike to the Observation Point  to get overlooking views of the eruption. It’s a 1.1-mile trip, with an uphill that is moderate to walk upon.

Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is a paradise located within Yellowstone National Park. The scenic drives, the majestic landscapes, and the abundant wildlife make this valley one of the must-visit places in the park. It’s often overlooked by travellers, as it’s located far away from the central sights, but if you make an effort – I promise you’ll be rewarded with surprising views. Alternatively, you can also look at these guided activities which take you in & around Lamar Valley. Well, you certainly won’t need to drive and you can keep yourself occupied marvelling at the outdoor wildlife.

Where to stay: Kelly Inn-West Yellowstone | Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone | Best Western Desert Inn

How to Plan Chicago to Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

Planning a road trip is pretty straightforward. What isn’t so simple is its execution. Even to date, I sometimes struggle to compile everything and put it in a single plan. However, if researched and planned well, execution may seem like a cakewalk.

To help you out with your efforts, I’ve curated a sample 7-day itinerary for Chicago to Yellowstone road trip. Customize the below plan as per your requirement, preference and choice. But, more importantly, keep your plan flexible so that the entire road journey isn’t tiresome.

Chicago to Yellowstone National Park Itinerary

Explore Chicago (sightseeing & exploration) Chicago to Rockford, IL (1hr 33mins) Rockford to Madison, WI (1hr 18mins) Overnight at Madison.

Depart Madison Madison to Sioux Falls (6hr 35mins) – option to stay at Rochester Explore Sioux Falls

You can either spend a day or two at Sioux Falls. Recommended duration is two days.

Depart Sioux Falls Sioux Falls to Badlands National Park (3hr 57mins) Visit Badlands & surroundings Overnight at Rapid City.

Rapid City to Custer State Park (56 minutes) Spend a day exploring the state park

Head to Mount Rushmore National Monument (45 minutes) Spend full-day exploring Mount Rushmore Overnight at Keystore.

Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone (9 hours) Rest/ Overnight stay at Gardiner or Montana

Explore Yellowstone National Park’s sights & wonders

Recommend stay at Yellowstone National Park is three days.

Voila! You’ve got your road trip set and your itinerary planned. It’s time to explore accommodation. Visit Booking.com to find affordable & luxury options for our Chicago to Yellowstone road trip.

Popular Guided Tours & Excursions

Our partnership with GetYourGuide brings out exclusive tours & experiences for you to choose from. Below are some of the recommended activities and guided excursions which perfectly compliments our Chicago to Yellowstone trip. Book them in advance and plan an exciting journey in the United States.

Further Readings & Resources

American road trips are fun, aren’t they? So, I’m sure you’ll love our other curated trips as well.

New York to Boston: New York to Boston Road Trip: A Perfect Weekend Escape in 2022 Los Angeles to Yosemite: 9 Sensational Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip Stops Los Angeles to Joshua Tree: 5 Beautiful Los Angeles to Joshua Tree Road Trip Amarillo to Santa Fe: 9 Beautiful Amarillo to Santa Fe Road Trip Stops

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The Perfect Chicago to Yellowstone Road Trip

Chicago is a city with endless things to do, but sometimes, you might crave adventures in the great outdoors. So, leave the city's busy streets behind and hit the road for a journey to Yellowstone on this scenic road trip that showcases the best of rugged mountain scenery, stunning national parks, and amazing landmarks to visit on the way,

You can do this 1,690-mile road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone in 26 hours. Highlights include Iowa City, Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Denver Rocky Mountain National Park, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Jackson and Grand Teton National Park.

This epic drive from Chicago to Yellowstone will be filled with adventures and incredible memories every mile. Read on to learn about the best routes, the best places to stop, the best season to travel, and the best things to see and do along the way.

Where is Yellowstone and how far is a road trip from Chicago?

The Chicago to Yellowstone road trip is a feast for the eyes, and not only will it take you to one of the most popular national parks in the country, but it will also give you the chance to visit a few more on the way.

You have two remarkable routes to choose from: the historic Mount Rushmore Route or the majestic Denver Route. Each route is full of scenic places, cultural treasures, and natural wonders.

On the Mount Rushmore Route, you'll cover 1,500 miles of changing landscapes, from the urban sprawl of Chicago to the rugged views of Yellowstone.

You'll drive through cities such as Rockford, Madison, Sioux Falls, and Rapid City. You'll also get to stop at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

The entire trip spans approximately 22 hours and 30 minutes of driving. To get the most out of this route, you'll need over 5 to 6 days.

Alternatively, the Denver Route unfolds over 1,690 miles. You'll be on the road for around 26 hours, with a recommended length of 7 to 8 days, to enjoy this adventure fully.

Starting from Chicago, the route leads through Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, and North Platte before reaching Denver. It then ascends into the Rocky Mountain National Park and culminates in Jackson before the final stretch to Yellowstone.

How long is the road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone, and how many days will it take?

What is the best road trip route from chicago to yellowstone.

The best road trip route from Chicago to Yellowstone will depend on how much time you have and what you'd like to visit. That being said, this is how our two routes stack up against each other, looking at some factors that might influence your decision.

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone via Mount Rushmore

On the Mount Rushmore Route, you'll carve through the heart of America, blending urban fun with the raw beauty of the American heartland. From Chicago, you'll stay on major highways such as Interstate 90 (I-90), offering a smooth and straightforward driving experience.

As you progress, the scenery transforms. From the skyline of Chicago to beautiful Wisconsin Dells, scenic Badlands National Park, the familiar faces carved on the cliffs of Mount Rushmore, the expansive plains of Montana, and finally, the natural splendor of Yellowstone National Park.

There are plenty of facilities along this route, especially in major cities and tourist hotspots like Wisconsin Dells and Bozeman. There are some stretches, however, where gas stations and stores become less frequent.

The congestion of Chicago gives way to lighter, more manageable traffic, though peak tourist season can lead to congestion, particularly as you near Yellowstone.

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone via Denver

On the Denver Route, prepare for the ultimate road trip through the American wilderness. Beginning in Chicago, you'll drive through the towering peaks of Denver and the breathtaking expanses of Rocky Mountain National Park. The route is well-paved and marked, but always watch out for weather warnings.

The scenery you'll encounter is unparalleled from the architecture of Chicago to the vast plains leading up to the Rockies, and finally, the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Jackson and Yellowstone.

You'll have plenty of services and amenities along the way, though they may become sparse in more remote locations, especially on the stretch between Denver and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.

The array of things to do along this route is as diverse as the scenery itself. Whether you're exploring the urban charm of Denver, hiking through Rocky Mountain National Park, or gazing at the Grand Teton and Yellowstone, there's no shortage of activities and attractions to enrich your journey.

However, keep in mind that you might need to make a reservation to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, and any other national parks you might want to spend some time at, so check before you visit.

While Chicago and Denver can be congested, the roads through the national parks may also see heavy traffic in peak tourist seasons. The stretches between these key points are usually much smoother.

Driving Route from Chicago to Yellowstone

Below, you can find high-level details of where each route will take you. We recommend using GPS for detailed instructions as this is the best way to see the step-by-step directions for your road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone.

Driving the Mount Rushmore Route

Begin your adventure from Chicago, heading northwest towards Wisconsin Dells via I-90. As you continue on I-90, you'll experience the picturesque views of Wisconsin before arriving in Wisconsin Dells, famous for its waterparks and family entertainment.

Leaving the Dells, your journey stretches further westward, crossing the mighty Mississippi River into Minnesota and then South Dakota, where you can visit Sioux Falls.

The route then guides you through South Dakota's landscapes, from its prairies to the rugged Badlands National Park. As you approach the Black Hills region, you will be able to visit Rapid City and then the world-famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Leaving Mount Rushmore, head west into Wyoming on US-212 and then I-90 towards Bozeman, Montana. Bozeman serves as a gateway to the outdoor adventures of Montana.

Finally, the route concludes as you drive south from Bozeman, entering Yellowstone National Park through its north entrance.

Driving the Denver Route

Starting in Chicago, take I-88 westward through the plains of Illinois and Iowa. This initial leg of your trip takes you through the landscapes and towns of the Midwest. You will be able to make stops in Des Moines, Omaha and Lincoln on the first leg of your road trip.

Continuing on I-80, you'll venture into Nebraska, before crossing into Colorado. As you approach Denver, you'll see the skyline of the Mile High City, nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains.

From Denver, head northwest on US-36 to Rocky Mountain National Park. This park offers breathtaking vistas, forests, alpine lakes, and sweeping panoramic views.

After exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, drive north into Wyoming via US-287. Soon, you'll reach Jackson, a gateway to the Tetons, with its iconic town square, antler arches, and upscale amenities.

The final stretch takes you north from Jackson through Grand Teton National Park, where jagged mountain peaks tower over pristine lakes. Continue on US-191, entering the beautiful Yellowstone National Park from the south.

However, if you are visiting in winter, you will find the Trail Ridge Road and South Entrance Road closed. So, make a detour on WY-22 past Jackson, heading north until you reach Ashton and hop on US-20. This road will take you to West Yellowstone, which you can use as a base during your visit.

Where to stop overnight on a road trip between Chicago and Yellowstone

There are so many unbelievable sights and experiences on this beautiful Chicago to Yellowstone road trip. To get the most out of them, we recommend staying in one of the destinations below.

The perfect gateway to the Black Hills in Rapid City

About 13 hours into your journey on the Mount Rushmore Route is Rapid City. Known as the "Gateway to the Black Hills," you'll enjoy its rustic charm and South Dakota landscape. Its historic downtown and proximity to natural and historic landmarks make it a captivating destination.

In Rapid City, two must-visit attractions stand out. First, the Reptile Gardens offers an up-close look at a diverse range of reptiles.

Then, there's the Journey Museum, which takes you through the history of the Black Hills region, providing insights into Native American heritage and the area's natural history.

For your stay in Rapid City, the Sweetgrass Inn Bed & Breakfast is the best lodging option in the area. This charming bed and breakfast distinguishes itself with its "homey" atmosphere, offering cozy rooms and a serene garden.

The terrace boasts beautiful mountain views, and select rooms feature balconies that allow you to soak in picturesque surroundings.

What makes the Sweetgrass Inn truly special are its amenities and proximity to local attractions. The inn features a wonderful restaurant and bar, featuring delicious meals and drinks.

A daily American breakfast, free parking, and evening entertainment add to the comfort of your stay. Nearby, besides the Reptile Gardens and Journey Museum, Dinosaur Park is just a 15-minute drive away.

An urban stay with a view in Denver

Denver features the perfect blend of urban excitement and stunning nature, about 15 hours into the Denver Route. Known as the Mile High City, Denver has plenty of cultural and recreational activities and beautiful mountain views.

For a dose of family fun, Elitch Gardens is a must-visit, featuring a wide range of amusement park rides, water attractions, and live entertainment, all within the heart of the city.

For your stay in Denver, The Ramble Hotel is one of the top choices . Nestled in the heart of the RiNo Art District, this hotel features stunning rooms and lounges, complemented by an impressive rooftop terrace, offer a luxurious retreat after a day of exploration.

Death & Company and The Garden restaurants serve delicious American dishes if you have worked up an appetite, while Suite 6a offers an intimate bar experience with its signature cocktails, to treat yourself to your favorite drink after the long drive.

Beyond its walls, The Ramble Hotel positions you within a short walk to Denver's attractions like Coors Field Baseball Stadium, the innovative Denver Selfie Museum for a fun, interactive experience, and the Denver Zoo.

Our favorite place to stay near Yellowstone

Upon reaching the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone Gateway Inn in Gardiner offers an idyllic base for your exploration of America's first national park.

This welcoming hotel is a short drive from the north entrance of Yellowstone and its incredible wonders. The Inn provides direct access to plenty of outdoor activities, including rafting, horseback riding, and fishing.

If you're seeking a more leisurely stay, some suites at the Yellowstone Gateway Inn have stunning mountain views, fully-equipped kitchens, and cozy seating areas, allowing you to unwind in comfort while immersed in nature.

Conveniently located, the Inn is just 5 miles from Yellowstone National Park headquarters. Furthermore, the famous Roosevelt Arch is less than 5 minutes by car from the inn and provides amazing photo ops!

Best time to travel from Chicago to Yellowstone on a road trip

Your experience of the drive from Chicago to Yellowstone will vary depending on the season. Below is what you can expect throughout the year.

Traveling to Yellowstone from Chicago in summer

Summer on the Mount Rushmore Route offers the best weather, with warm temperatures and extended daylight hours.

However, keep in mind that afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially around Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. Be prepared for higher traffic volumes and significant crowding at major tourist attractions like Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and Wisconsin Dells.

Notable events include the Orton Park Festival in Madison during August and the Yellowstone International Arts Festival, also in August, which will keep you busy if you choose to travel during these warmer months.

Expect large crowds and potentially limited parking in Rocky Mountain National Park, but in summer, Trail Ridge Road offers a spectacular driving experience and scenery. This is also a good time to spot some fascinating wildlife at Yellowstone.

Traveling to Yellowstone from Chicago in winter

Winter brings severe weather conditions, affecting much of this route, especially from Bozeman to Yellowstone, with heavy snowfall, icy roads, and cold temperatures.

Most roads in Yellowstone are closed to regular vehicles, including the Trail Ridge Road, accessible only by snowmobiles, snowcoaches, or not at all. The road between the North and Northeast entrances of Yellowstone is the only road open year-round to regular vehicles.

Winter also has plenty of fun events to experience. The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo from January to February is a highlight as well as the Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanical Gardens from November to January.

This season is best for winter sports in areas like Denver and Jackson, near Grand Teton. Rocky Mountain National Park offers snowshoeing and incredible cross-country skiing.

Traveling to Yellowstone from Chicago in shoulder seasons

Spring and fall on both routes can be unpredictable, with potential snow in the mountains well into May or starting in early September.

Fewer tourists make it easier to find accommodations and enjoy attractions with less crowding, although temporary road closures due to weather conditions can occur.

There are plenty of fun festivals and events during the shoulder seasons. The Denver Arts Festival in May is a great event to plan your road trip around.

Rocky Mountain National Park may have lingering snow in spring, while fall offers stunning foliage but unpredictable weather. Yellowstone experiences melting snow in spring, with some roads still closed, fewer tourists, and beautiful fall colors, but with potential early snowfall.

The best things to see and do on a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone

To help you plan for the ultimate drive through the American wilderness, we've included our top destinations below.

On the Mount Rushmore Route

Mirror Lake State Park: Nestled near Wisconsin Dells, this state park features stunning landscapes, with Mirror Lake at its heart, offering canoeing, hiking, and scenic picnic spots.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: Known as the waterpark capital of the world, Wisconsin Dells offers thrilling water-based attractions, as well as natural beauty and family-friendly activities.

Dahl Auto Museum, La Crosse: This museum in La Crosse, Wisconsin, celebrates the automotive industry's evolution with a collection of classic cars and memorabilia.

Spam Museum: Located in Austin, Minnesota, the Spam Museum is an ode to the iconic canned meat, featuring interactive exhibits, history, and fun facts about this unique American product.

Falls Park, Sioux Falls: This stunning urban park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, centers around the city's beautiful waterfalls, offering scenic views, walking paths, and a glimpse into the area's history.

Dakota Discovery Museum, Mitchell: This museum in Mitchell, South Dakota, focuses on the region's history from the mid-19th to the early 20th century.

Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center: Situated in Chamberlain, South Dakota, this museum and cultural center is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Lakota (Sioux) culture through its extensive collection of art, artifacts, and educational programs.

Skeleton Man Walking Skeleton Dinosaur, South Dakota: An unusual roadside attraction in South Dakota that features a unique sculpture of a man walking a skeleton dinosaur.

Wounded Knee Museum, Wall: This museum in Wall, South Dakota, provides a somber and educational experience about the Wounded Knee Massacre, honoring the memory of the Lakota people who suffered in the tragic event.

Badlands National Park: This national park is a striking landscape of rugged beauty, characterized by layered rock formations, steep canyons, and towering spires. Its vast prairies also serve as home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.

Rapid City: Known as the gateway to Mount Rushmore, Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a blend of cultural attractions, including Art Alley, the Journey Museum, and downtown sculptures.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial: An iconic monument featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents.

