Buffalo WY to Hill City SD: Scenic Drive Guide

This 300-mile drive along I-90 and US-16 is bookended by the Big Horn Mountains and the Black Hills, passing through Wyoming's high plains and northeastern Wyoming's ranch country. It's a route that offers a surprising amount of natural and historical variety for a day's drive.

The exact distance is 308 miles, but the journey's true character depends on your pace. Most drivers complete it in 4.5 to 5 hours without stops, but you'll want to budget at least 8 hours to explore the attractions mentioned in this guide.

Why take this route? Because it's a direct path between two iconic Western destinations: the wild west history of Buffalo and the granite-carved presidents of Mount Rushmore. The drive itself is an underrated experience, offering landscapes that range from rolling grasslands to pine-clad mountains.

For a comprehensive method to uncover roadside gems, refer to this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

As you leave Buffalo, the Big Horn Mountains dominate the western skyline. The Powder River Basin stretches east, with coal mines visible near Gillette. This area is ranch country, and you'll see cattle grazing and occasional wind turbines.

The Black Hills rise abruptly as you near Sundance. This is a forested uplift of granite and limestone, where ponderosa pines and elk are common. The landscape transitions from high plains to mountain terrain in under 30 miles.

Culturally, the route passes through several small towns with historic main streets. Buffalo's Occidental Hotel has hosted presidents and outlaws; Sundance's name inspired the Sundance Kid. In Hill City, you'll find art galleries and the 1880 Train.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are near but not exactly on the route: Yellowstone (far west) and Grand Canyon (far south). However, the Black Hills region itself is not listed, but it is rich in Native American history.

The primary corridor is I-90 east to exit 189 (Sundance, WY), then US-14/16 south into South Dakota. The road quality is excellent—fully paved, with mostly four-lane highways and well-maintained shoulders.

Major fuel stops are available in Buffalo, Gillette, Moorcroft, Sundance, and Spearfish. Gas prices vary, but expect around $3.50 per gallon; a mid-size car will need about 15 gallons for the trip, so budget roughly $50 for fuel.

Regarding the phrase "is it worth driving Buffalo, WY to Hill City, SD?"—yes, especially if you enjoy scenic byways and Western history. The route includes two notable detours: Devils Tower (20 miles north of Sundance) and the southern Black Hills loop.

• Road conditions: Smooth asphalt, minimal potholes, but be prepared for occasional wildlife crossing, especially between Gillette and Sundance.
• Weather: Snow possible from October to April; summer thunderstorms common in the Black Hills.
• Distance from Buffalo to Hill City: 308 miles via I-90 and US-16.

Safety on this route is generally high, but be wary of deer and elk, particularly at dawn and dusk. The speed limit is 75 mph on I-90, but reduce speed in construction zones and small towns. Cell reception is spotty in remote stretches, so download offline maps.

For fatigue management, rest areas exist at mile markers 88 (Wyoming) and 14 (South Dakota), with picnic tables and restrooms. Alternatively, plan a stop at a local coffee shop in Gillette or Sundance.

Family and child suitability: This drive is very kid-friendly, especially with stops at Devils Tower (a National Monument) and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Younger kids will enjoy the Bear Country USA in Rapid City, but for this route, the 1880 Train in Hill City is a hit.

Pet-friendly framework: Most stops allow leashed pets. Rest areas have pet waste stations, but inside national parks, pets must be on trails. Always carry water and a bowl.

Hidden off-route spots: About 5 miles south of Sundance is the Vore Buffalo Jump, an archaeological site where Native Americans drove bison over a cliff. Also, the Spotted Horse Ranch (near Buffalo) offers guest ranching experiences.

Culinary infrastructure: Along I-90, major fast-food chains are ubiquitous in Gillette and Spearfish. For local flavor, try a bison burger at the Buffalo Grill in Buffalo, or a pasty at the Powder Horn in Sundance.

Infrastructure safety & road quality: Wyoming and South Dakota DOTs maintain the highways well. There are 24/7 towing services in Gillette and Rapid City, and emergency phones every mile on I-90. The Black Hills area has some winding two-lane roads, so drive cautiously.