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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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

© Family Road Trip 2024

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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.

• for women: hiking shorts | for men: hiking shorts
• for women: hiking pants | for men: hiking pants
• capris for women
• hiking/walking/travel sandals: for women | for men
• hiking shoes: for women | for men
• When you fly: If you have an iphone, you can put an airtag tracker in your luggage so you can better keep track of it! Buy just one , or buy a pack of 4 . (Read the reviews !) This also makes a good travel gift !

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!

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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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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Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip

• Post last modified: September 1, 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 ›

• 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.

You might wonder…

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.

Our main stops are Sioux Falls, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower and Cody.

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!

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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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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

Granby, colorado to dubois, wyoming, dubois, wyoming to yellowstone national park, yellowstone to park city, utah, park city, utah to grand junction, colorado, grand junction to colorado springs, colorado, colorado springs to chicago, illinois, why chicago to yellowstone is the perfect road trip.

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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Chicago to Yellowstone Road Trip: An adventure through the Great Plains and the Rockies

Travel from an iconic Midwestern city filled with skyscrapers through farmland before ending up in the mountains of the American West on this Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip.

The Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip allows you to explore some amazing shopping destinations, visit a world-famous national monument and take part in some outdoor adventures of the American West. On the way, you will see all manner of breathtaking scenery as you move from the wide-open plains of the Midwest into the sprawling and impressive Rocky Mountains. At your final stop, you will get to see the many wonders of Yellowstone National Park.

1. Chicago 2. Mall of America 3. Mount Rushmore 4. Cheyenne, WY 5. Jackson, WY 6. Yellowstone National Park

Info at a glance

• 10-day trip
• Type of route: Nature
• 6 stops along the route
• 1,749 miles of driving
• Explore the iconic Navy Pier on Lake Michigan in Chicago.
• Stop in at one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
• Marvel at a wholly unique American destination.
• Step back in time and experience the days of the old American West.
• Experience the beauty of Yellowstone National Park.

Getting to the start

This Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip will begin in Chicago, Illinois. If you are coming to Chicago from another part of the US or world, there are plenty of ways to get there by plane, flying into either Chicago O’ Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway (MDW). Several Amtrak routes can get you from practically any point in the United States to Chicago, including the California Zephyr, the Capitol Limited, and the Empire Builder.

CAR RENTAL IN Chicago

When to Visit

Spring and autumn are the best times to make the Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip so you can avoid the heat of summer in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis but also avoid cold weather in the Rocky Mountains during the winter months. Even still, it is best to pack an assortment of clothing, including a rain jacket and pants, but also items like shorts, hiking boots and T-shirts to handle all the different kinds of weather you may experience during this road trip.

Driving tips

With so much of this Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip spent on rural interstate highways, you will generally find speed limits ranging from 70 to 80 miles per hour. These will get lower as you approach towns and major cities. It is important to note that you will experience toll roads in and around Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Some of your drive is going to be on winding mountain roads so be mindful of that as you drive.

What to know about the route

You will begin this 1,751-mile Chicago to Yellowstone National Park road trip by heading northwest through Illinois and Wisconsin to the city of Minneapolis St. Paul. Along this route, you will see plenty of farms and green pastures rolling by your window, From there, you will travel across the wide-open plains of Minnesota and South Dakota, which offer views that seem almost endless. As you make a turn to the south into Wyoming, you will start to see the outlines of the impressive and rugged terrain of the east sides of the Rocky Mountains and the valleys that lie below. Finally, you will reach the end of your journey into the mountains at Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, which mark the final two stops on your journey. An SUV or all-wheel-drive vehicle will be perfect for this trip, especially in the winter months.

As one of the largest cities in the United States, you will find plenty to see and do here. Located right on Lake Michigan, the city offers plenty of water activities as well. The skyline of the downtown area is world-renowned for the cutting-edge architecture you will find here. Chicago boasts a robust public transportation system that makes it easy to visit plenty of sites in the Chicago area .

Points of interest

Navy Pier is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. If you are an art lover, you’ll want to make the trip to The Art Institute of Chicago. For baseball fans, no trip to Chicago would be complete without visiting Wrigley Field. If there are some kids along on the trip, spend an afternoon at the Lincoln Park Zoo, which you can enjoy free of charge.

Where to eat, drink and sleep

Chicago has a few signature foods that are a must-try for any visitor. These include deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and specialty popcorn. If you want to try some classic Chicago pizza, head to Lou Malnati’s. They have locations throughout Chicago, including three in the downtown area.

Sixt Insider Tip

There are some local terms that are important to remember when visiting Chicago. When people refer to “The Loop,” they are talking about the central business district of downtown Chicago. If someone suggests that you travel by “The L,” they are referring to the city’s (mostly) elevated subway system.

From Chicago to the Mall of America (412 miles)

From here, we are off to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Mall of America. This trip will take you west on Interstate 90 all the way from Chicago to Minneapolis. Along the way, you’ll be driving through towns, such as Rockford, Illinois as well as Madison and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Upon reaching Minneapolis, you will cross the iconic Mississippi River.

Mall of America

The Mall of America is in an enormous shopping mall located in Bloomington, Minnesota, just south of Minneapolis. It sits right at the junction of Interstate 494 and Highway 77, which makes accessing the mall quite easy from practically any location. This mall is the seventh-largest in the world and is the largest in the western hemisphere.

By far one of the best-known features of the Mall of America is Nickelodeon Universe. This amusement park has 27 different rides, ranging from roller coasters to rides for younger children. A unique feature of the mall is that it has not one, but two miniature golf courses for you to try out during your visit.

One of the best things about the Mall of America is the wide variety of food choices. You’ll find everything from basic fast-food choices to upscale sit-down restaurants. You can find any type of cuisine in the mall, with something to suit the tastes of every traveler.

One thing that you will not want to miss in the Mall of America is a simulator ride called Flying over America. Take a virtual flight across the entire country through several different states and see all sorts of unique sights throughout the United States.

From the Mall of America to Mt. Rushmore (590 miles)

Now is when you begin the journey across the vast and open Great Plains. You will see Badlands National Park, which offers stunning views of unique landscapes. Part of this journey on Interstate 90 will also take you through the town of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where you can stretch your legs at Falls Park and see the waterfalls found there.

Mount Rushmore

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is chiseled into the face of a granite mountain on the far western side of South Dakota. It’s located in the Black Hills, close to the town of Keystone. This iconic piece of Americana features the heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. 

In addition to visiting the monument itself, there are several great attractions for visitors to this area. One example of this is Big Thunder Gold Mine, which is a museum about mining. It also offers visitors the chance to go gold panning. Right down the road from the monument is Rushmore Tramway Adventures where visitors can ride on zip lines.

When you first arrive at Mt. Rushmore, you will want to stop in at the information center where you can pick up quite a bit of information about both the park and its creator, Gutzon Borglum. Inside the information center, you can view a short film that offers a detailed history of the monument and how it was created.

From Mt. Rushmore to Cheyenne, WY (276 miles)

As you begin the next leg of the drive, you’ll notice a shift in the type of geography that you’ll see around you. You’ll leave behind the wide-open spaces of the plains and move into the more rugged terrain of the valleys of Wyoming with a variety of mountain peaks towering all around you.

Cheyenne, WY

Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the capital of Wyoming and it takes a page right out of the history books of the Old West of the United States. This is due in no small part to the fact that Cheyenne is the site of so many historic railroad lines that served as an expansion of American settlers from east to west.

One iconic location in Cheyenne is the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, which offers visitors the chance to look over many historical artifacts and memorabilia from famous rodeos. The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is a unique change of pace for this area because of all of the tropical plants will find inside its walls.

A big part of the dining culture of Cheyenne is a great steak. The Wyoming Rib and Chop House in the downtown area is one of the best-known places to eat steak in Cheyenne. If you are looking for a classically styled place to stay for a night in Cheyenne, a good choice is the Nagle Warren Mansion B&B.

Do yourself a favor and head to the Cheyenne Depot Plaza to take a picture of yourself next to one of the giant boot statues. If you want a unique Western experience, stop in at The Terry Bison Ranch where you can go on a trail ride on horseback.

From Cheyenne to Jackson (423 miles)

Now you will begin to start your climb into the mountain ranges of this area. This part of the drive will take you through both Shoshone National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest. There will be ample opportunities to hop out of the car to explore some of the most breathtaking and rugged terrains you may ever experience.

Jackson, WY

Jackson, Wyoming, is a small town in Jackson Hole Valley and is home to three different ski areas, including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Beyond winter sports, this area is a mecca for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain bike riding, rafting and fishing.

One of the best-known destinations in this area is the town square, specifically because of the entry arch made of elk horns. A popular event in this area is the Jackson Hole Rodeo, which has a great reputation for bronco riding and offers events throughout the spring, summer and autumn months.

The town of Jackson boasts quite a wide variety of dining options. These include classic diner fare and burgers as well as upscale and creative crafts meals that feature unique meats such as buffalo and elk. The Wort Hotel is a quaint and rustic place to stay located just one block west of the Jackson Town Square. 

Jackson is a great place to explore by bike. Even though there are so many outdoor activities to see and do, most are close at hand because of the small size of the town. Traveling by bicycle also affords you the chance to get to and see places that may not be accessible by car.

From Jackson to Yellowstone (48 miles)

As you drive north from Jackson along Highway 91, you will approach Yellowstone. Part of this journey will take you along the eastern edge of the beautiful Jackson Lake. As you near Yellowstone, you will pass right by Lewis Lake before arriving at the western thumb of Yellowstone Lake.