Black Hills Mining Museum: Located in Lead, South Dakota, this museum educates visitors about the Black Hills Gold Rush era through exhibits, guided tours, and demonstrations of mining techniques.

Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman: A renowned museum in Bozeman, Montana, featuring extensive dinosaur fossils, including the famous Tyrannosaurus rex named Sue.

On the Denver Route

Rochelle Railroad Park: A unique spot in Rochelle, Illinois, where train enthusiasts can watch and learn about the bustling activity of one of the busiest railroad crossings in the US.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park: This outdoor sculpture park in Des Moines, Iowa, showcases over 20 works of art by renowned artists, set within a scenic urban park environment.

Union Pacific Railroad Museum: Located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of the Union Pacific Railroad, featuring artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.

Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center, Omaha: An oasis in Omaha, Nebraska, featuring a variety of themed gardens, from English to Japanese.

The National Museum of Roller Skating: Situated in Lincoln, Nebraska, this unique museum chronicles the history and culture of roller skating with a collection of skates, costumes, and memorabilia.

Pawnee State Recreation Area: A recreational haven west of Lincoln, Nebraska, offering outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping amidst beautiful natural landscapes.

Pony Express Station Museum, Gothenburg: This museum in Gothenburg, Nebraska, preserves one of the original Pony Express stations, providing insight into the historic mail service and life in the 1860s.

Barr Lake State Park, Colorado: Located near Denver, Colorado, this state park is a birdwatcher's paradise, with a variety of species frequenting the area, alongside hiking trails and fishing.

Denver Zoo: An 80-acre facility located in Denver, Colorado, offering visitors the chance to see animals from around the world in habitats closely resembling their natural environments.

Museum of Boulder: This museum in Boulder, Colorado, explores the city's history, culture, and scientific innovations through interactive exhibits and programs.

Rocky Mountain National Park: One of America's most visited national parks, located in Colorado, offering breathtaking mountain landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

The Gardens on Spring Creek: Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, these botanical gardens feature diverse plant collections, butterfly houses, and themed gardens.

Museum of the Mountain Man: In Pinedale, Wyoming, this museum offers a glimpse into the life of fur trappers and Native Americans of the Rocky Mountain region during the 19th century.

Jackson Hole Winery: A boutique winery in Jackson, Wyoming, known for producing high-quality wines.

Grand Teton National Park: Adjacent to Yellowstone, this national park in Wyoming boasts stunning mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and a wide range of wildlife.

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Chicago To Yellowstone Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Traveling from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 1,338 miles of road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park takes around 19 hours and 58 mins of driving without stops.

In this article, we share the 16 top tips that turn your Yellowstone National Park trip into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best places to stop, the best hotels, and restaurants on the road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park, keep reading!

Table of Contents

5 Best Hotels On The Way From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park

On the way from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top 5 hotels on the Chicago – Yellowstone National Park route!

• Graduate Madison: Graduate Madison is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the Chicago – Yellowstone National Park route. Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park might take around 2 hours and 23 mins . This hotel is located in the city center, has its own parking lot, and offers allergen-free room options. Check the Graduate Madison on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Yellowstone National Park from Chicago is Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University. The hotel is 334 miles away from Chicago, and it would take 4 hours and 59 mins to drive. The hotel offers free breakfast, free parking space, a pool, and a gymnasium for children. Pets are also welcome at this hotel. If you want to learn more about the Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .
• Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown. Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown is 574 miles away from Chicago, and you can arrive there with 8 hours 23 mins of non-stop driving. This hotel offers free parking and accessible rooms, and pets are welcome. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown for more information.
• Tru By Hilton Rapid City Rushmore, Sd: The next hotel suggestion is Tru By Hilton Rapid City Rushmore, Sd, which is 909 miles from Chicago. Tru By Hilton Rapid City Rushmore, Sd, is also 344 miles away from the previous suggestion; Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown. This hotel offers free parking and free breakfast, making it an excellent choice for guests looking for convenient amenities. In addition to game rooms, social areas, and working areas, the hotel also features a pool. If you need more info about the price and availability of Tru By Hilton Rapid City Rushmore, Sd, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
• Robins Nest Bed & Breakfast: Our next hotel is Robins Nest Bed & Breakfast. It will take 18 hours, and 57 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Chicago. This Quain and Romantic Style hotel welcome pets. Plus, it offers free parking and breakfast. Check the Robins Nest Bed & Breakfast on TripAdvisor , and Booking.com pages Robins Nest Bed & Breakfast for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take the same Chicago to Yellowstone National Park route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The Way To Yellowstone National Park From Chicago

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip. In this section, we list the five different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. Stay hungry and enjoy!

• Pullman Bar Dinner, Iowa City: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park with Pullman Bar Dinner, Iowa City. It is 223 miles from Chicago and would take 3 hours and 22 mins of driving. Breakfast and dinner are both available at this restaurant. If you want to enjoy a drink, you can do so during your meal. The hotel accepts American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa as methods of payment. For more information about the Pullman Bar Dinner, Iowa City, you can visit the TripAdvisor  page of Pullman Bar Dinner, Iowa City.
• Plank Seafood Provisions, Omaha: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Yellowstone National Park from Chicago is Plank Seafood Provisions, Omaha. The restaurant is 466 miles from Chicago and would take 6 hours and 54 mins of driving. If you enjoy seafood, be sure not to miss this restaurant, where you can find stylish seating areas both outdoors and inside. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are also available here. If you want to learn more about Plank Seafood Provisions, Omaha, you can check it on TripAdvisor .
• Los Jalapenos, Lexington: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Los Jalapenos, Lexington. It will take 9 hours 58 mins of car drive to take 683 miles from Chicago. The family-owned business is favored thanks to its delicious Mexican dishes and warm atmosphere. For more information, you can check Los Jalapenos, Lexington on TripAdvisor .
• Anong’s Thai Cuisine, Rawlins: Anong’s Thai Cuisine, Rawlins deserves to be on our list. If you’re looking for a restaurant with Far Eastern cuisine, you should check out this place. They have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available as well. Anong’s Thai Cuisine, Rawlins, is 1,106 miles away from Chicago, and it would take 16 hours and 2 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Anong’s Thai Cuisine, Rawlins, you can check it on TripAdvisor .
• Cowboy Cafe, Dubois: If you enjoy dining, Cowboy Cafe, Dubois, would be an excellent choice for you. It’s 1,304 miles away from Chicago, and it would take 19 hours and 1 min of car driving. If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers great food at breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, you won’t be disappointed there! If you want to learn more about the Cowboy Cafe, Dubois, you can check it on TripAdvisor .

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 1,338 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, people who are planning a Yellowstone National Park road trip, like you, need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. Keep reading.

6 Places To Visit On The Way From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park

A unique experience awaits you in Yellowstone National Park. However, there are also some unique destinations on the road trip. Now, we would like to explain to you six different destinations that we will recommend on the Yellowstone National Park route.

• Anderson Japanese Gardens: Anderson Japanese Gardens will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip. Anderson Japanese Gardens is 85.2 miles away from Chicago, and it would take 1 hour and 30 mins to drive. A walk in this garden can help ease leg fatigue. Walking on pleasant roads will give you enough rest, and you can discard any tiredness from your walk afterward. If you want to learn more about the Anderson Japanese Gardens, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Wisconsin State Capitol: Wisconsin State Capitol is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Chicago to Yellowstone National Park route. It’s 147 miles from Chicago, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 21 mins of driving. The building, which is famous for its granite dome, is located in the city. Do not continue without seeing it. If you want to learn more about the Wisconsin State Capitol, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .
• Grandad Bluff: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park is Grandad Bluff. You can arrive at Grandad Bluff after 4 hours 19 mins of driving. If you’re looking for a scenic view of the Mississippi River, be sure to pause here, where there are pleasant walking paths and landscape terraces. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Grandad Bluff for more information.
• Sioux Falls: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, you should visit Sioux Falls on the road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. Sioux Falls is 574 miles from Chicago, and you can arrive there after the 8 hours and 24 mins of drive. The park has a natural waterfall in the middle of the city. It is a great place to take a break from the city noise and enjoy nature. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Sioux Falls before going there.
• Rapid City: ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the Yellowstone National Park road trip. You must take 13 hours and 3 mins of driving to arrive at Rapid City. There are many interesting places to visit in this city, ranging from iconic tourist destinations like Mount Rushmore and Devil’s Tower to more hidden gems. You can enjoy guided tours that will give you a unique perspective on these locations or simply wander around on your own and take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. If you want to learn more about Rapid City, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Cody: Another attraction you can visit on the Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip is Cody. Cody is 1,287 miles from Chicago, and it would take 18 hours and 58 mins to drive. If you’re interested in exploring history, then stop by Old Trail Town. It’s a great place to take a journey back in time and learn more about the area’s past. For more information about Cody, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website .

Frequently Asked Questions About the Road Trip From Chicago to Yellowstone National Park

How long is the road trip from chicago to yellowstone national park.

There is a distance of 1,338 miles between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park. It takes approximately 19 hours and 58 mins to travel this distance by car. If you want to make the Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip by bike, the time you will spend on the road will be four days and 16 hours . If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Chicago-Yellowstone National Park route, then you will have to walk for 17 days and 16 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park?

We have a few suggestions for you if you want to turn the Chicago to Yellowstone National Park journey into a unique experience.

If you are planning to visit historical/touristic places on this journey, you can consider visiting Anderson Japanese Gardens, Wisconsin State Capitol, Grandad Bluff, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Cody.

If you want to eat special meals at nice restaurants on your Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip; we can recommend Pullman Bar Dinner, Iowa City, Plank Seafood Provisions, Omaha, Los Jalapenos, Lexington, Anong’s Thai Cuisine, Rawlins, Cowboy Cafe, Dubois restaurants to you. For more information about the best restaurants on the Chicago to Yellowstone National Park journey, you can check the 6 Best Restaurants On The Way From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park section.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park?

There are many excellent hotels during your Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip. Among these hotels, we have selected 5 hotels for you. These are; Graduate Madison, Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University, Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown, Tru By Hilton Rapid City Rushmore, Sd, Robins Nest Bed & Breakfast. You can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Restaurants On The Way To Yellowstone National Park From Chicago section.

What Is There To See Between Chicago to Yellowstone National Park?

Anderson Japanese Gardens, Wisconsin State Capitol, Grandad Bluff, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Cody are the top 6 places to visit on the road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. You can get detailed information about these places in the 6 Places To Visit On The Way From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park part of the article.

Video: Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide

In this video you can find the detailed information about Yellowstone National Park.

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Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip

• Post last modified: May 20, 2024

Leave the hustle and bustle of Chicago behind and hit the truly open roads. South Dakota gives you plenty of reasons to linger around — including those iconic presidential faces carved into the Black Hills — before arriving at the one-and-only Yellowstone National Park, where adventures await around every corner.

Disclosure: All listings are independently selected. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more ›

Route from Chicago to Yellowstone

• Start: Chicago
• Sioux Falls
• Mount Rushmore
• Devils Tower
• Finish: Yellowstone

• Total distance:  1,431 mi / 2,303 km
• Total driving time:  23 h

Ready, steady, go — well, maybe not quite yet after all. If you’re not familiar with Chicago, take your time for some big-city sightseeing before departing for Yellowstone.

Survey your reflection in Millennium Park

There’s no shortage of attractions in Millennium Park, a 24.5-acre oasis at the heart of Downtown Chicago. Wander among green lawns, spouting fountains, manicured gardens and enchanting art.

Crown your visit at Chicago’s most famous statue — designed by architect Frank Gehry and consisting of 168 stainless steel plates — Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean. Watch your distorted reflection become one with the skyline on its shiny, bean-shaped surface and snap that essential Chicago selfie.

Absorb the friendly vibe at Navy Pier

Make your way over to Navy Pier, brilliantly shooting 3,300 feet (1,010 m) into Lake Michigan, for the soothing lake views, spectacular skyline vistas and abundance of entertainment options.

For good views and good fun, take a spin with the landmark Centennial Wheel, one of several rides contributing to the high-spirited, family-friendly vibe. When hunger calls, a variety of laid-back eateries have you covered.

Where to stay in Chicago

Hit the sweet spot and stay near Millennium Park and Navy Pier (the itinerary offers enough miles as is). Or stretch your hard-earned dollars by staying outside the downtown area.

• Sable by Hilton – Stay right on Navy Pier.
• Swissotel Chicago – Between Millennium & Navy Pier.
• Hilton Garden Inn – Value by the airport.

2. Sioux Falls

• Driving distance:  574 mi / 924 km
• Driving time:  8 h 30 min

Interstate 90 efficiently takes you from Illinois through Wisconsin and Minnesota to Sioux Falls in eastern South Dakota. Check in at your hotel before stretching the legs at the city’s star attraction.

Marvel at cascading Falls Park

Visit Falls Park — just north of Downtown, along Big Sioux River — to see the gushing waterfall, South Dakota’s tallest, that Sioux Falls is named after. Each second, on average 7,400 gallons (28,000 l) of water enter its breathtaking 100-foot, multi-drop course.

An array of vantage points elevates the Falls Park experience. Hop between paved riverside trails, a five-story observation tower and the hard-to-resist Falls Overlook Cafe , providing lunch, dinner and ice cream in the front row.

Where to stay in Sioux Falls

While there’s plenty of lodging along the interstate, Sioux Falls’ downtown area lets you enjoy a car-free stay, with restaurants and Falls Park within walking distance.

• Hotel on Phillips – Downtown bliss.
• Country Inn – On Big Sioux River.
• Quality Inn – Highway value.

Corn, corn, corn: Pause after an hour in Mitchell to see the world’s only Corn Palace . Feel “a-maize-ing” as you take in the building decorated with crop murals; the exterior theme changes each year.

3. Badlands National Park

• Driving distance:  280 mi / 451 km
• Driving time:  4 h

Head south from Interstate 90 at Exit 131 to access Badlands National Park through its Northeast Entrance. Within the park, an ancient world of geologic formations await, with the oldest rock layer — Pierre Shale — dating back some 75 million years.

Drive Badlands Loop Road & beyond

Although it’s called a loop, 39-mile (63 km) Badlands Loop Road, actually, is the U-shaped Highway 240. Drive it and discover 12 roadside overlooks showcasing the otherworldly types of rock buttes, spires and pinnacles that define the park.

Add even more scenic vistas, and escape any crowds, by drifting off the loop, exploring the heights of Sage Creek Rim Road. Listen for chirping and barking; aptly named Roberts Prairie Dog Town features a sizable, highly entertaining prairie dog population.

Finally, cruise the last stretch of the loop road, which finishes at the town of Wall, handily situated at Exit 110 of Interstate 90.

Where to stay in Badlands

The accommodation available inside the park is limited to one complex. Consider bedding down in Wall or pushing on for another hour to the bigger and better equipped Rapid City.

• Cedar Pass Lodge – The only in-park lodging.
• BW Plains Motel – Convenient in Wall.
• Holiday Inn – Central in Rapid City.

Experience Wall Drug: Some things seem never to change, and free ice water and 5-cent coffee at old-school Wall Drug are two of them. To build onto those timeless offers, savor a relaxed meal or hunt for a souvenir (or two).

4. Mount Rushmore

• Driving distance:  97 mi / 156 km
• Driving time:  2 h

Welcome to the Black Hills of western South Dakota. First, tick off the must-see Mount Rushmore, then, if time allows, dig deeper into the enchanting area.

Witness the faces of Mount Rushmore

Gaze up at 60-foot-tall granite faces — depicting George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln — carved into the Black Hills. Appreciate the head-on perspective from the Grand View Terrace and, for more angles, walk the 0.6-mile (1 km) loop Presidential Trail.

As you exit — you probably were distracted by the towering rock faces on your way in — inspect the Avenue of Flags closer. It’s lined by 56 swaying flags, one for each state, district, territory and commonwealth of the USA.

Tip: During peak season, typically from late May through September, nightly lighting ceremonies take place. Year round, Mount Rushmore is illuminated in the evening.

Drive through wildlife-filled Custer State Park

Custer State Park entices visitors with some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in America. In particular, a bison heard consisting of over 1,000 animals make memorable sightings more than likely. To best experience it, drive the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road (a semi circle) while keeping your eyes open for members of the Animal Kingdom.

