Brainerd to Gillette: Prairie Drives & Badlands

Your journey from Brainerd, MN (46.3581° N, 94.2008° W) to Gillette, WY (44.2898° N, 105.5022° W) covers 1,107 miles of America's midsection. The drive is notable for the abrupt transition from Minnesota's lake country to the High Plains, with a dramatic finale near the western edge of the Great Plains at the foot of the Black Hills. The route follows US-10 to I-94, then I-90 west through the Dakotas and Montana before dipping south into Wyoming. The whole drive can be done in a single day, but most travelers stretch it into a two-day journey.

Road quality is excellent, with most interstates well-maintained. Winter driving can be hazardous, especially in North Dakota and Montana, where blizzards and black ice are common from December to February. Check road conditions via 511. For family suitability, consider a stop at the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck (open daily) or the Children's Museum of South Dakota in Brookings, which offers hands-on exhibits for ages 1-12. The Badlands National Park is a hit with families, offering short boardwalk trails that even toddlers can manage.

For pet-friendly stops, almost all KOA campgrounds along the route have dog parks. One convenient overnight is the KOA in Spearfish, SD, which offers a fenced area and free dog treats. To manage fatigue, plan to stop every two hours; the 100th Meridian rest stop in Nebraska offers a unique monument and picnic area. For a quick snack, try Culver's in West Fargo, a regional chain known for their ButterBurgers and frozen custard. For a local microbrew, check out Jersey Boy Brewing in Dickinson, ND.

In total, you might wonder is it worth driving the distance; yes, if you appreciate the changing landscapes and classic American roadside culture. Use the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities tool to plan. The most special memories are between the interstates, like the prairie dog towns in the Badlands.

East of the Missouri River, the landscape is flat farmland, gradually turning into rolling prairie. Approaching the Badlands of South Dakota, you'll see dramatic eroded rock formations, a stark contrast to the lush Minnesota forests. The climatic conditions shift from humid continental with cold winters to semi-arid, with annual precipitation dropping from 30 inches to 15 inches. Summer temperatures are similar, but the West's low humidity makes the heat more bearable.

For local commerce, Wall, SD, is a quirky oasis famous for Wall Drug, a massive roadside attraction that started in 1931 offering free ice water to travelers. In Gillette, the energy industry (coal mines) drives the economy; you can see the Black Thunder Coal Mine, one of the largest in the world. The ride through the Custer National Forest in Montana offers scenic pine-covered hills, a precursor to the Rockies.

For hidden off-route spots, detour to Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills, a 20-mile drive with waterfalls, especially after spring melt. Another is the Enchanted Highway in North Dakota (exit 72 on I-94), featuring giant metal sculptures between Regent and Gladstone, stretching 32 miles.

The dominant highways are I-94 and I-90, both major freeways with excellent pavement. The speed limit varies from 70 to 80 mph, and in Montana it can reach 80. Fuel prices fluctuate, but as of late 2024, you might pay $3.20 per gallon in Minnesota, $3.00 in the Dakotas, and $2.90 in Montana. The entire route is well-served by truck stops, including Flying J and Love's, with average spacing of 50 to 60 miles.

• Minimum fuel range needed: 300 miles between fill-ups.
• Most reliable fuel stops: Bismarck, ND; Dickinson, ND; Miles City, MT.

This route does not pass through any UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, a 90-minute detour from I-90 in South Dakota leads to the nearest one: the Wounded Knee Massacre Site (though not officially UNESCO, the Badlands region is a candidate). The Black Hills are a gateway to Mount Rushmore, but that is not a UNESCO site. If you crave UNESCO recognition, the nearest is in Canada, far off route.