Yellowstone National Park

This national park encompasses nearly 3,500 square miles and is located above a volcanic hotspot. The park itself features all manner of striking canyons, forests, alpine rivers, geysers and hot springs. Because of the sheer size of the park, you could visit for several days without ever seeing the same thing.

Most visitors to Yellowstone will want to stop at one of the most famous geysers in the world, Old Faithful. This particular geyser offers an information booth plus plenty of seating to witness its eruptions of water and steam. Another great choice is Yellowstone Lake where you can go boating and fishing.

If you want to truly experience Yellowstone, try to book a campsite inside the park. If you prefer to be under a roof, there are plenty of summer lodges located throughout the park as well. In terms of dining inside the park, most of what you’ll find will be basic fare aiming to please everyone.

If you are going to see Old Faithful, do so early in the morning or late in the evening as crowds are lighter. Yellowstone is also a great place to go on some amazing hikes. Because you want to keep your distance from the wildlife here, make sure you bring a pair of binoculars.

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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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The Perfect Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

April 3, 2020 //  by  Follow Me Away //   3 Comments

If you are planning a Yellowstone road trip, you probably fall into one of two categories. Either you have been dreaming of going to Yellowstone your whole life and cannot wait to see if it fulfills all of your hopes and dreams, or you just know it is a place a lot of people go.

So which is it? Lifelong dream or lingering curiosity? Either way, we have got the perfect Yellowstone road trip itinerary for you!

Yellowstone has no end of amazing sights, and we have all the best ones. If you have heard of Yellowstone you have heard of Old Faithful, and we have that on our itinerary! But there are so many other great stops too that you might not have heard about. 

That is why we are here–for the great stops of legend, and the obscure spots that are little known gems. Yellowstone has them all! That is what makes it such a great road trip!

So buckle in and sit tight, because here we go!

This is truly one of the Best Road Trips In The USA so you are in for a real treat!

Getting to Yellowstone

Considering the fact that you clicked on a “Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary” article, we are assuming you are, you know, looking for a Yellowstone road trip itinerary. Not a cross country tour of the midwest. Therefore we recommend flying into the Salt Lake City airport in Utah.

Many road trip guides recommend flying into Chicago or Denver, but if you do this you are in for 10+ hours of driving just to get to Yellowstone. And we know, we know, this is a road trip. But it is the stops along the way that make road trips great, not the hours of driving through unchanging scenery.

Even gorgeous Colorado scenery gets a little old after ten hours, you know? Maybe you do not. But we do, okay?

So do yourself a favor and fly into the Salt Lake City airport. This way you can spend most of your Yellowstone road trip in…drum roll, please…Yellowstone.

Keep in mind that this area of the world gets cold and snowy in the winter–enough so that they close roads. Pick a different season for visiting Yellowstone.

Don’t forget to check out our Detailed Road Trip Packing List so you don’t forget any essentials for your trip!

Getting Around Yellowstone

We whole-heartedly recommend renting a vehicle for this road-trip. You can rent a car directly from the ground floor of the parking garage at Salt Lake City Airport. If you have read any of our other itineraries though, you know that we recommend doing so beforehand.

As with all travel planning, the sooner you take care of things, the less they will cost you. There are a number of rental car agencies that will shuttle you from the airport to their office.

You have the most control over timing and destinations if you rent a car. Granted, the five hours it takes to get from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone is a bit of a doozy. However, you can make some great stops along the way to make it worth your time.

We have all the best stops from Salt Lake to Yellowstone and back. If you are all about Yellowstone then skip a few stops and drive straight there. Choose the ones you like the best to make your perfect Yellowstone Itinerary!

Stop 1: Begin Your Yellowstone Road Trip in Salt Lake City

If you are looking for stops specific to Yellowstone, skip down to Stop 4. However, if you do not live in the vicinity and are flying into Salt Lake to begin your Yellowstone road trip, you might as well check some of the surrounding areas out. 

After all, the point of a road trip is to explore and find new experiences. If you are open to new experiences in Salt Lake City, you might be surprised what you might find.

While this is easily Utah’s biggest city, it is surrounded by majestic mountains and is only a short drive away from the rugged wilderness. If you choose to spend some time here, you will find a lot more variety in the activities you can do than you might expect.

Take a look at our recommended activities below and you will get an idea of what we are talking about. Don’t forget to check out some additional tips for your first Yellowstone trip too!

Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Check out sundance mountain resort.

A short ride away from Salt Lake City exists the famous Sundance Mountain Resort. Here you will find all kinds of outdoor activities. 

While this place is North America’s top ski resort, there are still plenty of fun things to do in the summer . (Which is good, because Yellowstone is closed in the winter–do NOT do your Yellowstone road trip in the winter!)

Hiking abounds in this region, but that is not all this mountain retreat has to offer. You can also do a zip tour–yeah a zip  tour , not a zip line. The ski lifts give you an excellent view of the mountain landscape and greenery in the warmer months.

If you like a slower pace, try out the mountaintop yoga or the art studio classes. You can even go to the spa!

Go Axe Throwing

Want to do something  really different that just might help you be better prepared for some of Yellowstone’s wildlife? Go  axe throwing ! Social Axe Throwing takes walk-ins, or you can book your unique experience in advance.

This makes it a great activity to check out if you happen into some extra time. It typically takes a couple of hours, so it is not a quick-minute thing, but it is a ton of fun. 

Do not worry if you have never thrown an axe in your life before, this place has coaches to teach you. They will also show you different games–no simple target practice here.

Keep in mind that this is not an activity for little kids. The age limit is 13+. You have to have a party of 6 to reserve in advance but can walk in with a smaller group, you just might have to wait for a bit.

Hike Grandeur Peak

To get an early taste of the hikes you will be doing in Yellowstone, check out Grandeur Peak. It is a six and a half miles round-trip, and it will highly reward you for the effort you put in with astounding views. 

Mountains in Utah are no joke, and Grandeur Peak is steep. What we are trying to say is, wear serious shoes for this one and bring water. 

However, the entire trail is beautiful in every way. You will love the wildflowers and the way you can see the entire valley along the trek.

Campgrounds and Hotels Near Salt Lake City

Spruces campground.

If you just cannot wait until Yellowstone to start camping, Spruces Campground is a great place to stay. Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, it is right outside of the city. The setting is serene, with a multitude of aspens and spruce to keep you company.

While there are no showers here, there are flush toilets and drinking water. Picnic tables and grills are provided, making for easy outdoor cooking. You can also use the fire rings–smores, anyone?

All of the roads are paved, making this an excellent ADA friendly location to stay the night.

Grand America

If you would like to start your Yellowstone road trip off in a ritzy way, you pretty much have to stay at The Grand America . Located right in the heart of the city, you will have great access to all the city activities you could want. Or you could just as easily stay in for the night and enjoy all the great amenities this hotel has to offer.

One of those amenities is a Parisian style bakery–if you were not planning to get a little taste of Paris on your way to Yellowstone, it is time to amend your plans. You do not have to stay at the hotel to check out the bakery!

Everything about this hotel is pure luxury, from the marvelous art to the carefully cultivated gardens.

Check Rates: booking.com | hotels.com

The Little America Hotel

If you are not quite ready to start camping, but also are not quite ready to drain your bank account, check out The Little America Hotel . It is actually right across the street from The Grand America, so you can still go get that taste of Paris from here.

You can also swim in the largest indoor/outdoor pool in Salt Lake City, which just so happens to be inside this hotel. While the Little America Hotel does not have its own spa, it does have a sauna and a coffee shop.

You do not have to break the bank to stay in a nice place with plenty of its own perks!

Stop 2: Drive from Salt Lake City to Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole is one of the closest cities to Yellowstone. It actually has its own airport too, but flights tend to be more expensive. Still, if you would rather skip Salt Lake City and get started on your road trip in Yellowstone sooner, you might want to just fly to Jackson Hole.

If you drive, however, there are some great stops along the way. On your way from Salt Lake City there are some interesting places to see and experience. It all depends on how much time you have as to how long you will want to take.

Learn about some of the best stops along the way below. You might even find a paradise you never would have considered before!

Places to Stop Along the Way

Okay, when we mentioned paradise, this is the place we were talking about. Bear Lake is a gorgeous freshwater lake at the top of Utah and the bottom of Idaho. It is where all the locals (meaning basically everyone in Utah and Idaho with a boat) like to spend their summer weekends. 

The lake is, of course, the main attraction, but there are lots of other things to do here as well. Hikes ranging from easy to moderate abound, and you can go golfing too! You can stop here for the afternoon or for the day.

You might love it enough to come back just for Bear Lake!

Getting a little closer to your Yellowstone goal, you will find Afton Wyoming. There is not much to this little town of 2000 people, but what there is, is pretty impressive.

Even if you just drive through, you cannot miss the elk antler arch. You seriously can’t. It arches over the entire four lanes of the highway!

As is common with every other stop on this Yellowstone itinerary, Afton also has its own hikes. You can also go fishing and camping here. And you just cannot go wrong with small home town cooking, which is one of Afton’s specialties.

As your introduction to Wyoming, it makes a pretty good presentation!

Snake River

The Snake River rushes along not far from Jackson Hole. You know that song from Disney’s Pocahontas,  Just Around the Riverbend ? We know it is not about this river, but it could be. 