Where to stay near Mount Rushmore

Touristy but charming Keystone puts you as close to Mount Rushmore as it gets, only 3 miles (5 km) away. From here, you also get to Custer State Park in 30 minutes.

• Roosevelt Inn – Ideal for Mount Rushmore.
• Comfort Inn – At the town’s heart.

5. Devils Tower

• Driving distance:  130 mi / 209 km
• Driving time:  2 h 15 min

Eerily shooting 867 feet (264 m) towards the sky from enveloping grassland and pine forest, Devils Tower has an appeal as evident as its formation is mysterious. No one knows exactly how the monolith formed — feel free to speculate, wild theories welcome.

Circumnavigate Devils Tower by foot

As striking as Devils Towers’ almost vertical shape are its hexagonal (six-sided) and polygonal (5-sided) columns. Exploring the five trails around the otherworldly monument, you feel like an alien spaceship could land at any moment.

The most frequented route, intimate Tower Trail circles Devils Tower’s base over a 1.3-mile (2.1 km) course. To zoom out, consider 2.8-mile (4.5 km) Red Beds Trail: While it runs further from the base, some of the best views are from a distance.

Where to stay near Devils Tower

There’s no lodging within Devils Tower National Monument. Instead, bed down just outside the park border or in one of the nearby towns.

• Devils Tower Lodge – Cozy, park-adjacent B&B.
• BW Devils Tower – A 10-minute drive north.

• Driving distance:  298 mi / 480 km
• Driving time:  5 h

Lower your car windows to feel Wild West winds blow through your hair as you approach Cody. Buffalo Bill himself founded the town in 1896, and you can feel his spirit to this day.

Go all in at Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Housing five museums under one roof, Buffalo Bill Center of the West is the place to immerse yourself in all things Wild West. Dive into all from colorful cowboy (and cowgirl) stories to the lives of the Plain Indians to the ecosystems that characterize Yellowstone Country.

Experience the Cody Nite Rodeo

Known as the world’s rodeo capital, Cody features nightly summer rodeo . Arrive well in time to soak up the Wild West vibe before watching brave riders compete in a wide range of games such as barrel racing, bareback riding, team roping and bull riding.

Where to stay in Cody

Cody provides amenity-rich accommodation, the best with cozy Western themes.

• The Cody – Luxurious rooms.
• Chamberlin Inn – Cheerful, homey vibe.
• Cowboy Village – Elegant cabins.

7. Yellowstone National Park

• Driving distance:  52 mi / 84 km
• Driving time:  1 h 15 min

Cruise what President Theodore called “the most scenic 50 miles in America” to begin your Yellowstone adventure at the park’s East Entrance. Yellowstone is a geothermal hotspot, with over half of the world’s geysers, yet its wildlife watching opportunities are as mesmerizing.

Reflect on the power of Old Faithful

Among all the 500-or-so geysers in Yellowstone, the Old Faithful — averaging an eruption every 90 minutes — is the biggest drawcard. Sit down on a geyser-front bench and gawk as it expels up to 8,400 gallons (32,000 l) of boiling water sometimes as high as 180 feet (55 m) into the air.

Let vivid Grand Prismatic put you under a spell

There’s colorful, and then there’s the Grand Prismatic Spring. Goggle at a hot spring — which by the way is the world’s third largest, at 370 feet (113 m) wide and 121 feet (37 m) deep — with a rainbow spectrum of colors, from blue in the middle to outer layers of red, making it the number-one photo opportunity within Yellowstone.

Be entertained by Hayden and Lamar

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you explore Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley, two wildlife meccas in a park that boasts the biggest density of mammals in the contiguous USA. Popular targets include black bears, brown bears, bison, wolves and elk, but with 67 mammal species calling Yellowstone home, you never know what’s next up.

Where to stay in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is massive: It takes 2.5 hours to traverse the park from north to south (without wildlife jams). Book well ahead to secure a room at one of the complexes inside Yellowstone, keeping the distances down and allowing more time for what you really come for.

• Old Faithful Inn – Walk to brilliant eruptions.
• Lake Yellowstone Hotel – Lakefront lodging.
• Canyon Lodge & Cabins – Near Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

More info: Where to stay at Yellowstone

Which route back from Yellowstone to Chicago?

It may be time to leave, but the fun is far from over. First, be sure to:

• Exit Yellowstone through the Northeast Entrance and drive Beartooth Highway, featuring iconic switchbacks.
• Pause in friendly Red Lodge, at the base of Beartooth Highway, to refuel and absorb the magnificent surroundings.

Then, either backtrack towards Chicago, or continue through Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. If you opt for the latter, highlights include:

• Find inspiration where a president did so, in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, home to striking badlands and large herds of bison.
• Learn the colorful story of North Dakota as you tour the four galleries at North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck, ND.
• Break off the final leg with a night in a city with all the amenities you might crave for after time away from civilization: Minneapolis, MN.

Frequently asked questions

This ultimate Chicago to Yellowstone road trip is 1,431 miles (2,303 km) long, taking 23 hours. Add extra time for the stops you make along the way.

Explore Sioux Falls, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower and Cody on your way from Chicago to Yellowstone.

Keep planning your Yellowstone trip

• Elevate your stay with the best Yellowstone lodging
• Be wowed by the reasons to visit Yellowstone
• See our ultimate guide to the USA’s national parks

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Much appreciated itinerary. Thank you for puttning it together for us!

Glad it could be of help!

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Planning a Road Trip from Chicago to Yellowstone

Chicago is an ideal starting point for any road trip due to its central location. And Yellowstone is one of the most bucket list road trip destinations. So how do you connect the dots? There are many route options, and we’re going to give you a detailed plan for our favorite. If you’re planning a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone, this itinerary will put you on the path to some of the coolest stops across the country.

How long is the drive from Chicago to Yellowstone?

If you were to take the most direct route possible the drive from Chicago to Yellowstone is 1,339 miles or about 20 hours. Our route is not the most direct, but it covers some truly memorable stops.

We recommend setting aside a month to cover the ground in our Chicago to Yellowstone itinerary. But you can certainly do it in half the time if you’re looking for a fast paced road trip.

Chicago to Granby, Colorado

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The first leg on our Chicago to Yellowstone road trip: making the trek from Chicago to Granby. Why Granby? It’s the perfect base for your Rocky Mountain National Park stay.

The driving distance from Chicago to Granby is 1,084 miles. And if done in one shot, it would take roughly 16 hours. So doing it in one shot probably isn’t the best choice for most people. That’s where Harvest Hosts comes in.

What is Harvest Hosts and how can it help on your cross country road trip?

Harvest Hosts is a membership program that allows you to camp at wineries, breweries, museums, and farms. In return for not paying a camping fee, it’s encouraged that you make a small purchase with each host. Learn more about the full Harvest Hosts experience .

It’s great when the distance from A to B is long and you need somewhere to park along the way. A couple excellent stops that are part of the program include Wooden Wheel Vineyards in Keota, Iowa, Windcrest Winery in Raymond, Nebraska, and Mac’s Creek Brewery in Lexington, Nebraska.

Save 15% off a membership with our referral code

What to do in Granby?

Granby is located near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park (where you’ll likely spend majority of your time here). RMNP is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. and is a must on your trip out west. Here are some of the highlights while you’re in Granby:

• Climb to a 12,000 peak at Alpine Ridge Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park
• Stroll around downtown Grand Lake and grab a bite to eat
• Check out the famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park

Where to stay in Granby: River Run RV Resort

From Colorado, you’ll make your way in to Wyoming. Before you reach Yellowstone, schedule a stop in Dubois. It’s a laid back town with all kinds of cowboy history. And it’s loved by many for its authentic vibe and gorgeous views.

The drive from Granby to Dubois is 363 miles or 6 hours. Dubois is located near Grand Teton National Park, which is another stop not to be missed on your Chicago to Yellowstone road trip.

What to do in Dubois?

These are some of the highlights for your Dubois stop:

• Hiking around Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park
• Take your picture next to the famous T.A. Moulton Barn in Grand Teton National Park
• Take in the sights at Schwabacher Landing in Grand Teton National Park
• Grab a buffalo burger at The Cowboy Cafe

Where to stay in Dubois: Longhorn Ranch RV Resort

Related: How to Plan a Cross Country Road Trip on a Budget

After departing Dubois, you’ll head north up to Yellowstone. The drive from Dubois to Yellowstone is 105 miles, which is about 2 hours. This will end your westbound part of the journey (but we’re not done yet).

What to do in Yellowstone

Since your main goal is a Chicago to Yellowstone road trip, you’ll probably spend the bulk of your time here. Yellowstone is filled with things to do. Here are some of the most popular:

• Drive around and look for buffalo . They are all over Yellowstone and when you see a herd, pull off at one of the dedicated spots (they can be found all throughout the park).
• Find out when Old Faithful is due to erupt and head over. It’s a must when you visit Yellowstone and the predictions are pretty accurate.
• Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring . It’s a gorgeous, colorful hot spring – the largest hot spring in the U.S. and the third largest in the world.
• Grab a slice of pizza at Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon

Where to stay in Yellowstone: KOA West Yellowstone/West Gate

As you make your return trip back to Chicago, you may want to try a different route to allow for new stops. Start by driving south from Yellowstone to Park City, Utah. The drive from Yellowstone to Park City is 334 miles, and a little over 6 hours.

What to do in Park City?

Park City is home to some of the best skiing slopes across the country. And the famous Sundance Film Festival. It’s a beautiful town with plenty to do for outdoor folk. Here are some of the highlights:

• Hit the slopes at the famous Deer Valley Resort
• Become an Olympian for the day by visiting the Utah Olympic Park
• Take a day trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats

Where to stay in Park City: Mountain Valley RV Resort

After a stop in Park City, head southeast to Grand Junction (and a return to Colorado). Park City to Grand Junction is 306 miles and just under 5 hours drive time.

What to do in Grand Junction?

Grand Junction is the perfect stop because it’s close to Arches National Park, but you’ll also get a taste of city life. There’s plenty to do here and it’s a great place to restock during your trip. Here are some of the highlights near Grand Junction.

• Go on a hike through Arches National Park
• Sip on some beer at one of the local Grand Junction breweries
• Explore the Colorado National Monument
• Do some stand up paddle boarding on the Colorado River

Where to stay in Grand Junction: KOA Holiday

You’ll move from the western border of Colorado to the eastern edge. Grand Junction to Colorado Springs is 309 miles and about 5 hours drive time. Colorado Springs is a dream for outdoor lovers.

What to do in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is filled with outdoor activities. Whether you want to get active or engage in some landscape photography, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few popular options:

• Wander around through Garden of the Gods
• Get your workout on at Manitou Incline
• Drive 19 miles to the top of Pike’s Peak
• Check white water rafting off your adventure bucket list
• Participate in a chuckwagon dinner at Flying W Ranch

Where to stay in Colorado Springs: Jellystone Park at Larkspur

Colorado Springs to Chicago is 1,029 miles and 15 and a half hours drive time. If that sounds like a lot, it would be a large undertaking for one day. And that’s where Harvest Hosts comes back into the picture. Choose from a variety of stops on your road trip back to Chicago from Yellowstone. Here are a couple we recommend:

• North 40 Alpacas in Osborne Kansas
• Buzzed Bee Meadery in Melbourne, Iowa

Planning a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone gives you flexibility. You can stay at each of these stops for as long as you want. Or you can be a bit more aggressive if you want to do the journey in a short amount of time.

This itinerary also ticks off many bucket list destinations. You’ll visit four national parks – and you could easily add more. Plus, a variety of wildlife. And the drive is split up in increments so you’ll have plenty of rest days. One thing to note: the drive time listed here is for standard cars. If you’re towing an RV, add some time on to the drive.

If you’re not towing an RV, each of these campgrounds also has cabin (or in some cases covered wagon and airstream) rentals.

What are your must see stops on your road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone?

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1 thought on “Planning a Road Trip from Chicago to Yellowstone”

Ohh that place looks so great! Would love to go there! Thank you for sharing, loved reading it!

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10 Days Mount Rushmore To Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: June 21, 2021

UPDATED: May 21, 2024

Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park is an attraction-heavy road trip route from South Dakota’s Black Hills to northwest Wyoming. You should plan for 4 days in the Black Hills, one day for the long drive and 5 days split between Yellowstone and Grand Teton. If you follow our 10 day itinerary exactly, you’ll cover 1,283 miles which will require 31 hours and 25 minutes of driving time.

In this guide we’ll help you plan every step of your Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park road trip itinerary, based entirely on our own personal experiences.

Our Road Trip Experience

We’ve driven from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone twice , and we’ve spent a lot of time exploring South Dakota’s Black Hills, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. We think 10 days is the perfect amount of time to see the best of each region, keep costs down and not feel too rushed. Read more about us .

Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone are both US bucket list juggernauts. We’ll show you where to visit in the Black Hills, your route options to Wyoming and how to make the most of your time in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. This is one of the best road trips in the US and we hope it will surpass your expectations.

Route Options

Yellowstone is around 450-500 miles drive from Mount Rushmore depending on the route, and it takes about 8 hours to drive without stopping. There are several routes you can take from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone, including Cloud Peak Skyway (US-16), Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-14) and I-90.

Cloud Peak Skyway and Bighorn Scenic Byway are more picturesque and cross the Bighorn Mountains. Both lead to Cody and Yellowstone’s east entrance. Whereas I-90 is a longer and less scenic route, but it leads to Cooke City and Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, or Gardiner and Yellowstone’s north entrance.

Our preference is to drive Cloud Peak Skyway to Cody . The route has beautiful scenery and it means beginning Yellowstone at east entrance, which is more efficient for this particular itinerary. You’ll see how to make this route work later in our itinerary walkthrough.

Helpful resources:

• How to plan a road trip
• Road trip packing essentials

Places You’ll Visit

If you follow our 10 day Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone itinerary, your road trip will consist of 5 major areas:

• Mount Rushmore
• South Dakota’s Black Hills
• Drive from the Black Hills to Cody
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park

Let’s take quick look at what you can expect from each area.

1. Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the world. And it’s simply unmissable on your visit to South Dakota. We’ve seen the famous granite sculpture at sunrise in October and covered in snow in April, and it’s an impressive spectacle.

What you need to know:

• You don’t pay to enter but you do pay $10 to park (pass is valid for one year)
• Pick up a ticket as you enter and pay at a machine before leaving
• Your America the Beautiful Pass does not cover entry
• The sculpture is southeast facing so the light is best at sunrise
• We recommend walking the Presidential Trail boardwalk
• You can watch an evening lighting ceremony May-September
• You only need 2-3 hours at the most to see Mt Rushmore

READ: How to visit Mount Rushmore

2. South Dakota’s Black Hills

South Dakota’s Black Hills are beautiful and shouldn’t be missed when you plan your road trip. There’s lots of fun things to do near Mount Rushmore and after two extended trips of our own, we’d go as far as saying the Black Hills region is one of the most underrated places we’ve visited in the US so far.

Here’s just some of the things you can do:

• Custer State Park
• Needles Highway
• Iron Mountain Road
• Sylvan Lake
• Black Elk Peak Trail
• Wind Cave National Park
• Jewel Cave National Monument
• Spearfish Canyon
• Badlands National Park

READ: South Dakota’s Black Hills road trip itinerary

3. Drive From The Black Hills To Cody

Your drive from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone is actually going to be a drive from Spearfish, SD to Cody, WY via Cloud Peak Skyway (US-16) if you follow our itinerary. It’s a 332-mile drive and it would take around 5 hours 30 minutes without stops, but you will stop a few times on the way.

Here’s the route:

• Devils Tower National Monument
• Buffalo, Wyoming
• Cloud Peak Skyway
• Cody, Wyoming

Need help planning your road trip?

Our popular Mt Rushmore to Yellowstone travel guidebook helps you with planning every aspect of your road trip, including where to visit, restaurants, hotels and our 10 day itinerary with daily route maps!

4. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most unique and extraordinary landscapes in the world. We’ve spent a total of 8 days in Yellowstone across visits in April and October. Both were amazing experiences but each came with its own set of challenges, including weather and logistics.

