Road trip from Medora ND to GNP

Question

My husband and I are driving from Medora ND to GNP this August . We have reservation at Many Glacier. We can spend two days between leaving Medora and arriving at Many Glacier, so my question is what route is most interesting , and feasible in a couple of days? Thank you all!

Answer

What a fantastic road trip you have ahead of you! Driving from Medora, ND to Glacier National Park (GNP) is a scenic adventure with plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of the Northern Rockies. Here are some options for an interesting and feasible route with two days of driving between Medora and Many Glacier.

Option 1: Medora to GNP via Highway 2

This route follows the northern edge of the state, taking you along US-2 through some gorgeous small towns and beautiful scenery. It’s one of the most scenic and relaxed routes to get to GNP.

Day 1: Medora to Williston – Take I-94 West to US-85 North toward Williston. This will give you some scenic views of the Little Missouri River and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Williston is a good place for a rest stop or overnight stay. There are museums and scenic overlooks in the area if you’d like to explore a little.
Day 2: Williston to Many Glacier – Continue west on US-2, passing through the small town of Tioga, and then head toward Shelby, MT. From there, take the MT-89 South to the East entrance of Glacier National Park (St. Mary entrance). This will give you an easy route into the park and lead you to Many Glacier.

Option 2: Medora to GNP via US-12 and MT-89

This route will take you south to Montana and then on a more scenic route through the country roads that lead into the eastern side of GNP.

Day 1: Medora to Glendive – Head southwest from Medora along I-94 and stop in Glendive. While there, you can explore Makoshika State Park, known for its stunning badlands scenery. This will break up the drive while offering interesting landscape.
Day 2: Glendive to Many Glacier – From Glendive, drive west on US-12 toward Billings, then head north on MT-89 toward the town of Choteau. This will bring you into the eastern entrance of Glacier National Park. You'll pass through incredible agricultural and ranching land with views of the Rocky Mountains as you approach the park. Finally, continue to Many Glacier for your reservation.

Option 3: Scenic Loop via US-85 and MT-200

If you want to spend some time exploring Montana’s rugged terrain and enjoy some extra beauty, this loop will give you a chance to stop in some quaint towns along the way.

Day 1: Medora to Miles City – Start by heading south from Medora on US-85 to Miles City. This is a good place to get a feel for the historical ranching culture of Montana.
Day 2: Miles City to Many Glacier – From Miles City, take US-12 to Forsyth and then continue northward on MT-200 through Lewistown. This route will let you pass through the scenic plains of Montana. From Lewistown, head northwest toward Great Falls, and then take I-15 north to Shelby. From Shelby, you can easily reach Many Glacier through the east entrance to GNP.

Additional Scenic Stops to Consider

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Medora to Williston): If you haven't already explored this park, it’s worth a detour for its amazing badlands landscapes, bison herds, and scenic drives.
Makoshika State Park (Glendive): Known for its unique badlands and dinosaur fossils, it’s a fun stop if you're interested in geology or simply want to stretch your legs.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (From US-85 to Billings): If you go via the Bighorn route, you can stop at this stunning area to experience cliffs, canyons, and one of the most scenic drives in Montana.

Travel Time and Recommendations

Depending on which route you choose, you can expect between 5-7 hours of driving per day, which leaves you plenty of time for sightseeing along the way. Both options are manageable, with good places to rest and interesting attractions to break up the journey.

For a leisurely trip with the best experience, I’d recommend the Highway 2 route as it provides ample opportunity to stop and take in the natural beauty of the plains and the northern Rockies.

Enjoy your road trip and the spectacular beauty of Montana!