People come from all around the world to raft down this pristine river. Depending on where you raft and what time of the year it is, you will have an easy go of it or an intense adventure.

If you have never rafted before or do not really like leaving things up to chance, get a guide. You can find guides for canoes, kayaks, and rafts. If you do not want a guide that is fine too–you can just rent whatever watercraft you want to use.

You can also ride the river on a surfboard or paddleboard if you would like!

Jackson Hole

So technically “Jackson Hole” is the valley, and the city is just “Jackson” but you will hear the city referred to as both. The valley offers three different ski resorts, giving it some similar capabilities as Sundance Resort in Salt Lake.

Even though you will be visiting in the summer and therefore unable to ski, you will love all the mountain activities.

If you are not quite ready for the outdoor scene that will be your entire Yellowstone road trip, take some time to peruse the shops and restaurants Jackson has to offer. The town has some beautiful boardwalks and a historic town square.

Places to Stay Near Jackson Hole

Curtis canyon campground.

Curtis Canyon Campground is right outside of Jackson, but you will feel like you have found the wilderness you are coming to Yellowstone looking for. It is also right next to the National Elk Refuge, which means you are probably going to see some exciting wildlife. 

This place has fantastic views and will give you a taste of our next stop (Hello Grand Teton). 

Amenities include a food storage box, toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables. It is set up for tent camping and RVs. Sometimes there are fire restrictions based on the fire risk in the area, so you will want to check before building a roaring campfire.

The Lodge at Jackson Hole

For a lovely, (surprisingly affordable) hotel option in Jackson, we recommend considering The Lodge at Jackson Hole . It is very reasonably priced and beloved for its friendly staff and fabulous amenities.

Along with an indoor  and  outdoor pool, The Lodge also offers a soaking pool and sauna. You will love the included breakfast too!

Keep in mind that this option is more affordable the more you are able to book it in advance. If you are trying to book it in high tourist season, the rates will be much higher.

Stop 3: Visit Grand Teton National Park On Your Yellowstone Road Trip

If you are going to go to all the effort of visiting Yellowstone, it would be a shame not to spend at least a little time checking out the Grand Teton National Park. It is right next to Yellowstone, and it is fantastic.

Like many national parks, Grand Teton National Park really does a lot to get kids involved with their Junior Ranger program.  Any little ones on your trip will love the chance to learn about the park, and you will love having someone else entertaining them for a minute. 

Visiting the Grand Teton National Park gives you the opportunity to experience the majestic beauty of Yellowstone from above. This majestic mountain range is filled with awe-inspiring peaks, tree-filled forests, green meadows, and some of the purest air you will breathe.

Grand Teton National Park is worth spending a few hours or a couple of days in, whatever you can spare!

Adventures to Enjoy in Grand Teton

Do the jenny lake scenic drive.

For a quick Grand Teton Adventure that will not distract from your Yellowstone goals for too long, try out the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive ! It only takes 15-30 minutes, and will give you views of Jenny Lake as well as some of Grand Teton’s peaks!

This is also a great little drive because there are plenty of amazing photo opportunities. Whether you are looking for an epic selfie or want to take a killer reflection picture with the lake and the mountain, this scenic drive has your back.

There are also conveniently located pull-offs in case you want to spend a little more time taking in the view. Keep in mind that this is the wilderness, and just because there are paved roads going through it, there are also tons of wildlife around. Keep an eye out for your safety and theirs! 

Inspiration Point

The hike to Inspiration Point pretty much has a cult following. It has more than earned its place as one of Grand Teton’s highest-trafficked trails. 

Along the way, you will have panoramic views of Jenny Lake and there is also a 100 ft waterfall! 

There are a couple of ways to do this hike. If you are doing the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, it will set you up nicely for this hike because the trail begins at the south end of the lake. However, there is also the option to really shorten the hike by taking a shuttle across the lake.

Keep in mind that if you take the shuttle you will have to pay for a ticket. Doing so will shorten the overall 5.8-mile hike down to 3.8 miles.

Swan Lake Loop Trail

If you are interested in seeing some nature but do not want to spend hours hiking before you even get to Yellowstone, give the Swan Lake Loop Trail a try. You will see two ponds along this trail, and it will only take you about an hour–two at most!

Swan Lake Loop Trail is about 3 miles round trip, and there is not a big increase or decrease in elevation, making it a relatively do-able hike. 

Not only that, but you will also be able to see the gorgeous wetlands and the way the forest edges them. This trail is proof that you do not have to exhaust yourself with ginormous strenuous hikes to get a truly marvelous experience.

Where to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park

Signal mountain lodge.

Signal Mountain Lodge is a Grand Teton classic. It is not far from Jackson and is actually right next to Jackson Lake. The lodge takes full advantage of its location and has a marina where you can rent a boat or sign up for a guided fishing trip.

Besides all the exciting adventures the lodge offers, the sleeping accommodations are not too shabby! You can stay in a room in the lodge itself or in a log cabin. You also have the option of booking a lake facing room!

Even in hotels, air conditioning is not guaranteed in most places in Yellowstone. Staying at Signal Mountain Lodge is a good opportunity to take advantage of air conditioning before you fully embrace the wilderness.

Signal Mountain Lodge is also pet friendly, although some of the rooms do not allow pets. If you are bringing a pet, just make sure you let them know when you book your room so that they can set you up with the right accommodations.

Jenny Lake Campground

After driving by and hiking around Jenny Lake, you just might think to yourself, “wow, I would love to spend more time here.” Well good news! You can!

The Jenny Lake Campground is set up for tents–there are not any electric or RV hookups. Trailers and campers are not allowed. But what it lacks in RV amenities, it more than makes up for with its wildly beautiful aesthetic. 

Nearby, a short five-minute walk away, the Jenny Lake Store has you covered with firewood and snacks. Keep the wildlife in mind, and store your food responsibly. Jenny Lake does not have food storage lockers as many other campsites do.

Stop 4: YELLOWSTONE!!!

Alright folks, we made it to Yellowstone!!!!!! (You might think that six exclamation points are excessive here, but once you have been to Yellowstone you will not feel that way anymore!) YAY Yellowstone!

Some of the stops in Yellowstone might seem cheesy or over-done (we are looking at you, Old Faithful), but there are reasons why they are famous. We are so excited for you to visit Yellowstone and experience them for yourself!

And of course, along with the super mega popular stops, we have thrown in some equally breathtaking but less well-known stops. For this first Yellowstone stop you will see a lot of the classics. But stay tuned, because we have all the best stops in this Yellowstone itinerary!

What to Do First When Visiting Yellowstone

Grant village visitor center.

Visitors centers are a great way to get the things you need to be successful, like maps, water, and that preliminary bathroom break that makes sure you are prepared to go adventuring. Stop by Grant Village Visitor Center and you will get that all done, plus have a great opportunity to get familiar with this fantastic area you are going to explore!

Grant Village Visitor Center will educate you on all kinds of things if you let it. This is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone because it educates you on the history. The exhibit hall has a ton of information about the different ecosystems that make up Yellowstone.

You can also learn about the history of the park and how it came to be. It is named for President Ulysses S. Grant, who is the president who signed Yellowstone into National Park-hood. The visitor center is nicely maintained and a nice start to your Yellowstone road trip experience.

Old Faithful

You know that saying, “When in Rome do as the Romans do?” Well, when in Yellowstone, do as the tourists do. At least some of the time, anyway.

When planning a trip to Yellowstone, you simply cannot skip Old Faithful. It is touristy, it gets crowded, everyone  does it, and you, our friend, must also do it.

Okay, you do not have to, but there is a reason why it is a crowd pleaser! This geyser is truly magnificent, and there are not many experiences in the world like watching this thing erupt. It is a force of nature that you will not forget.

Just keep in mind that people  love  this place. Plan on getting there early if you want a good seat/view. You do not have to go crazy early, about 15 minutes will do, but plan that 15 minutes into your schedule.

If you are going to go to the effort of seeing the place, you are going to want to be able to actually see it. And trust us, you will want to see it.

Old Faithful Inn Tour

For an inn that was built in 1904, you might not think that the Old Faithful Inn was revolutionary, but it was. At the time the inn was built Yellowstone was even more of a wilderness than it is now. 

Rather than building an inn that separated its guests from the wilderness, Robert Chambers Reamer designed the Old Faithful Inn to embrace the wilderness. You will feel perfectly comfortable and safe when you visit, but you will also be able to feel the ambiance of the location rather than being separated from it.

The inn’s lovely tour is free, making it a no-brainer. You will get the chance to see and learn about a century-old building that was revolutionary for its time.

Where to Stay Near Old Faithful

Old faithful inn.

Do the tour, and then stay the night at Old Faithful Inn ! Why not? The historic inn has a ton to offer to guests that you will not get from the tour alone!

Not to mention that if you stay at the inn, you are only a 5-minute walk from Old Faithful! It is so much easier to get there a little early if you are sleeping 5 minutes away!

Along with its stellar location, the Old Faithful Inn also offers a great breakfast. It has not one, but two restaurants, making dining a cinch. 

The rooms are immaculate, and the staff are friendly and helpful. This is a great place to stay!

Check Rates: hotels.com

Grant Village Campground

Located close to the Grant Visitor Center lies the Grant Village Campground .  Conveniently located for your early Yellowstone adventures, it is equipped for RVs and Trailers. Even though it is barely inside the park, you will definitely feel like you have found the Yellowstone camping experience you are looking for.