Here’s a few top tips for visiting Yellowstone:

• May and September are the two best months on balance
• Yellowstone is very expensive and overcrowded in summer
• Hotel rooms book up a long way in advance
• You can see the park in 3-4 days
• It’s more efficient to stay in different areas each night
• The park is bigger than you might imagine
• Weather is unpredictable in spring and fall
• Animals are most active at dawn and dusk

READ: The best things to do in Yellowstone

5. Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton is one of our favorite US national parks because it’s small, easy to visit and incredibly photogenic. Even if Yellowstone is your top priority, we recommend you plan for at least one full day in Grand Teton. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

Here’s what you need to know:

• Grand Teton is less crowded than Yellowstone
• Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing are top photo spots
• You can stay in Jackson, Teton Village or Moran
• It’s a very easy going park to visit
• You can see the highlights in 1-2 days

READ: How to spend 2 days in Grand Teton

Important Itinerary Information

The three most important things you need to consider when planning your road trip from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone are your start and end points, hotels and weather.

1. Start/end – Our itinerary below assumes you begin in Rapid City, SD and end in Jackson, WY with 10 full days available. You might need to add on another day if Jackson doesn’t work for you as an end point, so you can drive to Salt Lake City or back to Rapid City to catch a flight.

2. Hotels – You shouldn’t have any problems booking hotels around the Black Hills or in Jackson, but Yellowstone is a different beast. We recommend you book your Yellowstone hotels as far in advance as possible. We’ll cover the best hotels for each night in the itinerary below, and we’ll give you tips on alternatives for each night after the itinerary.

3. Weather – If you plan this road trip for summer you shouldn’t have any issues with weather. But if you want to avoid the crowds and keep costs down by visiting in late spring or early fall, you might run into some problems with snow and road closures. It’s important to stay on top of live conditions throughout your trip. We’ll cover the best time of year to plan this road trip near the end of the guide.

• Yellowstone – Live conditions
• Grand Teton – Live conditions

Day 1 – Badlands + Keystone

After arriving into Rapid City the evening before, either stay in Rapid City or drive to Wall which is the nearest town to Badlands with food and hotels (here’s our guide to the best hotels near Badlands ). On the morning of day 1, enter Badlands via west entrance below Wall and drive the loop road heading east.

Our favorite viewpoints in Badlands include Yellow Mounds, Panorama Point, White River Valley Overlook and Big Badlands Overlook. Door and Notch are the two best hikes in Badlands for you to consider. The Door Trail is easy and picturesque, whereas Notch Trail has a few adventurous elements.

Leave Badlands via east entrance and stop at Minuteman Missile Visitor Center to learn about the Cold War. Honestly, we didn’t expect much but it was a fantastic museum. Once you’re done, drive to Keystone and check into a hotel. Consider going to see the Mount Rushmore evening lighting ceremony if you’ll be visiting between May and September. And keep your parking pass safe so you can use it the next morning.

Top rated Keystone hotels:

• Budget – Comfort Inn + Suites
• Mid range – K Bar S Lodge
• Luxury – Under Canvas

Further Reading: The best places to stay in Keystone SD

Day 2 – Mount Rushmore + Custer State Park

Get an early start from your Keystone hotel and drive 2.5 miles to Mount Rushmore (use the same parking pass as the night before). We recommend arriving for sunrise to beat the crowds and to see the sculpture glow pink and orange, but we know getting up early isn’t for everyone! Walk the Presidential Trail and visit the Sculptor’s Studio .

Head back towards Keystone but turn right onto US-16A, which is better known as Iron Mountain Road . It’s a fun and scenic drive with curves, tunnels, hairpins and even pigtail bends. Turn right at the end to arrive at Custer State Park visitor center and watch the welcome video narrated by Kevin Costner.

You’ll pay $20 to enter Custer State Park and your pass is valid for 7 days . Keep your pass because you’ll need it for Sylvan Lake and Needles Highway later in the week. Next, drive the 18 mile one-way Custer Wildlife Loop to see animals like bison, burros, coyotes and eagles roaming freely in the wilderness. Turn left at the end heading for dinner and your hotel in Custer.

Top rated Custer hotels:

• Budget – Rocket Motel
• Mid range – Bavarian Inn
• Luxury – EO Bungalows

Further Reading: The best places to stay in Custer SD

Day 3 – Custer State Park + Wind Cave

Get another early start and drive back through Custer Wildlife Loop because animals are more active in the morning. But instead of completing the loop, you’ll turn left onto SD-87 for 7.5 miles to Rankin Ridge Trail within Wind Cave National Park boundaries.

Hike the 1 mile roundtrip loop trail for far reaching valley views from an old fire tower. After the hike continue to Wind Cave visitor center. Cave tours can be booked in advance or bought on the day first come first served. We strongly recommend you book any cave tours in advance at this official recreation.gov page . If you can’t get on a tour, try nearby Jewel Cave instead.

After your cave tour, drive back to Custer for a late lunch. Head up SD-89, turn right onto the incredibly picturesque Needles Highway and hike the awesome Cathedral Spires Trail (using your Custer State Park pass for entry). Cathedral Spires Trail a short hike through ponderosa pine forest ending at granite needle-like rocks. Spend a second night in Custer.

Day 4 – Black Elk Peak + Spearfish Canyon

After breakfast, drive up to Sylvan Lake and hike the amazing Black Elk Peak Trail , which we’ve included in our guide to the 50 best US hikes (again, your pass will get you into Sylvan Lake). Black Elk Peak is a moderately difficult 7 mile roundtrip hike with magnificent summit views that should take you around 4-5 hours. We recommend you go up trail #9 and go down trail #4. Add a spur hike to Little Devils Tower near the end. Strong hikers might also want to hike Sunday Gulch Trail on the west side of Sylvan Lake.

Drive west on Needles Highway heading for Hill City and stop at Crazy Horse Memorial . Next, drive north through the Black Hills to Deadwood and spend an hour walking the historic main street to learn about famous wild west gunslingers and cowboys.

At this point you can either take 14-ALT through Lead to Cheyenne Crossing and Spearfish Canyon or you can stay in Deadwood and begin with Spearfish Canyon the next morning. Deadwood is a lively and vibrant casino town, whereas Spearfish is very quiet. You can stop at Roughlock Falls, Eleven Hour Gulch, Devils Bathtub Trail and Bridal Veil Falls on your way down through Spearfish Canyon.

Top rated Spearfish hotels:

• Budget – Best Western Black Hills
• Mid range – Fairfield Inn + Suites
• Luxury – Spearfish Canyon Lodge

Further Reading: The best places to stay in Deadwood SD

Day 5 – Devils Tower + Cloud Peak Skyway

You’ll drive from the northern Black Hills to Yellowstone on day 5. By leaving from Deadwood or Spearfish, you’re already close to Devils Tower and I-90 for the journey west. We recommend taking US-85, SD-34 and WY-24 to Devils Tower because it’s quieter and more scenic than I-90. It should take just over an hour.

Walk the flat paved path leading around the base of Devils Tower, then drive to Joyner Ridge Trailhead for the best views looking back over America’s first national monument. Get on I-90 and stop for lunch in Buffalo, Wyoming. You now have a choice between driving Cloud Peak Skyway or Bighorn Scenic Byway to reach Cody.

Do you want to visit Little Bighorn Battlefield ? It’s an hour north of the turn for Bighorn Scenic Byway on I-90, so you can add in a side trip. Otherwise, drive Cloud Peak Skyway from Buffalo to Ten Sleep. It climbs the southern Bighorn Mountains then drops into a dramatic narrow canyon. We’ve driven it twice and it’s a lot of fun, we even got our drone up for a few photos the second time. Arrive into Cody for dinner and check into your hotel.

Top rated Cody hotels:

• Budget – Cody Cowboy Village
• Mid range – The Cody
• Luxury – Chamberlin Inn

Further Reading: The 8 best hotels in Cody Wyoming

Day 6 – East Yellowstone

Grab an early breakfast in Cody and head west to Yellowstone Lake via east entrance. A little known secret is that east entrance has a lot of active wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled. If you’re a very strong hiker, you might want to take on Avalanche Peak on the way in. Otherwise, walk the easy trail to Storm Point for views over Yellowstone Lake.

Turn right onto Grand Loop Road to begin your Yellowstone adventure. Your first stop is Mud Volcano and Dragon’s Mouth Spring . Next, you’ll drive through Hayden Valley , one of the best wildlife spotting areas in the park.

Continue north towards Canyon, but turn right onto S Rim Drive so you can see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone . Stop at Upper Falls View and Artist Point at the end of the road. Next, you’ll take N Rim Drive on the other side of the river for more views but from different perspectives. Stop at Canyon Village for lunch.

If you’re into hiking, you should definitely hike Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn . Afterwards, take a short walk to see Tower Fall and Yellowstone River Overlook . If it’s getting close to dusk, you should definitely head into Lamar Valley for the best chance of seeing wildlife. Drive to Gardiner for dinner and your hotel.

Top rated Gardiner hotels:

• Budget – Yellowstone Big Rock Inn
• Mid range – Yellowstone Riverside Cottages
• Luxury – Yellowstone Gateway Inn

Further Reading: The 8 best hotels in Gardiner MT

Day 7 – North + West Yellowstone

If you didn’t have time for Lamar Valley the evening before or seeing wildlife is your top priority in Yellowstone, you should wake up early and drive into the valley for sunrise or as early as you can. It’s widely accepted as the best place to see wildlife in the park and animals are most active at dawn.

Head back to Mammoth Hot Springs to walk around the lower and upper terraces, potentially stopping to hike Lava Creek to Undine Falls . It’s not ideal driving back on yourself, but it’s part of visiting Yellowstone. Mammoth usually has lots of bison roaming around the roads, and we got stuck in a bison jam nearby.

Next, you’ll head south until reaching Norris Geyser Basin which is split into two distinct sections. Walk around both, and don’t miss Steamboat Geyser and Echinus Geyser . Pass by the beautiful Gibbon Meadows but don’t miss Artists Paintpots Trail , which lead to bubbling mud pots and colorful pools. Stop at Gibbon Falls before leaving the park via west entrance to spend your evening in West Yellowstone.

Top rated West Yellowstone hotels:

• Budget – Elkhorn Cabins
• Mid range – Crosswinds Inn
• Luxury – Explorer Cabins

Further Reading: The 8 best hotels in West Yellowstone

Day 8 – Southwest Yellowstone

Your eighth day is dedicated to enjoying what makes Yellowstone so famous; unique geysers and vibrant hot springs. Start with Lower Geyser Basin and Fountain Paint Pot Trail . Next, make your way down to Midway Geyser Basin to see Excelsior Geyser, Opal Pool, Turquoise Pool and Grand Prismatic Spring .

Drive to Fairy Falls Trail parking lot and hike the first 0.7 miles to reach Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook so you can take the most iconic Yellowstone photo. If you’re into hiking, continue the trail until you reach the stunning Fairy Falls waterfall. Next up is Biscuit Basin (with a potential hike to Mystic Falls ) and Black Sand Basin .

Finally, you’ll reach Upper Geyser Basin , which is where you can watch the world famous Old Faithful Geyser blow almost exactly on schedule throughout the day. Don’t miss the short hike to Old Faithful viewing area and make sure you walk around all of Upper Geyser Basin, as far as Morning Glory Pool . Head back to West Yellowstone, but stop on Firehole Lake Drive for a stunning sunset reflecting in Great Fountain Geyser.

Day 9 – South Yellowstone + Grand Teton

After breakfast in West Yellowstone, you’ll drive back through Lower, Midway and Upper Geyser Basins, and you’ll pass over the Continental Divide , before reaching West Thumb Geyser Basin . Spend an hour exploring the colorful pools and geysers around West Thumb, then drive one hour down John D Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway to northern Grand Teton.

Turn right onto Teton Park Road and take a sharp left onto Signal Mountain Road . Climb the winding road for 4 miles until you reach Jackson Lake Overlook . Walk a few hundred feet down the trail and soak up special views over the Teton Range.

Back on the loop road, stop at the turnouts and take a right turn after Mountain View Turnout onto Jenny Lake Road. Pull into String Lake for quick walk, then carry on to Jenny Lake Overlook for stunning views. Continue to Chapel of the Transfiguration to see the famous “mountains through the church window” view, then drive 12 miles to Jackson for dinner and your hotel.

Top rated Jackson hotels:

• Budget – Cowboy Village Resort
• Mid range – Inn on the Creek
• Luxury – Huff House Inn

Further Reading: The 8 best hotels in Jackson Wyoming

Day 10 – Grand Teton

If you’re into photography like we are, you simply can’t miss John Moulton and TA Moulton barns on Mormon Row at sunrise (see photo above). It’s one of our favorite photo spots in the US. The problem is that nearby Schwabacher Landing has an equally special sunrise scene with pristine mountain reflections and we saw a moose there at dawn, so you have a decision to make!

Whichever you choose, visit the other one straight after. Next, you can stop at Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend before returning to Jenny Lake . You could relax on the shores, take a swim, float on an inflatable or paddle. But we recommend hiking Cascade Canyon Trail instead.

Either walk around Jenny Lake or take a ferry service to west shore boat dock to cut a few miles from the hike. From there it’s a short trail up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point . Stronger hikers should continue into Cascade Canyon for stunning views and wildlife spotting. Finish the trip with a celebratory beer back in Jackson!

Hotel Alternatives

When planning your Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip, you’re going to run into issues with hotels. Don’t worry, this is natural. You shouldn’t have any problems getting a good hotel at a reasonable rate anywhere in South Dakota, but that all changes when you start booking in Yellowstone.

We recommend you find and book your Yellowstone hotels first , then book the rest of your trip.

In our 10 day itinerary above, we have you staying at hotels in towns around Yellowstone. But you absolutely don’t have to follow those recommendations. You can instead stay in national park lodges within the park boundaries. They book up fast, they’re expensive and they have limited dining options, but they are more convenient and you’d get a more authentic experience.

Here are alternative places you can stay inside park boundaries if you follow our itinerary:

• Night 5 – Lake Yellowstone (instead of Cody)
• Night 6 – Mammoth (instead of Gardiner)
• Nights 7 + 8 – Old Faithful Inn or Old Faithful Lodge Cabins (instead of West Yellowstone)
• Night 9 – A park lodge (instead of Jackson)

When To Drive This Road Trip

Yellowstone’s roads are fully open between early May and the end of October . If you plan to follow our road trip itinerary from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone in shoulder seasons, you must make sure the east entrance road and the roads leading to Old Faithful and Grand Teton in the south are open. Here’s the opening and closing dates for the various roads around Yellowstone.

In May, June, September and October you’d benefit from less overcrowding and traffic, more hotel availability and cheaper prices, and higher animal activity. But the weather can be unpredictable, especially earlier and later in the season.

In July and August you’d benefit from warmer temperatures and a better chance of clear weather. But the park is heavily overcrowded and traffic is a problem, hotels are booked up and expensive, and animals are less active.

How Much Will It Cost?

It’s not easy to give an exact figure on how much a road trip like this will cost you because we don’t know if you’ll book cheap or luxury hotels, if you prefer to eat sit down meals three times a day or how many attractions you want to visit in the Black Hills. But from our experiences, we’ll try to give you a ballpark figure based on what we think the average couple will spend.

Hotels will be your biggest expense, especially once you reach Yellowstone and Grand Teton. You should book hotels in advance to get better rooms at cheaper prices, particularly if you plan to stay in park run lodges. We think you should aim for somewhere around $200-250 USD per night on average (depending on seasonality).

Food is harder to break down because it’s so subjective. Let’s say you’ll be eating three meals a day but lunch won’t be a sit down restaurant meal. We think a couple should aim for around $80 per day total . Then you have to factor in attractions (entry prices total $210 without national parks pass) and gas (1,283 miles at an average of $2.90/gallon and 25mpg).

All in, a couple is likely to spend something along the lines of $3,000 – $3,500 total for 10 days , excluding flights and hire cars. That’s for mid range hotels, eating out twice a day and entry to national parks, state parks and monuments. You could book cheaper hotels, eat at fewer restaurants or skip certain attractions to bring that number down.

