Buffalo WY to Pierre SD: A Road Trip Guide

Stretching 330 miles from the foot of the Bighorn Mountains to the Missouri River, this drive via Interstate 90 and US-83 carries you across a landscape where antelope outnumber people and the sky seems impossibly vast.

You'll leave Wyoming's coal country behind, cross the Montana border briefly, and descend into the rolling plains of South Dakota, ending at one of the country's smallest state capitals.

This route passes through the Great Sioux Nation's historic homeland and within sight of the Black Hills' northern edge, offering a window into both natural and human history.

Wildlife crossings are common at dawn and dusk, especially between Gillette and Spearfish, so remain alert and use high beams when safe.

Take breaks at rest areas near Moorcroft, Newell, and Vivian — these spots have picnic tables and shade.

For families, the Pettigrew Museum in Pierre and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis (a detour) are highlights, but remember: this is a drive, not a destination.

To avoid fatigue, change drivers every 2 hours or use audio guides about the region's history.

The drive is straightforward: head east on I-90 from Buffalo, pass through Gillette, cross into South Dakota, and at Murdo, take US-83 north to Pierre.

Gas stations cluster at Gillette, Spearfish, and Murdo, with sparse stretches of 60+ miles between services, so keep your tank above a quarter.

Road conditions are generally good year-round, but winter storms can close stretches, and summer thunderstorms bring sudden downpours.

The entire route is safe and well-patrolled, with no tolls.

• Pet-friendly hotels in Gillette and Murdo.
• Kid-friendly diners exit off I-90 at Spearfish.
• For tips on finding hidden gems, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The landscape shifts from the arid, red-hued Bighorn Basin to the ponderosa pine forests of the Black Hills, then opens into the vast, grass-covered prairie that surrounds Pierre.

Just off I-90 near Sundance, Wyoming, you'll find Devils Tower National Monument — the nation's first declared monument and a sacred site for several Native American tribes.

In South Dakota, the Badlands National Park is a 30-minute detour south of I-90 via Interior; its surreal, sharply eroded rock formations are a must-see.

Along the way, small towns like Sturgis and Murdo offer diners, cafes, and truck stops, with local specialties including bison burgers, homemade pies, and hand-dipped ice cream.