Nestled in the Yellowstone woods, this campground still has three ADA accessible sites. The main road is also paved. 

This is one of Yellowstone’s largest campgrounds, but it still fills up. Get here early to get your spot (hint: this is going to be a theme with Yellowstone campgrounds).

Stop 5: Upper & Midway Geyser Basins Will Not Disappoint

This is the point in the itinerary where, if you have not been dreaming of Yellowstone for a long time, you might not recognize any more of the stops. After Old Faithful, what does Yellowstone have to offer?

So, so much. As your Yellowstone road trip continues on from the Old Faithful you will enter the Upper Basin. The Upper Basin is actually home to Old Faithful, but it has a lot more than that to keep you around.

Did you know that Yellowstone actually has a ton of geysers? The different basins are basically different areas of geyser territory. Old Faithful is the Upper Basin’s most famous geyser, but the area has way more.

Where there are geysers there are geothermal pools, which is why people explore the different basins. The geysers are cool, but the geothermal pools…They are spectacular.

The region is famous for its very colorful natural pools, as well as for the overall beauty and mysticism of the area. With so much to explore, it is hard to narrow down where to really spend your time. We have our three favorite basin locations below!

Where to Go in the Upper & Midway Basins

Castle-grand group.

The Castle Geyser is like the powerful matriarch geyser of Yellowstone. Quite possibly Yellowstone’s oldest geyser, it represents the adage “age before beauty” quite well. It erupts every ten hours or so, and its geyser is quite tall at nearly 200 feet.

Close by, Grand Geyser is equally impressive and regular. A few other geysers are worth checking out in the area, and if you just so happen to catch Spasmodic Geyser’s eruption count yourself lucky. This one is very irregular, both in height and eruption times.

You will also love the two hot springs in the Castle-Grand group, Twilight Spring and Crested Pool. As is a theme for many Yellowstone hot springs, these are much too hot to bathe in, but still fun to see!

Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls will NOT disappoint! It is a great hike to a stupendous waterfall. Coming in at about 7 miles round trip if you do the whole hike, you can also do the short version which is about 5 miles. 

The hike takes you through a scrubby pine forest, and if you do the long version you will also be able to see some of Yellowstone’s other geysers!

Keep in mind that this hike has two trailheads–do whichever one is more convenient for you! One begins at Fountain Flat Drive, or there is another one a mile away from Midway Geyser Basin. The second is the more traditional one and the parking lot is actually named for the falls, but either works just fine!

Pets are not allowed on this hike, so keep that in mind if you are bringing along a furry friend.

Grand Prismatic Spring

If you want to know what the biggest hot spring in Yellowstone looks like, or if you are just into unusual bits of nature, you are going to want to check out Grand Prismatic Spring. It is amazing. As if it is not cool enough by itself, you get to pass by Excelsior Geyser on your way!

The trail to Grand Prismatic Spring take you across the Firehole River to an unearthly landscape. Hydrothermal pools higher up release boiling runoff which finds its way to the river below, and when they combine it creates something astounding. 

While the Excelsior Geyser is not one that regularly erupts, that is actually a good thing. When it does, it is extraordinarily violent. Its eruption in the 1800s was so powerful that it destroyed the geyser system beneath it and it didn’t erupt again for almost another century.

Even though it is not constantly erupting though, it is putting out a regular 5 million gallons of boiling water into the river every day. Yeah, this is another hot spring you do not want to bathe in.

Where to Stay in the Basins

Madison campground.

You are in the heart of Yellowstone at this point, so for hotel lodging at this point in your Yellowstone road trip, you will either want to trackback toward Old Faithful or head forward toward Mammoth. However, if you are camping, we highly recommend Madison Campground !

Madison Campground is pretty popular, but it is right by the basins, making it easy to go get your spot at the beginning of the day before you explore the basins. 

Along with having a great location, Madison Campground also has a spectacular setting. It is right next to the Madison River, and the wildflowers in this area are breathtaking. So is the wildlife!

This campground is RV and trailer friendly. It also has three ADA accessible campsites, as well as an accessible vault toilet and designated accessible parking.

Stop 6: Mammoth is a Major Yellowstone Road Trip Must

Welcome to Northern Yellowstone, a beautiful place of meadows, hot springs, and geysers. If that sounds like the rest of Yellowstone, well, that is because this is a Yellowstone road trip itinerary. But the north has its own charms that you are going to want to see.

Mammoth was once an area that was populated by the army. In the early 1900s, the national park was actually protected by cavalry troops, and the leftover buildings from that time are the housing units that the soldiers stayed in.

Plus, there is a hot spring just under 3 miles north of the Mammoth hot springs that you can actually get into without boiling alive!

Places Around Mammoth to Check out

Park ranger museum.

You know the soldier housing we mentioned above? Some of it was converted into Mammoth’s Park Ranger Museum. This museum has tons of exhibits to help you understand how Yellowstone came to be and continues to function.

Park Rangers give some great tours that you can access through the Park Ranger Museum. They make it their business to know everything there is to know about the area, and are great sources of information!

In addition to all that, you can get permits for all of your camping, boating, and fishing needs right downstairs!

Norris Geyser Basin

One of the coolest things in the Mammoth Hot Springs area is the Norris Geyser Basin boardwalk system. You can trek all over this place with the boardwalks that go directly over the hydrothermal areas.

Without the boardwalks, this area would be much more difficult to explore. Very little of the water here is less than boiling, and it is also mostly acidic. That means there are acid geysers here, which are extremely rare.

The boardwalk trail is about 1.5 miles, with some bare ground areas where you can walk as well. It is a very easy walk that you will never forget.

Mammoth Hot Springs

Let’s talk about the hot springs themselves, shall we? The Mammoth Hot Springs is a sight unlike any other. These are not your everyday Yellowstone hot springs (if you could ever really use the phrase “every day” to describe anything about Yellowstone).

Fun fact: underneath Mammoth is a chamber still partially made up of molten magma. Heat radiates up from the magma to melt the frozen water that has collected in the earth. As the two combine with a few other elements, it becomes an acidic solution that dissolves the limestone in the area.

However, when this mixture reaches the surface the limestone resolidifies, which is what has created the awesome formations in the area. This place is truly a wondrous work of nature.

Where to Stay Near Mammoth

Mammoth hot springs hotel.

While the original Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel was built in 1911, only one wing of the hotel is from that time. The rest was built in 1936. Any way you look at it, the hotel is historic and a pleasant place to stay the night.

And even though it is historic, it has undergone very recent renovations to increase its comfort levels.

A live pianist plays in the bar every evening, and the hotel offers many different accommodations. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel has rooms in the hotel as well as cabins. And folks, four of those cabins have a hot tub!!!

Mammoth Campground

If you ignore our recommendations to come to Yellowstone during any season other than Winter, good news. There is a campground that is actually open year-round: Mammoth Campground ! Located right by Yellowstone’s North Entrance, it is in a great location for general exploring and adventuring.

While it does not have some of the water features of other campgrounds we have recommended, the setting has its own charms. One of those is that it is very close to hiking and fishing. Plus it is right by the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces!

Mammoth also has  five ADA accessible campsites, and an accessible shower and bathroom. Yeah, this campground has showers people. 

Stop 7: Soak up Boiling River Hot Springs and Lamar Valley

We only have a few more stops to go folks. Stop 7 has got to be one of our favorites. Any Yellowstone itinerary is incomplete without some mention of Boiling River Hot Springs, or Lamar Valley. 

While this area of Yellowstone is not as high adventure or mystical as some other spots, it has a rustic laid-back charm. After all the excitement of the last few stops, laid-back is exactly what you will want and need.

Just outside of Mammoth, Boiling River Hot Springs are some that you can actually sit and soak in. And when you are done with that, a scenic drive down Lamar Valley is the perfect way to finish out the day. 

Welcome to the most relaxed stop on our Yellowstone road trip!

Boiling River Hot Springs

Like Fire River above, the Boiling River is created by a hot spring entering a river–Gardner River, to be precise. The combination of the two is just right so that you can enter the water without burning yourself.

You should absolutely follow the rules of Yellowstone and only enter hot springs that are safe. That is part of why we made sure to include Boiling River–with so many hot springs around how can you not take the opportunity to soak? Soak here folks, soak here.

You will need to walk about half a mile from the parking area for the hot springs. It is a very flat trail and easy to navigate. Even though you are going to hot springs, bring warm clothing because it is usually cold in this area.

The Boiling River does close once dark hits, so please keep that in mind when fitting this stop into your day. Also keep in mind that this spot does not open until mid-summer because the water is too high and dangerous during the spring. Finally, be sure to bring a swimsuit!

Lamar Valley Drive

Lamar Valley is one of the most pleasant parts of Yellowstone, with meadows that go on for miles. Some might call them fields, but meadows just sounds more lyrical, you know? Lamar Valley is gorgeous year-round, but especially so during wildflower season.

Take a leisurely drive through this valley and you will be able to make as many stops as you want to check out the wildlife, scenery, and beauty. If you are particularly interested in seeing the local flora and fauna, check out the Mary Mountain Trail. It is 21 miles long, but you do not have to go the full 21 miles–just hike as long as you want to in order to see what you want to see!

Some of the local wildlife includes coyotes, wolves, and grizzly bears. Keep your distance (seriously, please do–people are injured by wildlife every year at Yellowstone because they get too close) and enjoy the opportunity to see creatures you might never otherwise see!

Our best advice is to find a good lookout point where you can park your vehicle and wait for the wildlife to make an appearance.