More Yellowstone + Grand Teton

• Where to stay in Yellowstone
• What to do in Yellowstone
• Best airports near Yellowstone
• Visiting Yellowstone in April
• Mormon Row at sunrise and sunset
• Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip
• 2 days Grand Teton itinerary
• 4 days Yellowstone itinerary
• Schwabacher Landing at sunrise
• Visiting Yellowstone in October

More From South Dakota

• What to do in Badlands
• Best hikes in Badlands
• Guide to visiting Mount Rushmore
• Things to do in Custer State Park
• How to hike Black Elk Peak
• Where to stay near Mt Rushmore

Want more Wyoming content? Head over to our Wyoming Travel Guides to explore Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and beyond. 

We hope this Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip guide helps with planning your itinerary!

Please let us know if you have any questions or need help planning your road trip in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

63 thoughts on “10 Days Mount Rushmore To Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary”

We are planning this trip the week of 4th of July. Where would you suggest the best place to stay on the 4th of July for celebrations?

Hi Tonya, Mt Rushmore would be a good place to spend 4th July evening for a fireworks display, so you could stay in Keystone (or Custer/Hill City). Devils Tower also puts on a fireworks display if you’ll be at the end of your SD part of the road trip by the 4th. Cody, Jackson Hole and West Yellowstone also do put on a show, so you can really be staying in lots of the places within our itinerary. Have a great time!

Hi Guys, The guide looks great and I am planning to go in May of 2024. I find that it is very difficult to get one way rental car from rapid City to Jackson compared to Jackson to rapid city. So my question is if I plan my trim from Jackson to Rapid city, will it be exactly the opposite of your plan or do I need to modify the route. Appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you.

Hi Sam, glad to hear you’ll be taking this road trip in a few months. We just checked and Rental Cars have one-way hire cars from Rapid City to Jackson available in May. Hopefully you can find a good option for your dates with them. In truth, the route we created was designed to be most efficient going from Rushmore to Yellowstone (ie. being in the right place at the right time of day). You could reverse the route and it wouldn’t be too different, but it would need some slight modifications for things like Wind/Jewel Cave tours or switching the attractions around so you don’t set off on a hike too late in the day. But it’s definitely doable. Let us know how you get on and have a fantastic time!

This guide looks great, and I am just wondering if you have a price range for the trip, not including things like food. I want to do this as a couple’s trip or Honeymoon trip, so just two people. I would like to have a goal for saving up for this trip. Thanks for any help you can give.

Hi Kyle, glad to hear you’ll be driving this road trip and congrats if it’s for a honeymoon. Honestly, the cost will depend mostly on hotels. Without knowing the time of year you’ll do it or your preference for hotels (cheap and cheerful or luxury, especially if honeymooning), you should probably aim for around $150 per night on average. Hotels are cheaper in the Black Hills, more expensive around Yellowstone. Book your hotels in advance (now for this summer or fall would be ideal) to save because there’ll be more availability at park run lodges and in towns near the parks. Add in gas, food and attractions – you’re looking at something in the $2,500 – $3,000 range total for 10 days, excluding flights and hire cars. That would be for mid range hotels and eating out 3 times a day, plus entry to national parks, monuments, state parks etc. You can always go for cheaper hotels, eat at fewer restaurants or skip certain attractions to bring that number down. Hope that helps and remember it’s just a ballpark figure. Have a great trip!

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, Thank you so much; this definitely helps. Your itinerary looks like the vacation of a lifetime for us.

This is am amazing itinerary! Thank you so much. If we have more time, say, closer ti 14 or 15 days, where and how would you recommend spending that time? We love hiking, but are casual, so no summiting mountains for us.

Thanks Katie! To be honest we’ve included the major attractions in both regions, so it could just be a case of slowing things down so it’s not as action packed. Maybe add one extra day in each of the Black Hills, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. There’s loads more you can do in Yellowstone and Teton, we’ve just covered the most unmissable spots for a first visit. You could also potentially include a stop at Little Big Horn Battlefield if that’s of any interest. If you don’t mind the full-on days, maybe consider driving up to Glacier National Park after Yellowstone and Teton to spend 2 or 3 days there. Or there’s always a drive down to Salt Lake City where you can see the Great Salt Lake, Bonneville Salt Flats, Park City or hike loads of amazing trails on S Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Hope that helps and have a fantastic trip!

We are driving up from Kansas City the end of April to first week of May. What do you recommend as the best way to add the Little Big Horn battlefield into this itinerary? Thank you for your amazing itinerary. It looks to be so helpful with the trip we are planning.

Hi Steve, we’re glad to hear you’ll be driving this road trip next year. The easiest way to include Little Big Horn Battlefield is to drive I-90 directly from Devils Tower and then you can loop around to Cody from Billings. You’d be replacing the drive from Buffalo to Ten Sleep on the Cloud Peak Skyway. One thing to note is your exact dates. The east entrance into Yellowstone from Cody is projected to open May 5 2024 but any adverse weather could push that date back. You might be better off continuing on I-90 from Billings and entering Yellowstone to the north at Gardiner because that entrance is open year round. Have a fantastic trip!

We just returned yesterday from our 11 day trip which we followed as the Morgans suggested and it was truly amazing. I cannot thank you enough for your well-thought-out and easy-to-follow itinerary. I was travelling with my 13 year old twins and my 80 year old parents and we all had such an incredible time. We even stayed in the recommended hotels. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Thank you very much!

Hi Dineen, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this nice comment. We are happy to hear our itinerary helped you during your amazing road trip! It’s such a beautiful part of the country and your family will always have those wonderful memories! Take care, Mark and Kristen

Your 10 day itinerary from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone is amazing! We are traveling September 7th. We so appreciate you mapping out our vacation!! What days do you recommend we pack our lunch?

Thank you, Brenda! We are happy to hear you will be following this amazing road trip route and you are doing it at a fantastic time of year. Lunch is a great question (we will update our guide soon to include potential lunch stops because it is helpful). We would suggest packing lunches on days 1 and 2 in South Dakota, as well as days 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. You can find food in Yellowstone at Canyon Village, Mammoth or Old Faithful if you really don’t want to keep eating packed lunches but they will save you a lot of time, effort and money. Eat big breakfasts and dinners if possible, and take snacks into the parks. Hope that helps and have a fantastic trip!

@Mark and Kristen Morgan,

Thank you for sharing your ideas! Do you have any Restaurant recommendations for dinner? We have made our accommodation reservations using your recommendations. We are looking so forward to our trip and you have made planning easy! Thank you again!

You are more than welcome, Brenda. Dinner is a tough one without knowing what your group likes to eat, but what we usually do is look at Google Maps and see which places have high ratings near our hotel then narrow it down to our cuisine preference. There are great places to eat in most of the places you will visit so we are sure you find the right spots each evening!

Hello, I am trying to plan this trip for my family of 4 (2 adults 2 kids (ages 9 & 7)). This has become almost a full time job but your site has been so helpful! We are coming from MN and hoping to drive the loop up through ND – MT – WY – Yellowstone – WY – SD then back home. I have all the places and things we want to see and do but I just can’t get them straight for what to do on what days…any suggestions would be so helpful! Yellowstone is very intimidating to plan!

Hi Kristi, sounds like an amazing road trip route you have planned! We understand how you feel about planning and wanting to make the most of every day. Without knowing your priorities or how many days you have, we would suggest choosing maybe 5-10 of your top attraction priorities and making sure you allow enough time to properly visit those places. You can easily do Yellowstone in 3 full days if you move around at a reasonable pace (staying at different hotels each night helps with efficiency but it isn’t vital). Grand Teton is amazing and you can see it in one day, especially as you won’t be hiking the longer trails with young kids. The Black Hills in SD you can do quickly enough depending on exactly what you want to see. Mt Rushmore only takes a few hours and with the kids you likely won’t lose a day hiking Black Elk Peak. Judging by how much effort you are putting in to planning, we know you will have it all figured out. Have a great time with your family!

Hello! I love this itinerary as it can be so daunting planning a trip like this. Are any of the “hikes” handicap accessible? We would potentially be traveling with our older parents, some of which use motorized scooters for longer walks. Thanks

Hi Melissa, glad to hear you are planning to see the Black Hills and Yellowstone with your family. Accessibility is a great question – some of the half day adventure hikes such as Black Elk Peak in SD, Avalanche Peak in Yellowstone and Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton are of course not accessible for motorized scooters, but many of the popular stops in this itinerary are accessible via wooden boardwalks or flat paved paths. For instance, you will be able to see behind the Badlands Wall from the Windows Trail in Badlands (and so much more right from the car), you can access the amphitheater in Mt Rushmore (but not the Presidents Trail which has steps), you can circle around the base of Devils Tower WY on a paved trail, almost all of Yellowstone’s most iconic attractions like Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, Morning Glory Pool, Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are all accessible via wooden boardwalks or right from the car. Hope that helps but please let us know if you have any more questions and we can do some more digging. If not, have a fantastic trip!

Thank you so much for this itinerary! I was planning a trip Yellowstone on 5/18/23 and I was overwhelmed but your guide is helping a LOT.

One note – I noticed that the road section between canyon and tower fall doesn’t open until May 26 (weather pending), and that the Norris Geyser Basin is closed in 2023 until further notice.

I’m still learning about the layout of Yellowstone, but would I be fine following your itinerary if I am visiting on 5/18, or would I need to make adjustments due to road closures? If adjustments are needed, do you have any recommendations?

Thank you!!

Hi Samuel, we’re happy to hear you are planning a trip to Yellowstone in a few weeks. Yes, Norris Geyser Basin is closed until further notice (these things always happen in Yellowstone!) and the road between Canyon – Tower (Dunraven Pass) does not open until May 26th. Note these dates are “projected” and weather dependent. If you follow our itinerary and decide to visit before Dunraven Pass opens, you can combine days 6 and 7 into one day. So you would enter from Cody, see Lake Yellowstone, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Hayden Valley in the morning, then drive up to Mammoth, before heading into Lamar Valley around 1-2 hours before sunset at which point wildlife is most active. You can then pick up the remainder of the itinerary. Hope that helps and have a fantastic time!

Can not thank you both enough! My sons and I will be doing this journey and using your suggestions as a guide was incredibly helpful! We are so excited.

You’re very welcome, Audrey. We hope you and your sons have a fantastic time!

This trip sounds fantastic. We are planning this trip now for late August early Sept. Is there anyway we could squeeze in Glacier if we add a couple of days? We want to do it all! We are thinking we can fly into Grand Rapids and out of Bozeman. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help, .

Hi Tammy-Jo, great to hear you are planning this trip and yes of course you can definitely squeeze in Glacier! Instead of driving from Devils Tower to Cody (and Yellowstone east entrance), you can drive from Devils Tower to Glacier. It is a heck of a drive (maybe 10 hours) and it might be worth spending a night around 1 or 2 hours before reaching Glacier to reduce the long driving day and get a cheap room before waking up early to have a full day in Glacier. After you are done at Glacier, drive down through Bozeman and into Yellowstone north entrance near Mammoth Hot Springs. You can then drive down through one side of Yellowstone (west first for example) and down into Grand Teton, before looping back through Teton and up the other side of Yellowstone before exiting back in the north and flying from Bozeman. Hope that helps but let us know if you have any more questions. If not, we hope you have the best trip!

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, Thanks! I will take a look at that route!

We are in San Diego, CA. What airport should we flight in and approximately how far from Mt Rushmore or the town? Also if we rent the car to start the adventure that would be arranged separately from your planed trip? Thank you

Hi Nancy, to begin in South Dakota you will fly into Rapid City. After visiting Badlands, Mt Rushmore etc in the Black Hills, you will drive across to Yellowstone and Grand Teton. It would make more sense to drop off your hire car at either Jackson Hole airport Salt Lake City airport before flying back to San Diego. Our guide is an example itinerary for your to use, but we do not arrange hire cars for this trip. Have a great time!

Thank you for taking to answer my question. I appreciated very much.

You are very welcome Nancy and have a wonderful trip!

Hi! I’m looking into this for April this year (in a month, eek). Do you think this would be good for a fam with an 11 and 13 yr old?

Hi Shan, yes absolutely this road trip is great for families with kids in the low teens. There’s plenty to keep them occupied in the form of Mt Rushmore, Devils Tower, geysers, hot springs and wildlife in Yellowstone, and towering mountain peaks in Grand Teton. However, we only recommend driving this route from May 1 through the end of October. In April, Grand Teton Loop Road is closed, Yellowstone doesn’t begin to open certain roads until half way through the month and there’s a strong chance you will get caught in snow. If we were planning a road trip at the beginning or middle of April with kids, we would do the Utah and Arizona loop instead. Start in Las Vegas, drive to Valley of Fire, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon South Rim, back to Vegas. Or a variation of that depending on your timeframe. Hope that helps but let us know if you have any more questions!

Thanks Mark and Kristen for your itinerary ideas. We are looking to plan a similar trip and would follow your itinerary and maybe expand it a day or 2. This would be our first and most likely only trip out west(traveling with teenagers can be a daunting task). We would be traveling late June/early July from Cincy Ohio. We normally just wing it but I hear Yellowstone area isn’t a wing it kind of place and you would want to make reservations. We’ve thought about getting a roof top tent for our truck and winging it hoping to find camping near your itinerary stops. Or the other option would be to fly into Sioux City and out of Jackson hole and renting a Minivan and finding budget friendly hotels on a whim without reservations near your itinerary stops. What are your thoughts?? This reminds me of planning for Disney and trying to use all the fast passes 😂 Thanks again John and family

Hi John, thanks for getting in touch and we’re glad to hear you have a family trip planned from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone, it’s a great option and you will definitely enjoy the stops. Honestly, in late June / early July we probably wouldn’t wing it. We hear you though – we normally wing it on road trips because we like the flexibility, but we normally travel in April, May, September and October so that is actually possible! If you do go the flights and minivan it will cost a lot more than the rooftop tent option. You might be able to find camping but we would definitely book some campsites asap. If there are no campgrounds inside Yellowstone, look for campgrounds near Gardiner and better yet West Yellowstone. From there you can day trip into the park. Grand Teton is amazing and you will have a better chance finding camping near Moran maybe. The obvious downside to driving with the tent is the long days you would lose driving from Cincy to the Black Hills and back from Jackson to Cincy. If we had your options, we would probably try to plan out the trip both ways, add up the costs, driving time, convenience factor and availability to come up with a best case scenario. Hope that helps but let us know if you have any other questions. If not, have a great family trip!

What would you recommend if we are coming from Ohio wanting to do Rushmore ,Badlands out to Yellowstone. We will be driving and basically just sightseeing due to my husband health. Would you say Badlands and Rushmore in one day and keep moving west? We are going to travel to first point in one long haul from Ohio so we can try and see all the major places. Do you have information to help us with hitting all the spots starting in Ohio to Yellowstone trying to do the whole trip in a week. Wish it could be longer though. Thanks for any help you can advise. Plus if just sightseeing how long would you stay in each spot?

Hi Nikki, sounds like this going to be an incredibly action packed week. Here’s what we would do: DAY 1 – Drive 17 hours from Ohio to Wall SD on I-90, spend the night in Wall. DAY 2 – Wake up and do Badlands first, then Mt Rushmore, drive Spearfish Canyon and see Devils Tower before sunset. You can do all 4 in one day if you are quick and you won’t miss out on anything. Stay somewhere near Devils Tower or even drive to Buffalo WY. DAY 3 – Drive Cloud Peak Skyway to Ten Sleep and continue to Cody WY, before entering Yellowstone east entrance. Look around Lake, turn right onto loop road, spot wildlife in Hayden Valley and drive both rims at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to see the waterfalls. Stay in Canyon. DAY 4 – Drive up past Mt Washburn to Tower and head into Lamar Valley for more wildlife, drive across to Mammoth Hot Springs to see the unique springs there, continue down to Norris Geyser Basin and stay in West Yellowstone. DAY 5 – Head back into the park and explore all of Upper, Midway and Lower Geyser Basins which includes Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful. Continue to West Thumb and drive all the way down through Grand Teton including Jenny Lake and Signal Mountain. DAY 6 – If you are interested, watch sunrise at either Mormon Row or Schwabacher Landing in Grand Teton, before exploring any more of the Tetons and southeast Yellowstone before beginning the long drive back to Ohio. We would leave the area via Cody so you will have completed the full loop in Yellowstone and seen Grand Teton. DAY 7 – Continue the drive back, it is around 22 hours from Cody to Ohio. Hope that helps and enjoy your trip!

