Chicago to yellowstone

Question

What is the best way to get from Chicago to Yellowstone? We hopefully will be able to go in late june and are driving. Would like to drive approximately 8 hours per day.

Any advice, thoughts etc.

Answer

Driving from Chicago to Yellowstone is an exciting adventure, and it's great that you plan to take a more relaxed pace by driving around 8 hours per day. Here's a suggested route with stops along the way, as well as some tips to make the trip smoother:

Suggested Route

The most straightforward route from Chicago to Yellowstone takes you west on I-90 and can be done over 3 days, with roughly 8-hour driving days. Here's an itinerary to consider:

Day 1: Chicago to Madison, WI (approx. 150 miles, 2.5 hours) – Start your journey by heading west toward Madison. Take a break and enjoy lunch or a stroll in the state capital. Continue your drive toward La Crosse, WI, for a more scenic stop.
Day 2: Madison to Sioux Falls, SD (approx. 400 miles, 6.5 hours) – From Madison, you’ll continue on I-90 towards Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This is a good long stretch, but it’s a fairly straightforward route. Stop to see the famous Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD, or check out the Falls Park in Sioux Falls for a quick break.
Day 3: Sioux Falls to Billings, MT (approx. 500 miles, 8 hours) – This will be your longest driving day, heading through the vast plains of South Dakota and into Montana. Stop at Wall Drug or take a break in Rapid City, SD, to stretch your legs. You will pass through some of the most picturesque landscapes along this route.
Day 4: Billings to Yellowstone National Park (approx. 120 miles, 2.5 hours) – Your final leg will be a shorter drive as you head into Yellowstone from Billings, Montana. You’ll pass through Gardiner and enter the park's northern entrance at the Roosevelt Arch.

Things to Keep in Mind

Scenic Stops: Along the way, make sure to take advantage of scenic routes and national parks such as Badlands National Park in South Dakota, or Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana.
Weather Considerations: June is a good time to visit Yellowstone, but be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially in the higher altitudes. Be sure to pack layers and check the weather forecasts regularly.
Rest and Fuel: Plan to fuel up and take regular breaks to avoid driving fatigue, especially in the more remote areas like South Dakota and Montana. Some stretches may not have a lot of options for rest stops, so it's a good idea to fill up when you can.
Accommodation: Book your accommodations in advance, especially for the nights you will stay in or near Yellowstone, as lodging can fill up quickly in June. Consider staying in nearby towns like Cody, Wyoming, or Bozeman, Montana, if accommodations within the park are unavailable.

Overall, driving from Chicago to Yellowstone is a manageable road trip that offers plenty of opportunities to explore scenic sites along the way. Enjoy the adventure, and make sure to allow some flexibility in your schedule for unexpected stops!

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