Places to Stay Near Lamar Valley

Pebble creek campground.

Pebble Creek is pretty standard as far as Yellowstone campgrounds go. It is equipped for tents, RVs, and trailers, although there are no hookups for the RVs and trailers. You will also find the usual food lockers for keeping you and your food safe from the wildlife. 

This Campground is located right in the heart of Lamar Valley, making it a great place to stay the night if camping is an option. People like it because it is less crowded than some of the more popular campgrounds in Yellowstone.

You cannot make a reservation here, it is first come first serve. As with many of our other recommended campgrounds, it would be wise to come here  early in the day to secure a stop before going adventuring. People show up as early as 6 AM to get a spot by the creek.

Pebble Creek does have one ADA accessible campsite, and the road through the campground is paved.

Roosevelt Lodge

Alright, as far as hotels go, the Roosevelt Lodge is, well, not really a hotel. It is more a collection of cabins. It is our ‘hotel’ recommendation for this stop because it has running water and bathrooms.

Not all the cabins have running water and bathrooms, but some do. Those that do not  do  have access to communal bathrooms and showers, and still have beds. 

Plus (and this is the kicker) these cabins are heated by wood-burning stoves! We do not know about you, but for us, there are few things speak to adventures like wood-burning stoves in rustic cabins do.

You will not find televisions or air conditioning around these parts. That is just one of the perks (or caveats, if you will) of roughing it in the wilderness of Wyoming.

For an actual hotel, you will want to head back toward Mammoth. For a few more options, head north to Gardiner, which offers a few different hotels with electricity, running water, and airconditioning. Just keep in mind that it will take you at least an hour to get there from Lamar Valley, depending on how far you go exploring.

Stop 8: Hike Tower Fall and Dunraven Pass

Our eight stop reflects the absolutely spectacular beauty available in the Yellowstone countryside. Here we have two different hikes to showcase Yellowstone’s wonder.

First is Tower Fall, which is relatively short and simple. Anyone can do this one, and it has an awesome payoff for the effort you put in.

Second, and certainly much more difficult, is Dunraven Pass. It is a lot longer and will be a lot more physically taxing, but this means it is also less crowded.  And it is amazing.

Places You Have to See

Old Faithful may be the hallmark of Yellowstone in our age, but in Yellowstone’s early days Tower Fall claimed that title. Framed by volcanic rock, this iconic attraction cascades down 132 feet. Painted by many famous artists, it was just one such painting by Thomas Moran that inspired the transition of Yellowstone into becoming the world’s first national park.

You might be happy to hear that the hike to this water fall’s viewpoint is an easy one. Only 1-mile round-trip, the trail starts right next to the Yellowstone General Store in the area. That is right, you have your trail mix and eat it too while you hike!

The trail does go on past the lookout point, but parts of it were damaged and closed due to a mudslide and the parts that remain are difficult with little payoff. We recommend sticking with the 1-mile lookout point trail.

Dunraven Pass

For a heftier trail experience, try out Dunraven Pass! It is 6 miles round-trip, and it can be a challenge. Due to the area being a popular spot for grizzly bears, you should not hike this trail in September or October.

However, it is a great trail for the summer! Dunraven has some spectacular views, and the forested landscape is absolutely breathtaking. Bighorn sheep also frequent this area, and they are such fun creatures to watch!

Bring your water with you, wear your good hiking shoes, and pack snacks for this one. It is a serious hike, and it is not for everyone. But if you are up to it, it is an amazing experience.

Where to Stay Nearby

Tower fall campground.

For your more traditional camping experience, we recommend Tower Fall Campground . Traditional meaning the toilets are seasonal and there are no showers. If you are into roughing it, this is the place.

Located very close to the Tower General Store, you might also guess from the name that it is close to Tower Fall. However, there are not many amenities here, which might be just how you like it!

This campground does allow RVs and trailers, but does not have hookups. It also does not have any ADA accessible campsites.

Norris Campground

Norris Campground has a few more creature comforts when compared with Tower Fall Campground. While its flush toilets are still seasonal and it does not have showers, it does have a couple of ADA accessible campsites. 

Closer to Mammoth than to Dunraven Pass, this one is pretty popular due to its stellar location and fills up quickly. Is this news getting old yet? Show up as early as 6 in the morning to reserve your spot.

It is beloved for the constant shade from the plentiful trees, and its proximity to the Norris Geyser Basin Boardwalk. However, it does get crowded and the spaces can be a little close together. We recommend Tower Fall over this one unless you need the ADA accessible spaces or do not want to be as removed from everything.

Canyon Lodge & Cabins

If you really want some comfort (read: showers) try Canyon Lodge & Cabins . In fact, they offer a whole lot more than just showers. For one thing, this place actually has wi-fi.

Now, that wi-fi is just in the main lodge, but they still have it, which might be a new experience for you after the last few stops. Meals are not included with your room, but the lodge has 2 restaurants and 2 coffee shops, as well as a bar and lounge.

You can also book horse riding at the lodge, for something a little different.

This one is a little more on the expensive side, so keep that in mind if you are visiting Yellowstone on a budget. If you decide not to stay here, you should still absolutely check out the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone located close by. 

Stop 9: Winding Down Your Yellowstone Road Trip

At this point in your Yellowstone road trip, you will not have much further to go and might be feeling a little nostalgic about this rugged place you have come to love. It is hard to visit Yellowstone without falling in love with the place.

Our recommended spots for this last stop are ones that will leave you with fond memories for the beauty and wildness of this magical place. Even if you do not take any souvenirs home with you, your time here will stay with you.

You will find beauty, power, and the beauty that results from chaos in these last stops. 

Check These Ones Out Before You Go

Artist point.

Folks, there is a reason for this place’s name. Artist Point is an overlook for Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, and it is an exceptional piece of nature. Between the canyon, the Yellowstone River that courses through it, and the Lower Falls waterfall–this place will bring every wilderness loving bit of your imagination to life.

Pine trees guide you along the very short 0.1 mile paved trail until you reach the Artist Point lookout. If you are up for a longer hike just stay on the path pst the trail and you will reach Point Sublime. 

It is totally fine to just stop at Artist Point though. The view from there is hard to top, and we get it if you are a little hiked out at this point in your Yellowstone road trip.

Sulfur Caldron

Sulphur Caldron is another acid hot spring, and earned its name because of its constantly bubbling waters. Fun fact: batter acid is only a  little  more acidic than the water in this place. Due to the bacteria that thrives in it, the water has a yellow hue to it.

This site is a quick one–there is not much more to do than to just check it out. However, it is still a fun sight to see and worth stopping by to remember it. Sulphur Caldron is less popular than some other places, which means you can escape the tourist crowds for a bit.

It also means you do not have to get here super early in order to get a good view! Another fun fact is that this area was once a parking lot, which just goes to show the truly dynamic nature of this national park.

Mud Volcano

Another aptly named spot, Mud Volcano requires a bit of a steep descent to access. Initially, this was a mud geyser powerful enough to coat the nearby trees in its mud. However, it has settled down in the last century and a half, and now is a bubbling mud crater.

Geysers like Mud Volcano form due to the shifting magma chambers that still flow beneath the park. Yellowstone is actually a volcano, which is why there is so much thermal activity going on. The majority of the park is a volcanic plateau.

Mud Volcano is a bubbling reminder of the power and heat that stirs below the surface of Yellowstone.

Nearby Places to Stay

Lake yellowstone hotel.

This charming lakeside hotel is sure to steal your heart the second you set eyes on it. Lake Yellowstone Hotel has a pretty yellow exterior with white banisters–it is the epitome of a countryside retreat.

It is about as bougie as Yellowstone gets, with a late 19th century aesthetic. Even if you do not stay the night at the hotel, it is worth a visit to bask in the ambiance of the old-timey bar and restaurant.

Right next to the lake, it is hard to beat the atmosphere of this cozy location. You will be able to watch the wildlife from the comfort of your hotel room. Some of the hotel rooms even face the lake!

If you want to get a little closer to the beautiful lake, you can also rent a boat directly from the hotel.

Keep in mind that the internet here is slow and that there are not a ton of creature comforts for it being a hotel. For some, the historic feel and aesthetic is well worth not being able to utilize technology. It is up to you whether that is a deal-breaker or not.

Lake Lodge offers an alternative to Lake Yellowstone Hotel if Lake Yellowstone is already filled up. The location is just as nice, although the prices are about the same if not more expensive.

As Yellowstone’s oldest functioning hotel, Lake Lodge offers its own historic atmosphere. It also comes with wi-fi and laundry facilities, which can be a must if you have been camping prior to this stop and need a refresh.

You also have the choice between a hotel room and a cabin, if you make reservations early enough! As will everything Yellowstone, the sooner you can make your reservations the more likely you will be able to get a room, let alone a nice one.

In general Lake Yellowstone Hotel has better reviews and we recommend checking it out first. But if Lake Yellowstone is already full, Lake Lodge makes a good alternative! 

Bridge Bay Campground

If you are not shy about having wildlife at your door (or tent flap) you will love Bridge Bay Campground . Right next to Yellowstone Lake, you just might wake up to find bison grazing within your view.

Yellowstone Lake makes a majestic backdrop as one of North America’s largest fresh-water lakes. A forest of trees reaches for the sky, with mountains visible beyond. 

Bridge Bay comes with food storage lockers, and campfires are usually permitted. You will want to check before you make a fire in case there are any seasonal restrictions in place, just to be safe.