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, Thank you for responding. This is very helpful, we may need to add a couple of days. Thanks again for your help!

What would you estimate cost per person for trip if u can breakdown some items. Car/gas/night hotel stays

Hi Helen, tough question and it will have to be a real rough guess here, but you’ll be looking at something like $900 – $1000 for a 10 day hire car pick up in Rapid City airport drop off in SLC airport. Hotels are going to cost anywhere between $80 – $200 per night depending on how much of a budget you are on. You can of course stay in more expensive hotels each night if your budget allows but we’re using an average travel budget for reference. Not sure how much gas is going to be in SD and WY when you travel, but the only long distance drive is from Devils Tower to Cody. Both SD and WY have cheaper than average gas. Maybe plan for around $200 – $250 per person per day for hotel, food, car, gas and misc expenses. Hope that helps and have a great trip!

We used your itinerary for our upcoming trip September 8-19, 2022. With the flood that happened in June just curious what changes you would recommend?

Hi Kimberly, thanks for getting in touch and we’re glad to hear you have this trip planned for next month. You should still be fine to follow the itinerary as normal with entrance to Yellowstone via Cody (east entrance). The northeast entrance Cooke City to Tower road is not currently open to vehicles (nor is North entrance via Gardiner but you won’t need that one anyway). So enter via Cody as per our itinerary and follow day 6 but either stay in Mammoth Hot Springs or Canyon. If there is no availability at either, you will have to stay in West Yellowstone before picking up the itinerary on Day 7. Lamar Valley is not accessible via car at the moment which is a shame, but Hayden Valley is a great alternative for wildlife spotting. In fact, east entrance on your way into the park is another excellent wildlife spotting area. So one option would be to take day 6 more slowly and save Mt Washburn / Tower area for day 7 instead. Then you can pick up day 8 without any more disruptions. Hope that helps but let us know if you need any more help. Have a great trip!

Thank you for this itinerary it was spot on! We stayed at the J Bar and S Lodge, the Chamberlin Inn and the Parkway Inn on your recommendations and they were wonderful! I look forward to copying more itineraries by you!

Hi Sandy, we’re so glad you found the itinerary and hotel recommendations helpful! This is one of our favorite routes in the US and we’re happy to hear you had a great time. Now it’s time to start planning your next road trip…!

Hi! Awesome post, I’m looking to possibly book a trip for 6 days to see Mt Rushmore and end in Yellowstone. My boyfriend is a huge history buff and has always wanted to explore here. How would you condense this? We’re also looking to rent an RV to make overnights easier. I’d appreciate any and all thoughts. Thank you!

Thanks Cara! Great to hear you’re thinking about this trip and you can easily condense the best of both areas into 6 days with an emphasis on history. Renting an RV would make sense if you wanted to travel between places at night and be closer to each attraction by first light the next day. We would suggest cutting all hikes in our guide, don’t do Wind Cave NP or even the Custer wildlife loop. You’ll want to do Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse. If you do Badlands we highly recommend you visit the Minuteman Missile Museum about the cold war – it’s really interesting. Then on the way over to Yellowstone you could potentially spur off to stop at Little Bighorn Battlefield. Then try to squeeze in as much of Yellowstone as you can. Hope that helps but let us know if you have any more questions!

I love this….. I love that you included Buffalo and Ten Sleep!! Several years ago I moved from central Illinois to Cody, WY. I’ve made the drive between the two places many times and this is the route I take. I actually lived (past tense – I’ve now moved back to Illinois) along the Chief Joseph Highway, not too far from Cooke City. I HIGHLY recommend driving the Chief Joseph from Cody up to the NE entrance of the park! The scenery is just amazing. The view from Dead Indian Pass is not to be missed – especially if you’re coming to it from the East side (from Cody). The drive from the pass to the end of the Chief Joseph, where it meets 212, the Beartooth Highway, is gorgeous! The closer you get to 212, the better your view of Pilot and Index Peaks…. It’s just awe-inspiring!!

Hi Michelle, thanks for getting in touch! We couldn’t miss the Buffalo to Ten Sleep drive, we’ve done it twice and loved it both times. You’re absolutely right, the Chief Joseph Highway is amazing, we drove it in October 2019 when it was covered in fresh snow and it was stunning. Anyone following this itinerary could definitely drive the scenic highway and enter Yellowstone to the NE, starting with Lamar Valley instead of Lake Yellowstone via Cody and East entrance. There are so many options for Yellowstone! Best of luck back in Illinois!

I took this trip last year! It was amazing! We used your blog as a guide and followed it pretty closely. I was amazed at the wildlife we saw and the beauty of the landscape. I would take this trip again and again. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your ideas. I’ve had both my knees replaced, so I wasn’t able to do all of the long rugged hikes and I appreciate that you took the time to score them. I have sent this article on to 2 of my cousins that are interested in this trip also. I almost forgot…we drove my soft top Jeep which also made the trip even more fantastic!

Hi Kim, thank you for getting in touch and letting us know about your trip 🙂 we’re glad to hear you found the itinerary helpful! The soft top Jeep sounds amazing – we might have to give that a go next time. Hope your cousins can also make the trip and have as much fun as you did!

Mark and Kristen, I love your itinerary; we are going to do it in reverse the first week and a half in October this fall. On October 4th, we’ll be going from Cody to Gillette and would like to travel on the Cloud Peak Skyway you mentioned and visit Little Big Horn Battlefield before we get to Gillette. Can you recommend the highways we should take to do this? Any idea if we could run into bad road conditions on our route?

Hi Tim, thanks for getting in touch and it’s great to hear you’ll be visiting Yellowstone / Grand Teton and the Black Hills. You’ll be doing the Wyoming parks at a great time without the crowds and the Black Hills are spectacular the first few weeks of October. You can easily do Ten Sleep to Buffalo on Cloud Peak Skyway from Cody to Gillette. If you want to do Little Bighorn Monument, your best bet is to take I-90 W once you reach Buffalo. It’s quite a way up (100 miles), and then you’ll be going back on yourself to get into Gillette. We did Cloud Peak later in October and the road was plowed so there should be no issues on your trip. Let us know if you have any other questions and have a great trip!

@Mark and Kristen Morgan, thanks for your response. Have you ever been on Highway 212 over to Broadus or Highway 14 to Spotted Horse, dropping down to Gillette from the north?

Hi Tim, no we haven’t done either of those two routes. We would have preferred to stay off I-90 the entire time between Black Hills and Yellowstone but we didn’t have enough time. Enjoy the trip!

It seems one-way rental car options from Mount Rushmore to Yellow Stone to Sale Lake City are pretty limited or unavailable for the May-June period. If you are flying in from the east coast (Washington DC) and want to take this trip (or reverse) what other options (coach, public transport, flights) are there if one-way car rentals are not available.

Hi Roger, yes right car rentals have been limited, unavailable or even unaffordable for quite some time now. The only way to guarantee a car at a reasonable price is to book a long way in advance. There are tour options available if you google Mt Rushmore Yellowstone bus tours, but ideally you would have your own car to drive between attractions within each region. Maybe leave it until next year but book it all up as far in advance as you can? Good luck!

We did a very similar 10 Day Itinerary, but in reverse order. We started with Grand Teton, Jackson and Yellowstone. Then traveled to Little Bighorn via the Beartooth Path/Highway. Next we visited Devils Tower and Spearfish. Followed by a drive through Blackhills to Deadwood, Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore. Last, a visited Badlands National Park. It was a dream road trip. I highly recommend this.

Sounds awesome, David. This exact route (or in reverse as you did it) is about as good as it gets for visiting both Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone regions.

This is the exact trip my husband and myself along with son and daughter in law want to take but they cannot take a 10 day vacation, both still working , we would be flying in from Florida and want to see alot of things around Rapid City but also Yellowstone a couple of days and fly home, probably 5 or 6 days, is that possible and still see alot, just happened on to your information about travel and really love it.

Hi Linda, glad to hear your plans of doing both Rapid City and Yellowstone! You can do both places in a short period, you’ll just have to drive a lot and we would suggest flying into Rapid City – then out of Bozeman back to Florida. You could try this: Day 1 – Morning explore Badlands, afternoon see Mt Rushmore; Day 2 – Drive Iron Mountain and Needles Highway, do Custer Wildlife Loop or hike Black Elk Peak; Day 3 – Drive Spearfish Canyon to Devils Tower and across to Cody; Day 4 – Enter Yellowstone east entrance, turn left and do West Thumb Basin morning, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic etc afternoon stay in West Yellowstone; Day 5 – Norris Basin, Yellowstone Falls and Hayden Valley morning, Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley afternoon. Either stay in Gardiner then fly out of Bozeman or fly out on the fifth day. It will be action packed but it hits all the major highlights. Have a great trip!

I love the itinerary you have planned, but know the group I am going with can’t hike (only walks that are not too steep or uneven). What adjustments to the trip would you recommend. Also we will be driving in from Kirksville, MO, so starting at the Mount Rushmore side and will make it roundtrip.There is so much information, I’m finding it difficult to adjust. Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Susan, thanks for getting in touch and we’re glad to hear you’re planning this amazing route. If your group isn’t big into hiking, we’d suggest taking things more slowly in each area. Our itinerary is very action packed and won’t suit every group doing this trip. Spend more time driving in the Black Hills, visit more local coffee shops, restaurants and bars in towns along the way. Grand Teton is beautiful so maybe include an extra day staying in Jackson in place of a long hike that we mention in the itinerary. Feel free to email us with any specific questions if you need a hand getting plans finalized but if not, enjoy your road trip!

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Driving to Yellowstone is just as much fun as getting there! Check our road trip itinerary collection for your perfect vacation. You can choose from many different routes that make the trip almost as exciting as the adventures you’ll have when you arrive. Pick and choose your stops along the way to build your own road trip including neighboring national parks such as Grand Teton, Glacier and Badlands.

Yellowstone is a huge park. You’ll want to plan your approach to gateway towns and entrances , plus download a park map in advance of your arrival so you won’t waste time on logistics and have more time to spend having fun.

Short on time? Fly into a nearby airport to shorten your road trip.

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"https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-utah/things-to-do-dinosaur-nm/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "10 best things to do at dinosaur national monument"}}'> 10 best things to do at dinosaur national monument, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/badlands-national-park-south-dakota/badlands-things-to-do/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "10 top things to do in badlands national park"}}'> 10 top things to do in badlands national park, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-montana/southwest-montana/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "10 true montana gems between yellowstone and glacier national park"}}'> 10 true montana gems between yellowstone and glacier national park, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/glacier-national-park-montana/glacier-national-park-itinerary/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "2 days in glacier national park"}}'> 2 days in glacier national park, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/badlands-national-park-south-dakota/badlands-black-hills-2day-itinerary/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "2-day badlands and black hills vacation itinerary"}}'> 2-day badlands and black hills vacation itinerary, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/scenic-drives/grand-teton-scenic-drive/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "3 roadside stops in grand teton national park"}}'> 3 roadside stops in grand teton national park, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/scenic-drives/montana-scenic-drives-yellowstone/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "3 scenic drives to explore montana’s yellowstone country"}}'> 3 scenic drives to explore montana’s yellowstone country, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/glacier-national-park-montana/natgeo-best-hikes-glacier/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 best hikes in glacier national park"}}'> 5 best hikes in glacier national park, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/badlands-national-park-south-dakota/black-hills-towns/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 black hills towns to base your south dakota vacation"}}'> 5 black hills towns to base your south dakota vacation, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-wyoming/platte-county-wy/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 off-the-radar spots for escape in wyoming’s platte county"}}'> 5 off-the-radar spots for escape in wyoming’s platte county, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/badlands-national-park-south-dakota/wildlife-south-dakota-badlands/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 rare and exciting species of wildlife you can find in south dakota’s badlands"}}'> 5 rare and exciting species of wildlife you can find in south dakota’s badlands, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/badlands-national-park-south-dakota/badlands-rv-tips/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 rv tips for badlands national park"}}'> 5 rv tips for badlands national park, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-wyoming/campbell-county/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 things to explore on the way from rushmore to yellowstone"}}'> 5 things to explore on the way from rushmore to yellowstone, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/glacier-national-park-montana/glacier-rv-tips/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 tips for rv camping at glacier national park"}}'> 5 tips for rv camping at glacier national park, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-idaho/coeur-dalene-idaho/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 top things to do in coeur d’alene idaho"}}'> 5 top things to do in coeur d’alene idaho, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-montana/southeast-montana/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 trails to explore in southeast montana"}}'> 5 trails to explore in southeast montana, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-idaho/yellowstone-teton-territory/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "6 amazing places on the other side of the tetons"}}'> 6 amazing places on the other side of the tetons, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-utah/temple-square/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "6 places to see in temple square in salt lake city"}}'> 6 places to see in temple square in salt lake city, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/gateway-towns/west-yellowstone-montana/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "7 sights in west yellowstone"}}'> 7 sights in west yellowstone, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-montana/central-montana/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "7 standout stops in the heart of montana"}}'> 7 standout stops in the heart of montana, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-wyoming/johnson-county/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "7 ways to experience the old west in buffalo, wyoming"}}'> 7 ways to experience the old west in buffalo, wyoming, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-montana/dillon-beaverhead/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "9 reasons to visit dillon, montana"}}'> 9 reasons to visit dillon, montana, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-idaho/southern-idaho/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "9 undiscovered southern idaho gems near yellowstone"}}'> 9 undiscovered southern idaho gems near yellowstone, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-colorado/denver-co/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a denver local’s perfect day in the mile high city"}}'> a denver local’s perfect day in the mile high city, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-south-dakota/rapid-city-sd/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a guide to rapid city, south dakota"}}'> a guide to rapid city, south dakota, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-colorado/moffat-county-colorado/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a jurassic journey through moffat county, colorado"}}'> a jurassic journey through moffat county, colorado, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-utah/logan-top-of-utah/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a local slice of western life in logan and cache valley"}}'> a local slice of western life in logan and cache valley, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-colorado/mitchell-museum-western-art-trinidad-co/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "a.r. mitchell museum of western art in trinidad, colorado"}}'> a.r. mitchell museum of western art in trinidad, colorado, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-south-dakota/akta-lakota-museum-cultural-center/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "akta lakota museum and cultural center in south dakota"}}'> akta lakota museum and cultural center in south dakota, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-south-dakota/belle-fourche-sd/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "america’s center point"}}'> america’s center point, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-montana/anaconda-montana/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "anaconda’s unexpected history on the continental divide"}}'> anaconda’s unexpected history on the continental divide, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/glacier-national-park-montana/avalanche-lake-glacier-national-park/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "avalanche lake via trail of the cedars in glacier national park"}}'> avalanche lake via trail of the cedars in glacier national park, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/badlands-national-park-south-dakota/badlands-national-park/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "badlands national park in south dakota"}}'> badlands national park in south dakota, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-utah/bear-lake/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "bear of a time at bear lake"}}'> bear of a time at bear lake, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-montana/big-sky-montana/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "big sky’s two rs"}}'> big sky’s two rs, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/airports/bozeman-yellowstone-international-airport/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "bozeman yellowstone international airport in montana"}}'> bozeman yellowstone international airport in montana, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-montana/butte-montana/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "butte, montana, the richest hill on earth"}}'> butte, montana, the richest hill on earth, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-montana/c-m-russell-museum/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "c.m. russell’s vibrant art inspired by montana"}}'> c.m. russell’s vibrant art inspired by montana, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-wyoming/casper-wyoming/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "casper, wyoming’s top 7"}}'> casper, wyoming’s top 7, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-itineraries/chicago-dakota-to-yellowstone-road-trip/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "chicago to mount rushmore to yellowstone road trip"}}'> chicago to mount rushmore to yellowstone road trip, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-south-dakota/rapid-city-regional-airport/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "closest airport to mount rushmore is in the city of presidents"}}'> closest airport to mount rushmore is in the city of presidents, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-colorado/enjoy-colorado/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "colorado historical and natural attractions"}}'> colorado historical and natural attractions, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-wyoming/goshen-county/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "come for fort laramie, stay for wyoming charm"}}'> come for fort laramie, stay for wyoming charm, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/gateway-towns/cooke-city-montana/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "cooke city and silver gate, tiny outposts to yellowstone"}}'> cooke city and silver gate, tiny outposts to yellowstone, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-south-dakota/visit-crazy-horse-memorial/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "crazy horse memorial in south dakota"}}'> crazy horse memorial in south dakota, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-south-dakota/custer-south-dakota/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "custer is south dakota's yellowstone"}}'> custer is south dakota's yellowstone, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visit-south-dakota/custer-state-park/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "custer state park in south dakota"}}'> custer state park in south dakota, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-itineraries/denver-to-yellowstone-road-trip/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "denver to yellowstone road trip"}}'> denver to yellowstone road trip.

Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone

Chicago is a great location for any road trip because of its central position. Yellowstone is among the top bucket list destinations for road trips. How do you link the dots? There are a variety of routes that we’ll detail on the way to our most popular.

If you’re contemplating a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone , this route will set you on the road through some of the most exciting places across the nation.

Find the most popular spots to stop at, breathtaking natural beauty to discover, and top suggestions to make the lengthy trip to Yellowstone as pleasurable as possible.

Table of Contents

Why is Chicago to Yellowstone the perfect road trip?

Planning an excursion from Chicago to Yellowstone allows you to be flexible. This itinerary also includes many bucket list destinations. There are four national parks to visit. Additionally, you’ll find a wide variety of species of wildlife. 

The journey is segmented so that you have plenty of time to recover. A note to keep in mind: the time for driving listed here is for standard cars. 

How Far Is Yellowstone National Park From Chicago, And How Long Will It Take To Get There?

It could be one of the longest routes that many undertake. The direct route is 1,340 miles long and takes about 20 hours to finish.

With a journey this long, we do not want to take it longer. But, we’re planning to take a slight deviation to give you the chance to take in all that’s available.

There are several stops on the route; what’s 50 miles when it allows you to enjoy many unique experiences?

What are the Best Places To Stop Between Chicago And Yellowstone National Park?

As you might imagine, the length of the drive starting from Chicago to Yellowstone implies that you’ll need to split it up into some stops.

Overnight Stay In Des Moines, Iowa

The first stop is 335 miles west of Chicago, located within the State of Iowa.

The largest city and the state’s capitol of Iowa. Des Moines is a lovely city, but its location doesn’t get the attention it merits. While plenty of things keep you entertained all night or daytime in Des Moines, it’s a tourist attraction outside the city. It will provide the best reason for you to visit.

The museum lets you take an intimate look at one of the biggest and most well-known film stars ever at a more personal level, with plenty of memorabilia and fascinating exhibits.

Since we’re headed to Wyoming, known as the country of cowboys, what better stop could we discover than to learn about the most famous cowboy on the route?

This is likely to be a trip filled with stunning historical sites. If you’re planning to travel, why not choose an establishment full of character and history in ‘The Historical Oscar Lofquist House.’

The apartment will be like a home away from home in the heart of Des Moines, with friendly hosts and everything you need to enjoy your visit.

Split Your Trip With A Stay At Sioux Falls

It is just a little less than halfway along our journey between Chicago and Yellowstone. And it is the ideal spot to split the trip in two. Sioux Falls, the biggest city in South Dakota, is situated alongside the banks of the Big Sioux River.

The city is famous for its breathtaking assortment of parks and open spaces, including Falls Park, where the waterfalls that gave this city its name are located.

This is the ideal spot to get a taste of what is to come in Yellowstone. It makes enjoying delicious food or drink after a long day much more accessible.

A Not So Rapid Stay In Rapid City

You will reach Rapid City after driving the entire length of South Dakota and making a circle via the Black Hills National Forest.

There are many National parks, forests, and national monuments. The Sturgis Festival, the Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore monuments, the historic town of Deadwood, and wildlife trips are all nearby.

If you’d like to travel farther, there’s the notorious Wounded Knee Massacre location within 90 minutes to the city’s southeast.

Since this is a journey centered around this stunning region’s natural aspects, It only makes sense for our accommodations to do the same. For this reason, you ought to get a room at the opulent Black Hills View.

This spectacular home offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wildlife and the natural world. It is located just a few miles from the West of the City on the edge of the Black Hills National Forest.

5 Best Hotels On The Way From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park

When you travel between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park, you might want to stay at specific points along the route. The best five hotels on the trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park are listed here.

Graduate Madison

One of the most prominent hotels is Graduate Madison. Here, you can stay along the Chicago and Yellowstone National Park routes. The drive to Chicago towards Yellowstone National Park might take approximately two hours and 23 minutes. This hotel is situated in the downtown area, equipped with its own parking space, and has allergy-free rooms.

Home2 Suites Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Another hotel that allows you to choose the option of a stay during your road journey to Yellowstone National Park from Chicago is Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University. 

The hotel is located 334 miles from Chicago. It would take four hours and 59 minutes to travel. The hotel provides complimentary breakfast parking, a pool, and a gym for kids. Pets are also allowed in the hotel.

Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown 

Didn’t our initial two hotel options entice you? This hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown, is one we’d be happy to recommend to you.

You may drive nonstop for 8 hours and 23 minutes to get to Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown from Chicago, 574 miles away. 

The hotel has complimentary parking and rooms that are accessible, and pets are welcome.

Tru By Hilton Rapid City Rushmore, Sd 

The Tru by Hilton Rapid City Rushmore, Sd., 909 miles from Chicago, is the next suggested hotel. The distance from the first idea to Tru By Hilton Rapid City Rushmore, SD, is 344 miles.

The hotel is a fantastic choice for those seeking convenience because parking and breakfast are complimentary. Apart from gaming rooms, social areas, and areas for working, the hotel features a pool.

Robin’s Nest Bed & Breakfast 

The following hotel in the city is Robin’s Nest Bed & Breakfast. It takes 18 hours, plus an average of 57 minutes, to get to this hotel from Chicago. The Quain, as well as the Romantic Style hotel, welcomes pets. It also offers breakfast and parking for free.

What are the things To See On A Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park?

There are many places and sights you can visit. It ensures that you can experience everything you’d like can be pretty tricky.

This is a list of the most exciting things to observe along your travels so that you can mark the boxes as you travel and be aware of what you’ve accomplished.

Bighorn National Forest 

The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is located in one of the oldest protected woods in America.

John Wayne Birthplace Museum 

In the home where he was born in the town of Winterset, there is only one museum devoted to John Wayne’s life and career.

Wind Cave National Park 

South Dakota, next to Custer State Park, has one of the most protracted and intricate cave systems.

Omaha 

The capital of Nebraska, Omaha, is worth taking a trip to discover its charming neighborhoods among world-renowned zoos worldwide and the vibrant scene of food and drink.

Sioux Falls 

The state of South Dakota’s capital and largest city.

Wall Drug 

Wall Drug is situated on the outskirts of the Badlands National Park. It is home to a pharmacy, restaurants, and shops with a Wild West motif.

Badlands National Park

It is a unique national park with huge plains and rock canyons. Be on the lookout for bison and bighorn sheep, known to call Badlands their home.

Rapid City 

Even if you’ve never gone, the second-largest city in South Dakota has that comfortable feeling.

Bear Country USA 

A drive-through park for wildlife with local wildlife. Such as black bears, elkand mountain lions, and more in their natural habitat. It is an hour’s drive to Rapid City.

Shoshone National

 Forest is the longest-running preserved forest in the US, covering 2.5 million acres.

Crazy Horse Memorial 

A massive sculpture of the war’s native chief may someday surpass the giant statue in the world. It has been under construction since 1948, with no final date.

Mount Rushmore  

 A magnificent monument carved into the Black Hills rock face. It features some of America’s most illustrious presidents.

Black Hills National Forest 

 A 1.25-million-acre mixture of mountains and forests in the southwest corner of South Dakota.

What’s the best Time To Go On A Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park?

This is a trip focused on experiencing the wonderful outdoors. Everything you do, from exploring and hiking to eating picnics and even camping, could be outdoors.

The best time to do the trip starting from Chicago towards Yellowstone is May through September. You have the ideal opportunity to experience nature because the weather is pleasant and there is a low likelihood of rain. Make sure you talk about your experience with crowds of tourists during July and August.

You cannot drive through Yellowstone because it is closed for the season. You could still take the trip from Chicago and then stay out of Yellowstone National Park, taking snowmobiles or skis and other ways of getting around.

How Many Days Do You Need in Yellowstone National Park?

It is best to plan to spend 2-3 weeks at the smallest in Yellowstone National Park. To experience the most well-known attractions, two days are plenty. The addition of a third day allows you the chance to discover lesser-known and less-traveled-to.

This guide offers itineraries between 1 and 5 days. It allows you the most excellent flexibility. With five days of full-time, you’ll have time to explore Yellowstone thoroughly.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Chicago To Yellowstone National Park?

We have a few ideas to consider if you want to transform the Chicago to Yellowstone National Park journey into an unforgettable experience.

Suppose you want to stop at any notable landmarks or popular tourist attractions. In that case, you should consider visiting the Anderson Japanese Gardens, the Wisconsin State Capitol, Grandad Bluff, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or Cody.

Final verdict

A road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park will take you past Chicago, the Great Lakes, and into its vast wilderness.

You will need more than two hours to travel the 1,340 miles from Chicago to Yellowstone, passing through Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming’s enormous wilderness. To enjoy the magnificent route, it is advised to take three or four days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to see between chicago and yellowstone national park.

On the drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park, the top six places to visit are Anderson Japanese Gardens, Wisconsin State Capitol, Grandad Bluff, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Cody.

What is the cheapest way to get from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park?

The cheapest way to travel from Chicago toward Yellowstone National Park is to fly and drive. It costs between $240 and $500. It takes 7 hours and 4 minutes.

How do I travel from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park without a car?

The journey takes roughly 7 hours and 4 minutes. From Chicago in the direction of Yellowstone National Park, including transfers.

Can I drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park?

Yes, the distance between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park is 2276 kilometers. The distance between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park is 23h 19m.

How long is the flight from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park?

The direct flight takes 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete and is the shortest route between Chicago O’Hare and Jackson.

What is the time difference between Chicago and Yellowstone National Park?

National Park in Yellowstone is one hour ahead of Chicago. It’s currently at 01:37 in Chicago and at 00:37 within Yellowstone National Park.

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Chicago to Yellowstone Road Trip

Embark on an unforgettable Chicago to Yellowstone road trip, traversing diverse landscapes and embracing the essence of the American heartland. Journey from the vibrant cityscape of Chicago to the breathtaking natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Experience a tapestry of sights and sensations, from rolling plains to majestic mountainscapes. This adventure promises an immersive exploration of charming towns, scenic vistas, and the unparalleled beauty of the open road.

Choosing the Right Time to Travel

The best time to embark on a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are clear of snow. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

Chicago to Yellowstone Road Trip Route

The most direct route from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park primarily utilizes the I-90 W and I-94 W interstates. You’ll pass through Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. Expect to invest 4 full days in driving an average of 500 miles per day. Build in time for sightseeing detours, photo ops, and overnight stays too.

Road Trip Itinerary

Drive from Chicago to Madison, WI – Tour the Wisconsin State Capitol building

Continue towards Minneapolis, MN – See the Mary Tyler Moore statue, walk across the Stone Arch Bridge

Drive across South Dakota – Visit Mount Rushmore, drive through Badlands National Park, stay in Rapid City

Arrive in Yellowstone! See Old Faithful, drive the Grand Loop, spot wildlife

Must-See Attractions

Sioux falls, south dakota.

Nestled among the oak-dotted plains and prairie grasslands of eastern South Dakota sits the charming city of Sioux Falls. Known as the largest city in the state with a metro population around 250,000, Sioux Falls brings together small town warmth and hospitality with an unexpectedly hip arts and dining scene.

The roaring Big Sioux River cuts right through the heart of downtown, its tumbling waterfalls giving the city its name. Along the tree-lined river banks, visitors can soak in the natural beauty while strolling along the popular Falls Park bike and walking paths that weave over the water’s edge and past the mist from cascading falls.

The recently revitalized downtown district also beckons with a slew of trendy local eateries, craft breweries, indie boutiques and cultural attractions like sculpture walk displays, museums and performance theaters.

Yet the city stays true to its Midwest roots and Lakota tribal lands past, with Native American history on display at museums and a calendar full of lively seasonal festivals and county fairs celebrating this tight-knit agricultural community’s simple pleasures and pastoral landscape of sunflowers, gently rolling plains, fertile farmland and good old heartland hospitality.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Surreal, ancient, forbidding yet full of beauty – welcome to the raw, rocky realm of Badlands National Park. Spanning over 240,000 acres of otherworldly terrain in southwestern South Dakota, the park’s harsh and hypnotic high desert landscape looks almost like another planet.

Sharply eroded buttes, spires and cliffs formed from mineral deposits stripe the land in bands of red, orange, pink, yellow and white baked under the sun for ages. The striking stratified layers create a visual spectacle, but also give Badlands its ruggedness and extreme climate swinging wildly between scorching heat and frigid cold.

These harsh conditions have preserved the land exactly as the Lakota Sioux tribes found it – unspoiled, untouched, and teeming with bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.

Adventurous travelers that brave the remote, rippled beauty of the Badlands are rewarded with boundless panoramic views, a glimpse into the fossil beds dating back 75 million years, and the chance to traverse otherworldly peaks and valleys that transform with magical fluidity between dawn’s first light and dusk’s fading hues stretching to infinity.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

Nestled deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota glows one of America’s most iconic sculptures and recognizable landmarks – the almighty Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Gazing up at the mammoth mountainside carving of four beloved U.S. presidents’ 60-foot granite faces inspires a sense of wonder in over 2 million visitors annually.

Originally conceived in the 1920s as a way to increase tourism to the remote area, the giant work of art took 14 years to complete using dynamite and intricate sculpting. The four presidents chosen to be immortalized were George Washington representing the birth of the nation, Thomas Jefferson for expanding its territory through the Louisiana Purchase, Abraham Lincoln as a symbol of preservation through Civil War crisis, and Theodore Roosevelt for his 20th century economic/industrial contributions.

Today, the awe-inspiring attraction has grown to encompass a museum, amphitheater, trails threading through the Black Hills pine forests and hosting lively holiday light shows in winter. But the main event is gazing up at the monumental mountain carving aglow in sunrise hues – a quintessential photo opp and patriotic pilgrimage evoking America’s storied past and pioneered spirit.

Cody, Wyoming

the wild and woolly spirit of the Old American West in the small frontier town of Cody, Wyoming – gateway to mighty Yellowstone country located about 50 miles from the iconic national park’s East Entrance.

Named after legendary cowboy Buffalo Bill Cody who founded the town in 1896, today Cody carries on the rugged cowboy culture with dude ranches, country concerts, prairie cuisine and lively festivals like the Cody Stampede Rodeo often called “the largest outdoor rodeo in the world.”

Beyond cowboy kitsch, the town also boasts world-class museums like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West preserving Native American artifacts and Western art/lore spanning 15 firearms galleries and Western film/culture exhibits.

Nearby natural wonders also beckon adrenaline junkies who can choose from white water rafting along the surging Shoshone river or hiking the steep canyon trails striated in fiery red and orange that slice through the rugged terrain leading into Yellowstone’s volcanic peaks and plateaus. From high sierra vistas to the shoot ’em up spirit of the Old West, Cody lays out the frontier red carpet for travelers seeking endless inspiration through the region’s rich history and landscape carved out by early Western pioneers.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Few places on Earth equal Yellowstone’s wilderness grandeur. As the world’s first national park established in 1872, Yellowstone spans 3,500 square miles overflowing with natural wonders – the majority sitting within Wyoming along with small sections in Montana and Idaho.

Famous for its unique geothermal activity brewing below the surface, the Yellowstone Caldera volcano fuels an otherworldly landscape marked by explosive geysers, elegant hot spring terraces, bubbling mud pots and glittering travertine formations.

Yet the park contains so much more for outdoor enthusiasts to explore – thundering waterfalls slicing through the vast Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, alpine lakes reflecting craggy peaks, endless backcountry trails threading through pine forests and wildlife sanctuaries protecting endangered grizzly bears, gray wolves, herds of bison, elk, moose and trumpeter swans.

From the rainbow mist of Old Faithful to jewel-toned mineral pools radiating steam, Yellowstone stands as a protected primitive paradise filled with endless inspiration – the wild, mysterious heart of the Rockies preserved for adventurers and wanderers who still dream of the frontier spirit.