This campground also has three ADA accessible campsites, making it one of the more disability-friendly locations in Yellowstone.

Stop 10: Fly Home From Jackson, WY, or Salt Lake City, UT

If you are done with driving at this point in your Yellowstone road trip, check out return flights from Jackson, Wyoming. It just might be worth some extra cash to take it easy at the end of your visit to Yellowstone.

Jackson is also a great place to wind down and spend a little time reintroducing yourself to civilization. You can check out the Grand Teton National Park a little more, or just relax in the comfort of the town.

Another option is to drive back to Salt Lake City, UT, so that your flight can be round-trip. The decision is ultimately yours as to which city you want to end your road trip in Yellowstone in. Either way, this is your last stop. You can officially check Yellowstone off your bucket list!

We hope that this Yellowstone itinerary helps you plan your perfect Yellowstone road trip. Let us know which stops you choose, and if there is anywhere else you go in Yellowstone that we should add to our list! Safe travels and happy trails!

Reader Interactions

October 19, 2020 at 9:58 pm

This article on Yellowstone was very interesting and informative. There is so much more than I saw in two trips already. My third trip id bring planned with my great grandson for this summer. With this article, it will be much more than I had imagined. Thank you.

October 19, 2020 at 10:46 pm

Yay!!! Enjoy your trip! Yellowstone is an amazing place!

May 13, 2021 at 11:11 am

Quick question- We are flying in and out of SLC. We have 6 days total and have reservations at Bay Bridge Campground our second and third night. Then move on to Canyon for our fourth night and a hotel in SLC for our final night. Where do you recommend staying on our drive in (first night) so that we can start day 2 off getting to Yellowstone on quickly and be near our campground. Still Jackson??

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Driving to Yellowstone [A Complete Guide to Getting Here By Car]

Yellowstone National Park is known for its stunning landscapes, geothermal features, and diverse wildlife. Driving is a great way to get to Yellowstone National Park, particularly if you live in a nearby state, are traveling with a pet, or want to turn your vacation into an epic road trip! However, one of the challenges of driving to Yellowstone is deciding which entrance to use and which route to take to get there. There are so many great things to do and see in Yellowstone that optimizing your time and stops—even on the way to the park—is important. We’ve driven from Dallas to Yellowstone multiple times a year since we bought “Lincoln’s Lodge” in Gardiner, MT . Plus, we first fell in love with Yellowstone on a Pacific Northwest Road Trip, so getting to Yellowstone by car will always be one of our favorite ways to the park. In this post, we'll cover the essential information you need for a great road trip to Yellowstone, including the best routes to take, tips for navigating the park's entrances, and what to expect on the way. Whether you're driving from a nearby state or gearing up for a multi-day trek, this guide will help you make the most of your drive to Yellowstone National Park!

Table of Contents Show

A Note on Yellowstone Entrances: Yellowstone National Park has five main entrances:

North (near Gardiner, MT)

Northeast (near Cooke City, MT)

East (near Cody, WY)

South (near Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton National Park)

West (near West Yellowstone, MT).

Each entrance offers unique features and different scenic views, but it’s important to note that the North Entrance to Yellowstone, located near Gardiner, MT, is the only Yellowstone entrance open year-round—all other entrances close at various times throughout the year. If you’re driving to Yellowstone in the summer or fall, from mid-May through October 31st, use the following to plan your road trip. If you ’ re traveling outside these dates, it’s generally best to drive outside the park directly to your lodging.

Best Route to YNP from the North

Here are some tips if you’re driving to Yellowstone from the north. This is for you if you’re driving from Bozeman, MT, Glacier National Park, Seattle, WA, or the Canadian Rockies. We recommend entering Yellowstone via the North Entrance near Gardiner, MT. The North Entrance, nicknamed “nature’s favorite entrance to Yellowstone National Park,” is the most scenic Yellowstone entrance and one of the best for wildlife watching. It’s closest to Mammoth Hot Springs and offers easy access to great wildlife-watching areas, such as Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley.

Driving from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone

Glacier National Park is approximately 6-6.5 hours from Yellowstone’s North Entrance. East Glacier is approximately 6 hours from Yellowstone’s North Entrance, and West Glacier is approximately 6.5 hours away. Here’s a look at both routes. Driving from East Glacier (near St. Mary, MT, and Rising Sun) to Yellowstone’s North Entrance:

Distance: About 380 miles.

Driving Time: Approximately 6 hours.

Directions: To get from East Glacier to Yellowstone via the simplest route, follow US-89 S through Browning, Great Falls, and Livingston to Gardiner. For a slightly more direct route or to explore Bozeman, MT, on your way, take US-89S, to US-287 S, to I-15 S, and I-90 E before rejoining US-89S in Livingston to Gardiner.

Highlights: The simplest route passes by expansive prairies and the Missouri River before traveling alongside the Yellowstone River into Gardiner. The more direct route offers views of forests, rolling hills, and the Bridger Mountain Range before following the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley to Gardiner.

Driving from West Glacier (near Apgar Village and Kalispell, MT) to Yellowstone’s North Entrance:

Distance: About 390 miles.

Driving Time: Approximately 6.5 to 7 hours.

Directions: Follow US-2 W to Montana Hwy 35 E and US-93 S to I-90 E. In Livingston, take US-89 S along the Yellowstone River through Paradise Valley into Gardiner.

Highlights: This scenic route passes along the eastern shore of Flathead Lake, offering stunning lakeside views with the Mission Mountains as a backdrop. As you head towards Livingston, enjoy the expansive Montana landscape, and finally take US-89 S, following the Yellowstone River into Gardiner, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park's north entrance.

East Glacier is approximately 6 hours from Yellowstone’s North Entrance, and West Glacier is approximately 6.5 hours away.

Driving from Seattle to Yellowstone

When driving from Seattle to Yellowstone, it’s generally convenient to enter Yellowstone from either the North Entrance (Gardiner, MT) or the West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT). Seattle is approximately 11 hours from Yellowstone’s North and West Entrances. We’re partial to Yellowstone’s North Entrance for its scenery and wildlife; however, Yellowstone’s West Yellowstone is generally the most popular lodging choice. Here’s a look at various routes from Seattle to Yellowstone’s North or West Entrance. Driving from Seattle to Yellowstone’s North Entrance:

Distance: About 755 miles.

Driving Time: Approximately 11 hours.

Directions: From Seattle, take I-90 E through the Cascade Mountains, Spokane, WA, and into Idaho. You'll pass Coeur d'Alene, which offers beautiful lake views. After crossing into Montana, continue on I-90 E through Missoula and Butte. Stay on I-90 E until you reach Livingston, MT. This historic town is known for its proximity to Yellowstone and charming downtown area. In Livingston, exit onto US-89 S and follow the highway south along the Yellowstone River into Gardiner.

Road Trip Stops: Spokane, WA, Coeur d'Alene, ID, or Missoula, MT

Highlights: On the drive from Seattle to Yellowstone’s North Entrance, enjoy beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains, Coeur d'Alene Lake, and Montana’s Paradise Valley.

Driving from Seattle to Yellowstone’s West Entrance:

Distance: About 740 miles.

Directions: From Seattle, take I-90 E through the Cascade Mountains, Spokane, WA, and into Idaho. You'll pass Coeur d'Alene, which offers beautiful lake views. After crossing into Montana, keep following I-90 E through Missoula and Butte. Getting close to Three Forks, MT, merge onto US-287 S until you reach West Yellowstone, MT, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park's west entrance.

Highlights: On the drive from Seattle to West Yellowstone, pass through the Cascade Mountains, by the beautiful Coeur d'Alene Lake, and through the Madison River Valley with its rolling hills and abundant wildlife.

Driving from Calgary to Yellowstone

Calgary is about 9 hours and 550 miles from Yellowstone’s North Entrance. On the way from Calgary to Yellowstone, you’ll pass Glacier National Park, making it a great road trip stop. We personally like driving from Calgary to East Glacier (St. Mary’s), then driving through Glacier National Park along the Going-to-the-Sun Road to West Glacier. From West Glacier, we follow Flathead Lake through Missoula to Gardiner. If possible, plan to spend at least one night in Glacier before making your way to Yellowstone. (Both East Glacier and West Glacier make good home bases.) Here’s a look at the route.

Driving from Calgary to Yellowstone’s North Entrance:

Distance: About 550 miles.

Driving Time: Approximately 8.5 hours.

Directions: From Calgary, take AB-2 S (the Queen Elizabeth II Highway) and head south towards the US border. After the border crossing at Sweet Grass, MT, follow I-15 S towards Great Falls, MT, then merge onto I-90 E. In Livingston, MT, exit onto US-89 S and head south towards Gardiner. Follow US-89 S along the Yellowstone River, and after about 50 miles, you'll arrive in Gardiner, MT, at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

Road Trip Stops: East or West Glacier (Rising Sun or St. Mary and Apgar Village or Kalispell, MT)

Highlights: Start the drive with expansive views of the Alberta prairies, showcasing wide open spaces and rolling fields. After crossing into the US, you'll drive past the Sweet Grass Hills, a prominent range in northern Montana with unique, rounded peaks. In Great Falls, you’ll see the Missouri River and its historic waterfalls, and approaching Gardiner, the route follows the Yellowstone River, offering picturesque views of the river and mountains.