Essential Tips

Packing essentials.

When embarking on a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone, be sure to pack essential items such as a detailed road map, GPS, first-aid kit , water, snacks, and emergency supplies. Additionally, pack appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, including rain gear, warm layers, and sturdy hiking shoes.

Accommodation

Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season. Consider staying in lodges, cabins, or campgrounds within Yellowstone National Park for a truly immersive experience in nature.

Safety Precautions

• Before setting out on your road trip, ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and equipped with emergency essentials such as a spare tire, jack, and jumper cables. Familiarize yourself with the route and weather conditions, and always adhere to speed limits and traffic regulations.

Here is a 70-word conclusion for “Chicago to Yellowstone road trip” without plagiarism or repetition:

Embarking on a Chicago to Yellowstone road trip makes for an epic Midwest adventure, traversing prairie lands and the rugged frontier through America’s heartland. From the Windy City to Old Faithful, a trip along this 1,000+ mile route promises dazzling scenery and wagon trails steeped in pioneer history. Whether you seek peaks, geysers or bears in the wild, a journey through these two iconic destinations etched in the fabric of this nation is guaranteed to create lifelong memories.

• The drive from Chicago to Yellowstone covers a distance of approximately 1,751 miles and takes around 25 to 30 hours of non-stop driving. However, to fully enjoy the journey and explore the attractions along the way, plan for a duration of 5 to 7 days.
• The best time to visit Yellowstone is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are clear of snow. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
• Some of the must-see attractions along the route from Chicago to Yellowstone include Sioux Falls, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Cody, and Yellowstone National Park.
• Essential items to pack for a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone include a detailed road map, GPS, first-aid kit, water, snacks, emergency supplies, appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, and sturdy hiking shoes.

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Part of Wyoming highway collapses in landslide, blocking crucial transit route

By Emily Mae Czachor

Updated on: June 10, 2024 / 3:23 PM EDT / CBS News

Part of Teton Pass, a crucial highway weaving through the mountains of western Wyoming, collapsed Saturday morning in a massive landslide that severed the primary transit route between two cities in the region. Officials said they expect the road will remain closed long-term, potentially jeopardizing almost half the workforce in and around the tourist hubs of Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.

Crews were still examining the site on Monday to determine whether it would be possible to construct some kind of interim road for travelers in place of the collapsed section of the highway. The Wyoming Department of Transportation said that current evaluations from engineers and geologists suggested they would be able to build a temporary detour around the landslide. According to transportation officials, that detour could be open to the public as soon as a few weeks from now.

"Currently, WYDOT geologists and engineers are confident they can build a safe, temporary detour around the slide area using local fill material and paving two temporary lanes," the agency said in a social media post. 

‼ IMPORTANT TETON PASS UPDATE ‼ Teton Pass road closure continues, interim detour planned WYDOT Teton County closed access to Wyoming State Highway 22/ Teton Pass due to a landslide at milepost 12.8 and a mudslide at milepost 15. Commuters have been asked to detour around using US 26 through Swan Valley and then into the Snake River Canyon. WYDOT crews are currently evaluating the stability of the area and investigating adjacent areas for potential safety hazards. This is being considered an extended closure, and there currently is no estimated opening date. WYDOT crews have been working closely with other agencies and partners to secure the area and explore potential interim access, as well as long term reconstruction options. Currently, WYDOT geologists and engineers are confident they can build a safe, temporary detour around the slide area using local fill material and paving two temporary lanes. They are hoping to have a temporary detour open to the public, likely with some strict weight and width restrictions, in a few weeks. “I want to express my gratitude to WYDOT Director Westby and his entire team for their efforts to rapidly develop and implement a plan to get traffic moving over Teton Pass again as quickly as possible,” Governor Mark Gordon said. Geologists and engineers are evaluating the area and putting together a long term plan to rebuild the road. There is no current estimated timeline for that construction. WYDOT will be flying the area with a survey plane and doing some geological drilling in preparation for the reconstruction. WYDOT is working closely with the US Forest Service to provide access to recreation areas outside the slide area, despite the road closure. Agencies are collaborating to place signage on the road to allow users to access campsites unaffected by both the landslide at milepost 12.8 and the mudslide at milepost 15. Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National park remain open for visitors. Crews continue to manage the mudslide at milepost 15, and geologists and engineers are working on a plan to provide more drainage to the affected area by installing a box culvert. They are planning to do this work simultaneously with the temporary detour work at milepost 12.8. The work is dependent on availability of crews and materials, but WYDOT’s goal is to have this work completed when the temporary detour at 12.8 is ready for limited traffic. Governor Mark Gordon has issued an Executive Order declaring an emergency in response to both the mudslide at milepost 15 and the landslide at milepost 12.8. The declaration will help the state access additional resources from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to begin the substantial repairs required. WYDOT is thankful for the quick responsiveness and support from other government agencies, including the US Forest Service and the Idaho Transportation Department, which has allowed WYDOT to mobilize quickly with planning and repairs. "WYDOT’s response through this crisis demonstrates the commitment, passion and ingenuity of our crews,” said WYDOT director Darin Westby. “We certainly want to thank ​the Governor, the Federal Highway Administration, the Idaho Transportation Department, the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, Evans Construction and the US Forest Service​ for their quick response, teamwork and dependability in our time of need.” The video below shows the highway in 2023 compared to what it looked like June 8. (reporters, we now have a media kit available: https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/news_info/media-kits.html ) Posted by WYOMING DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION on Monday, June 10, 2024

The update came as concerns mounted over the possible economic implications of the Teton Pass collapse. After it happened, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon declared a state of emergency in hopes that federal funding would allow the state to access the resources required to begin permanent repairs on the highway, which officials have said are "substantial."

The Teton County branch of the transportation department initially  announced  early Saturday that the road at milepost 12.8 on Teton Pass had "catastrophically failed," and shared several images on social media that showed the extent of the damage. Officials said crews were trying to build a detour around the initial collapse when the landslide broke down further and effectively destroyed a whole section of the surrounding highway. No one was injured.

"WYDOT is now reviewing a long term solution and repairs, and more information on planning efforts will be available soon," the department said in their announcement. At the time, crews were also working to clear debris from another mudslide at the 15th mile mark on Teton Pass.

The roadway at milepost 12.8 on Teton Pass, has catastrophically failed, and a long term closure is expected. WYDOT... Posted by WYDOT Teton County on  Saturday, June 8, 2024

Carved into the Teton mountain range and running for about 17 miles, Teton Pass is the only direct route between Victor, Idaho, and Jackson, Wyoming. Despite being notoriously treacherous at certain times of year, and typically closed during those times because of weather-related safety concerns, the highway provides vital access to Teton County, which includes Jackson, Yellowstone and Grand Teton, for workers who commute there from eastern Idaho. 

"We understand this highway is a lifeline for commuters, deliveries, medical care access and tourism, especially with limited alternatives and the summer season upon us," said Darin Westby, the director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, in a  statement after the collapse. "WYDOT engineers, surveyors and geologists mobilized quickly to try to maintain highway viability as long as possible, but catastrophic failure could not be avoided."

Westby said the Transportation Department was "decisively engaged on fixing the road and restoring connectivity to the Teton Valley."

In a study completed last January on the safety of the Teton Pass corridor, the Federal Highway Administration acknowledged that the highway "offers a critical connection for commuters and recreationists traveling from Victor, Idaho, and Jackson, Wyoming." The trip, from one end to the other, would ordinarily take around 30 minutes or so in a car, or slightly longer on public transit . Because of the steep mountain landscape, alternate routes send travelers on a lengthy detour that takes roughly three times as long and covers some 85 miles.

The Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board said businesses in the city, as well as Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, would all remain open in a message shared on its website in the wake of the Teton Pass collapse. The board also recognized that closing the highway indefinitely will likely have consequences for workers living in Idaho and commuting to Teton County, who make up about 40% of the county's workforce, according to that message.

"Although businesses will do their best to support employees and commuters, and will work to remain open and maintain normal operating hours and services, it is expected that the workforce will be affected," the travel and tourism board said. "As a community, we ask visitors and locals to exercise patience and understanding if you experience longer than normal wait times or interruptions in services."

• Yellowstone National Park

Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.

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This Scenic Road Trip Will Take You From Salt Lake City To Yellowstone National Park

Y ellowstone National Park is a cornerstone of America's untamed wilderness. This gem also happens to be the perfect landing point for a western cross-country road trip. The route from Salt Lake City, Utah cuts through the heart of the American West and dives into the history of the nation's earliest pioneers across three different states. Travelers will bypass some of the most scenic hot spots in these western states on the eight-hour drive from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It's hard to find a better launching point than Salt Lake City, given its proximity to several scenic attractions that allow drivers to curate their route around landmarks of particular interest. Great Salt Lake and Gobblers Knob are just two local natural hot spots in the area that are worth exploring before setting out on the highway.

While beautiful throughout each of the four seasons, this road trip route is best driven during the summer months when road closures are rare, the weather is warm, and the stretches through Idaho and Wyoming display a prolific collection of flora and fauna. Late April to May and September through early October tend to be  the best times of year to visit Yellowstone National Park  when the grounds see a reduction in crowds. Regardless of when you plan your trip, this gorgeous U.S. road trip route promises a scenic voyage that traverses the topography across some of America's most vibrant and historic landscapes.

Read more: Safety Items You Should Pack For Your Next Road Trip

Salt Lake City To Idaho

Located in Cache County, an hour and a half from Salt Lake City, Logan is the first stop on this exhilarating Yellowstone road trip. This must-see small town is known for its vibrant community, Old West heritage, and prolific collection of trendy cafes and art galleries speckled along Main Street. It's also a popular resting point on the routes of travelers bound for natural gems, like Bear Lake State Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Splitting the border between Utah and Idaho lies Bear Lake State Park. This natural sanctuary is rich in dazzling blue waters, sandy beaches, remote campgrounds, and tumbling peaks belonging to the nearby Cache mountain range, making it a great spot to stop and camp for the night if you're making this a multi-day trip.

Crossing the Idaho state border and continuing north, road trippers will soon reach the city of Blackfoot. An agricultural hub, Blackfoot may be best known as the potato capital of the world, home to Idaho's unique potato museum. This innovative exhibition displays the history and heritage of Idaho's prolific agricultural industry. Blackfoot is the perfect place to stop for lunch and choose one of the many potato-based options found across the city's menus. Just 30 minutes northeast of Blackfoot, Idaho Falls is perched on the bank of the Snake River. It boasts an eclectic art scene showcased throughout downtown, and visitors can enjoy the picturesque views while strolling the River Walk.

Yellowstone National Park In Wyoming

Heading east out of Idaho Falls and skirting the border of Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Jackson, Wyoming is one of the first towns visitors will enter once crossing the state line. Jackson is famous for its western cowboy culture, ski resorts, and a serene landscape peppered with verdant pine trees that form the entrance to Grand Teton National Park. A next-door neighbor to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park represents part of the country's most stunning alpine region that rises over Jackson Hole Valley. A prestigious icon of Western American history, rolling plains dappled with grazing bison, towering peaks, and groves of aspen trees make up the majority of this park's wilderness playground. Lookout points, like Schwabacher Landing and Snake River Overlook provide the most picturesque glimpses of life in Grand Teton, while pristine hiking trails, such as Forks of Cascade Canyon guide hikers past stunning glacial formations. 

Just a stone's throw away from Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone rests as the crowned jewel of this mountainous state, and the last stop on your road trip. Comprising 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone was the first established national park in America famous for its vibrant collision of geysers, glaciers, grizzly bears, and freshwater falls. The cone geyser, Old Faithful, and dramatic valleys of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone are some of the most iconic sights nestled within the park. Alternatively, the Lake Overlook Trail offers epic views of the grounds, and this trail is particularly famous for its panoramic sunrise vistas. 

Read the original article on Explore .

Rare white buffalo reported in Yellowstone National Park

by: The Associated Press

Posted: Jun 16, 2024 / 11:28 AM CDT

Updated: Jun 16, 2024 / 11:34 AM CDT

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Standing at the edge of a bluff overlooking the Lamar River in Yellowstone National Park, TJ Ammond stared through binoculars at hundreds of buffalo dotting the verdant valley below.

Tan-colored calves frolicked near their mothers while hulking bulls wallowed in mud.

As his wife and young children clustered behind him, Ammond panned the vast herd and cried out: “I see a white one!”

“Or no — that’s a pronghorn,” he soon corrected. “It’s white and it’s small.”

Grizzly bears and wolves are usually the star attractions for wildlife watchers in Yellowstone but this spring, a tiny and exceedingly rare  white buffalo calf  has stolen the show.

White buffalo — also known as bison — are held sacred by many Native Americans who greeted news of the birth of one in Yellowstone as an auspicious sign.

It all began when Kalispell, Montana, photographer Erin Braaten snapped several images of the tiny, ungainly creature nuzzling with its mother on June 4, soon after its birth near the banks of the Lamar River. Braaten and her family had been driving through the park when she spotted “something really white” and got a closer look through her telephoto lens.

They turned around and pulled over to watch and shoot photos of the calf with its mother for over half an hour.

Despite throngs of visitors with scopes and photographers with telephoto lenses in the Lamar Valley, a prime spot for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone, few others saw the calf and no sightings have been reported since. Even Braaten and her family did not see the calf again despite going back to look over the next two days, she said.

As in legend, the calf remains mysterious in life.

Some speculate it was a short one. Bison calves often don’t survive when their herds decide to plunge across waters like the Lamar, which has been flowing high and muddy with mountain snowmelt.

Yet even if it has died, the event is no less significant to Native Americans, said Chief Arvol Looking Horse, spiritual leader of the Lakota, Dakota and the Nakota Oyate in South Dakota, and the 19th keeper of the sacred White Buffalo Calf Woman Pipe and Bundle.

“The thing is, we all know that it was born and it’s like a miracle to us,” Looking Horse said.

The creature’s birth fulfills a Lakota prophecy that portends better times, according to members of the American Indian tribe who caution that it’s also a signal that more must be done to protect the earth and its animals. They plan a ceremony in the coming weeks to commemorate the event.

Word of the white buffalo has meanwhile spread far and wide. Ammond had heard about the white calf on The Weather Channel and was keen to see it on his family’s trip to Yellowstone from Ohio.

Usually, white bison are born in ranch herds due to interbreeding with cattle. They are rare but not unheard of, with births making local headlines every so often.

Two genetic variations, leucism and albinism,  account for  an unusually light-colored animal. Experts doubt the Yellowstone calf is an albino.

In any event, a wild white buffalo is exquisitely rare — maybe even unheard of in Yellowstone, one of the last sanctuaries for free-roaming American bison. The animals once numbered in the tens of millions before commercial hunting drove them to near extinction. Yellowstone’s herd numbers about 5,000.

For Yellowstone’s dedicated wildlife watchers, a good look or photo of a wolf, grizzly — or especially an elusive wolverine or lynx — makes for a good day in the field. A glimpse of the white bison calf would be the privilege of a lifetime.

Employees at several of the businesses that offer guided tours, hikes and horseback rides in Yellowstone said they had not seen the white bison calf. At least one was skeptical the sighting was authentic but a cellphone video provided by Braaten’s son, Zayne Braaten, showing the calf in a wide scene looking very much like the Lamar Valley left little room for doubt the calf is — or was — the real deal.

Amateur photographer Sabrina Midkiff, from Houston, said getting pictures of buffalo calves was the main purpose of her trip to the park this summer. She’d taken thousands of photos so far and wondered if the white calf was hidden somewhere in the crowd in one of her images.

Seeing it would be thrilling, Midkiff said, but she’d heard talk that it may have died — by drowning, getting eaten by wolves or coyotes, or simply being too weak to survive.

“There are a lot of things that could happen out here in the wild,” she said.

Near the site where Braaten said she took her photos, New Mexico native Bob Worthington stood outside his truck Thursday and scoped a distant hillside. He said he’d been visiting Yellowstone for 26 years with a singular focus: Seeing grizzly bears.

Worthington gruffly dismissed a query about the valley’s bison herds. But when the white calf was mentioned, he lit up with a grin.

“I’d love to get to see the little rascal,” he said.

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