Glacier National Park is great a stop when driving from Calgary to Yellowstone. Consider driving from Calgary to East Glacier, then driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park to West Glacier before continuing on to Yellowstone's North Entrance near Gardiner, MT. (A section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier is pictured above.)

Best Route to YNP from the Northeast

Here are some tips if you’re driving to Yellowstone from the northeast. This is for you if you’re coming from Billings, MT, or Bismarck, ND, and you want to drive Beartooth Highway. We recommend entering Yellowstone via the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City, MT. Note: Beartooth Highway is considered one of the most scenic drives in America. However, due to its high elevation and snow, it’s generally closed until Memorial Day and only open until mid-September. Summer months are the best time of year to drive Beartooth Highway and avoid unexpected closures. If you’d prefer not to drive Beartooth Highway or are traveling outside of these dates, drive outside the park to Gardiner and enter via the North Entrance.

Best Route to YNP from the East

Here are some tips if you’re driving to Yellowstone from the east. This is for you if you’re coming from Mount Rushmore, Kansas City, MO, Chicago, IL, or Nashville, TN. We recommend entering Yellowstone via the East Entrance near Cody, WY. Yellowstone's East Entrance is about an hour from Cody, Wyoming. The East Entrance brings you into Yellowstone through the scenic Shoshone National Forest, often considered one of the most beautiful drives into the park. This entrance is closest to Yellowstone Lake, making it ideal for those interested in fishing and boating.

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone covers about 1340 miles and generally takes around 20 hours of driving. Here’s a look at the route. Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone’s East Entrance:

Distance: About 1,340 miles.

Driving Time: Approximately 20 hours.

Directions: From Chicago, follow I-90 W across Illinois, through Iowa, and into South Dakota. Near Buffalo, WY, follow I-25 N through Wyoming, then merge onto US-14 W towards Sheridan. Continue on US-14 W until you reach the junction with US-16 W towards Cody, WY. In Cody, take US-120 W, which will eventually lead you to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Road Trip Stops: Sioux Falls, SD, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and/or Custer State Park

Features: Entering South Dakota, you’ll encounter the striking landscapes of the Badlands National Park and the Black Hills, including landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. As you approach Cody, enjoy the beauty of the Shoshone National Forest and the historic charm of Cody, WY, founded by Buffalo Bill.

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone, consider stops at Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and/or Custer State Park in South Dakota.

Driving from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone National Park

Mount Rushmore is about 425 miles and 7.5 hours from Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Here’s a look at possible routes. Driving fom Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone’s East Entrance:

Distance: About 425 miles.

Driving Time: Approximately 7.5 hours.

Directions: From Mount Rushmore, take SD-244 W towards Keystone, SD. Merge onto US-16 W, continuing towards Rapid City, SD, then merge onto I-90 W. Near Buffalo, WY, take I-25 N towards Sheridan, WY, then follow US-14 W until you reach the junction with US-16 W. Follow US-16 W towards Cody, WY and then US-120 W to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Features: Enjoy mountain vistas from the Big Horn Mountains and the historic charm of Cody. The route concludes with the picturesque Wapiti Valley, leading you into the stunning natural scenery of Yellowstone National Park.

If you’d like to drive Beartooth Highway, often considered one of the most scenic drives in America, here’s another route to consider. Driving from Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance:

Distance: About 500 miles.

Directions: Follow US-16 W, then merge onto I-90 W in Moorcroft and follow I-90 W through Billings to US-212 W/US-310 E in Yellowstone County. This will take you to Red Lodge, the start of Beartooth Highway. From there, enjoy dramatic high-altitude views, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks, reaching elevations over 10,000 feet with stunning vistas of the Beartooth Mountains. After crossing Beartooth Pass, keep driving to Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone.

Road Trip Stops : Custer State Park, Bighorn National Forest, Red Lodge (a good place to spend the night for more time exploring the Beartooth Highway)

Highlights: Pass by Custer State Park, Bighorn National Forest, and drive Beartooth Highway, often hailed as one of the most scenic drives in America!

Driving from Custer State Park to Yellowstone

Driving from Custer State Park to Yellowstone is similar to driving from Mount Rushmore, as Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park are about 30 minutes apart . This means you could turn your trek into an epic road trip spanning Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone, and maybe even Grand Teton National Park! Start a little further east, and you can even add Badlands National Park to the mix! Custer State Park is about 410 miles and 7 hours from Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Here’s a look at the most direct route. Driving from Custer State Park to Yellowstone’s East Entrance:

Distance: About 410 miles.

Driving Time: Approximately 7 hours.

Directions: Follow US-16 E before merging onto I-90 W. Follow I-90W through South Dakota and into Wyoming. Near Buffalo, WY, merge onto US-16 W. Follow US-16 W towards Cody, WY, then take US-120 W to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Highlights: As you travel through Wyoming, enjoy beautiful vistas of the Big Horn Mountains, featuring rugged peaks, lush valleys, and scenic viewpoints. Known as the gateway to Yellowstone's East Entrance, Cody, WY, offers a rich Western history with attractions like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which provides insights into the cultural and historical heritage of the American West.

Best Route to YNP from the South

Here are some tips if you’re driving to Yellowstone from the south. This is for you if you’re driving from Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, WY, Denver, CO, Albuquerque, NM, Phoenix, AZ, or Dallas, TX. We recommend entering Yellowstone via the South Entrance near Colter Bay Village and the West Thumb Geyser Basin . Note: If you’re driving from CO, TX, or NM, your driving time is similar whether entering Yellowstone from the South or East (Cody, WY). If you’re driving from UT or AZ, driving time is similar to either the South or West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT). We’re partial to entering via the South Entrance when this is the case, so you can drive through (or detour to) the stunning Grand Teton National Park on your way! Turn your drive into an amazing road trip this way and explore two iconic national parks in one trip. Yellowstone’s South Entrance offers a scenic drive through the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and is your gateway to Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders, such as West Thumb Geyser Basin and Yellowstone Lake.

Driving from Jackson, WY, and Grand Teton National Park

It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Jackson, WY, to the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This route traverses Grand Teton National Park. Driving from Jackson, WY, to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: About 60 miles.

Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Directions: From Jackson, follow US-191 N. Continue on US-191 N, which will lead you to the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, or turn left onto Teton Park Road at Moose, WY, to drive further into Grand Teton National Park’s interior.

Road Trip Stops: Jenny Lake, Mountain View Turnout, Mount Moran Turnout

Highlights: Enjoy stunning views of Grand Teton National Park!

Driving from Denver to Yellowstone

Driving from Denver, CO, to Yellowstone’s South Entrance covers about 510 miles and 8.5 hours of driving time. Here’s a look at the route.

Driving from Denver to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: About 510 miles.

Directions: From Denver, head north on I-25 N. Near Fort Collins, merge onto US-287 N towards Rawlins, WY. In Rawlins, continue on US-287 N to I-80 W. Follow I-80 W to the junction with US-191 N near Rock Springs, WY. Merge onto US-191 N. Follow US-191 N toward the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Road Trip Stops: From Moran, WY, detour to Grand Teton National Park.

Highlights: Pass by the Medicine Bow National Forest and Grand Teton National Park.

Driving from Dallas to Yellowstone

Dallas is approximately 1300 miles and 20 hours from Yellowstone’s South Entrance. Although we’re typically driving directly to Gardiner , this route is largely similar, and we almost always pitstop for the night in Denver. Here’s a look at the most direct route from Dallas to Yellowstone’s South Entrance. Driving from Dallas to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: About 1,300 miles.

Directions: Follow US-287 N toward Amarillo. Continue following US-287 into Oklahoma, then merge onto 1-70 W toward Denver. Merge onto E470 N, head north on I-25 N. Near Fort Collins, merge onto US-287 N towards Rawlins, WY. In Rawlins, continue on US-287 N to I-80 W. Follow I-80 W to the junction with US-191 N near Rock Springs, WY. Merge onto US-191 N. Follow US-191 N toward the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Road Trip Stops : Caprock Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver, CO, and/or Grand Teton National Park

Highlights: The drive begins through the flat, expansive plains of Texas, offering views of wide-open spaces and agricultural land. As you approach the Texas Panhandle, the Caprock Canyon area provides striking red rock formations and scenic landscapes. Driving through Colorado, you'll pass by the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains, and from Moran, WY, you can detour to Grand Teton National Park.

Driving from Phoenix to Yellowstone

Driving from Phoenix to Yellowstone covers approximately 1,000 miles and takes around 15-16 hours of driving. Here’s a breakdown of the route. Driving Phoenix to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: About 970 miles.

Driving Time: Approximately 16 hours.

Directions: From Phoenix, head north on I-17 N. Continue on I-17 N to US-89 N near Flagstaff. Pass through Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT, then turn right on I-15 N. Turn right on US-189 near Provo, UT, before merging onto I-80 E, then WY State Highway 89. Continue onto UT-16, then turn right onto UT-30 E, then US-30 W to US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N in Teton County.

Road Trip Stops: Sedona, AZ, Grand Canyon National Park, Page, AZ, Kanab, UT (Zion National Park, “The Wave”, Bryce Canyon National Park), Provo, UT, Park City, UT, and Grand Teton National Park

Highlight: This route passes through so many incredible destinations on your way to Yellowstone National Park! You could take the direct route and get there as quickly as possible (in about 16 hours), or you could easily spend a week or more just getting to Yellowstone National Park from Phoenix.

Driving from Albuquerque to Yellowstone

Driving from Albuquerque to Yellowstone covers approximately 860-960 miles and takes around 14-15 hours of driving. You can join up with the above route from Dallas to Yellowstone by heading from Albuquerque to Raton, NM. There, you’ll connect with the route through Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, and onward. Another option is to drive past the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests through Alamosa and Leadville, CO. From there, pass by the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park before entering Wyoming. Here’s a look at the route: Driving from Albuquerque to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: About 860 miles.

Driving Time: Approximately 14.5 hours.

Directions: Follow I-25 N and US-84 W/US Hwy 285 N to CO-17 in Alamosa East. Then, continue on US Hwy 285 N, before taking US-24 W, CO-91 N, CO-9 N and US-40 W trough Colorado ski country to CO-14 E. Get on I-80 W/US-287 N/US-30 in Walcott from CO-125 N, WY-230 W and WY-130 W. Drive to US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N in Teton County.

Road Trip Stops : Sante Fe and Carson National Forests, Taos, NM, Breckenridge or Vail, CO, Steamboat Springs, CO, and Grand Teton National Park

Highlights: Drive through Sante Fe and Carson National Forests. Drive through Colorado ski country, passing nearby cities like Breckenridge and Vail, before passing by the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Best Route to YNP from the West

Here are some tips if you’re driving to Yellowstone from the west. This is for you if you’re coming from Salt Lake City, UT, Los Angeles, CA, Las Vegas, NV, or Boise, ID. We recommend entering Yellowstone via the West Entrance near West Yellowstone, MT. Note: If you’re coming from UT or AZ, your driving time is similar whether entering Yellowstone from the West or South (near GTNP). If you’re coming from Seattle or Portland, driving time is similar to either the West or North Entrance (Gardiner, MT). The West Entrance is the busiest and most popular way to enter Yellowstone, located near the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. It provides quick access to some of the park’s most famous geothermal features, including the Midway and Lower Geyser Basins, and is a great entry point for those planning to explore Old Faithful and the surrounding geyser country.

Driving from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone

The most direct route from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park takes you to Yellowstone’s West Entrance (West Yellowstone, MT) and covers about 320 miles and 4.5-5 hours of driving time. Another option is to add about an hour and 15 miles to your trip to pass through Grand Teton National Park on your way to Yellowstone’s South Entrance (near Moran, WY, and Colter Bay Village).

Direct Route: Driving from SLC to Yellowstone’s West Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 320 miles.

Driving Time: About 4.5-5 hours.

Directions: From Salt Lake City, the most direct route to the West Entrance of Yellowstone is to drive north on Interstate 15 to Idaho Falls and then east on U.S. Highway 20, which will lead you directly to West Yellowstone, Montana.

Road Trip Stops: Lava Hot Springs, Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Highlights: This route offers a scenic drive through Idaho, with views of the Snake River Plain and Targhee National Forest. Consider making a pit stop to soak in the Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools.

Driving from SLC to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 335 miles.

Driving Time: About 6 hours.

Directions: Alternatively, you can follow I-15 N to Lava Hot Springs, then turn right onto US-30 E. From Soda Springs, follow ID-34 E to US-89 N in Etna. Then, drive to US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N in Teton County to explore Grand Teton National Park on your way to Yellowstone’s South Entrance.

Road Trip Stops: Lava Hot Springs, Grand Teton National Park

Highlights: The main highlight of this route is passing through Jackson, WY, and Grand Teton National Park on your way into Yellowstone!

It's about 6 hours from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone's South Entrance and about 5 hours from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone's West Entrance.

Driving from Boise to Yellowstone

Driving from Boise, Idaho, to Yellowstone National Park covers about 400 miles and typically takes around 5.5-7 hours. Here’s the most direct route from Boise to Yellowstone, taking you to Yellowstone’s West Entrance. Driving from Boise to Yellowstone’s West Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 390 miles.

Driving Time: About 5.5 hours.

Directions: From Boise, take Interstate 84 east to U.S. Highway 20. Follow U.S. Highway 20 north through Idaho Falls and continue east into West Yellowstone, Montana.

Road Trip Stops: Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Highlights: Consider stopping at the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve on your way. There are currently over 500 documented caves at the Craters of the Moon National Monument, with the majority of those caves being “lava tubes.” Explore some of these caves along the Caves Trail.

Driving from Los Angeles to Yellowstone

Driving from Los Angeles to Yellowstone National Park covers about 1,000 miles and typically takes 16 to 18 hours. You’ll start by heading northeast on Interstate 15, passing through areas like the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City. The route will take you through varied landscapes, from desert to mountain terrain. When driving to Yellowstone National Park from Los Angeles, you can enter through either the West or South Entrance, each offering unique routes and experiences. Driving from L.A. to Yellowstone’s West Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 1010 miles.

Driving Time: About 14.5 hours.

Directions: Get on US-101 S, then follow I-15 N through Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Idaho Falls. Take US-20 E from Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone.

Road Trip Stops: Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Salt Lake City

Highlights: This is the most direct route from Los Angeles to Yellowstone National Park and offers many scenic stops along the way in places like Zion and Bryce Cayon National Parks.

Driving from L.A. to Yellowstone’s South Entrance:

Driving Time: About 15.5 hours.

Directions: Get on US-101 S, then follow I-15 N through Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. From there, take I-80 E to I-80BL/US-189 BUS N in Evanston. Then, follow UT-16 N and US-30 W to US-191 N/US-287 N/US-89 N in Teton County.

Road Trip Stops: Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Salt Lake City, Grand Teton National Park

Highlights: This route adds an hour of driving time but takes you through the nearby Grand Teton National Park on your way to Yellowstone’s South Entrance. It’s a great way to see both parks in one trip!

Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide ! For every time of year you want to visit, our guide is packed with insider tips, must-see spots, and expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide.

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Chicago to Yellowstone National Park drive

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Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park. If you're planning a road trip to Yellowstone National Park, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Chicago drive for about 2.5 hours

12:33 pm   Madison (Wisconsin) eat at The Old Fashioned stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:33 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

3:52 pm   La Crosse (Wisconsin) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:52 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 7 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Albert Lea drive for about 2.5 hours

11:41 am   Sioux Falls stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:41 pm drive for about 4 hours

4:39 pm   Kadoka stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:39 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 8.5 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Mt Rushmore drive for about 3.5 hours

12:29 pm   Buffalo (Wyoming) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:29 pm drive for about 3 hours

4:35 pm   Cody stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:35 pm drive for about 2 hours

7:44 pm  arrive at Yellowstone National Park

day 3 driving ≈ 8.5 hours find more stops

Chicago to Yellowstone National Park questions

Where should I stop along the way?

Madison (Wisconsin)   (41 answers)     Wisconsin State Capitol   (3 mentions)     restaurants around Madison (Wisconsin):         The Old Fashioned         Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co         L'Etoile         Ha Long Bay     questions about Madison (Wisconsin):         What is your favorite restaurant in Madison?         What is a kid friendly spring break destination within 4 hours of Madison W         Family-friendly campsites near Madison for large groups         Where is there a good Japanese restaurant?         One day trip, looking for a good time under $100 La Crosse (Wisconsin)   (5 answers) Albert Lea   (2 answers) Sioux Falls   (19 answers)     questions about Sioux Falls:         First timer to Sioux Falls- what are the best outdoor things to do/explore? Kadoka Mt Rushmore   (63 answers)     questions about Mt Rushmore:         Family activities         Best campground for big rigs         Rv campsites at Mt. Rushmore Buffalo (Wyoming)   (5 answers) Cody   (15 answers)     questions about Cody:         Lodging in Cody Wyoming?

What are some things to do in Yellowstone National Park?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Yellowstone National Park. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Yellowstone National Park.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Yellowstone National Park to Chicago drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park . Or get a full Chicago to Yellowstone National Park flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Chicago well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Chicago!

More info on this route:

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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.

>", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-itineraries/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "taxonomy_reference", "title": "4 Best Road Trips"}}'> 4 Best Road Trips

>", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/gateway-towns/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "taxonomy_reference", "title": "gateway towns"}}'> gateway towns, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "taxonomy_reference", "title": "stops on the way"}}'> stops on the way, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/airports/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "taxonomy_reference", "title": "closest airports"}}'> closest airports, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/neighboring-parks/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "taxonomy_reference", "title": "neighboring parks"}}'> neighboring parks, >", "path": "https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/scenic-drives/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "taxonomy_reference", "title": "scenic drives"}}'> scenic drives, >", "path": "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.

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Road Trip from Chicago to Yellowstone

• Featured Trip Guides

Created by fabio.lacerda.775 - July 16th 2014

Chicago, IL, USA

Madison, WI, USA

Minneapolis, MN, USA

17th St SE, Jamestown, ND 58401, USA

Bismarck, ND, USA

Medora, ND, United States

3401 Coburn Road, Billings, MT, US

Pictograph Cave State Park

Billings, Mt, USA

Arco, ID, United States

Idaho Falls, ID, USA

Highway 89 Moose, Moose, WY, US

Grand Teton National Park

U.S. 26 2 mi east of Jackson Lake Junction, Moran, WY, US

Yellow Stone National Park, Mammoth, WY, US

Old Faithful

Cody, WY 82414, USA

po box 168, WY, US

yellowstone National Park

Gillette, WY, USA

Hwy 110, Devils Tower, WY, US

Devils Tower National Monument

13000 S Dakota 244, Keystone, SD, US

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Custer, SD, US

Crazy Horse Memorial

Badlands National Park, SD, US

Castle Trailhead

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