Cody to Bismarck Road Trip: Wyoming to North Dakota

The route from Cody, Wyoming, to Bismarck, North Dakota, spans approximately 550 miles via US-16, I-90, and US-85. A historical fact: this road roughly follows the old Great Northern Railway corridor, which brought settlers to the northern plains. The drive takes about 9 hours without stops, but expect 2-3 days to explore properly.

This guide covers how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Whether you're wondering how long to drive Cody to Bismarck, or if it's worth driving, this article provides answers.

Safety on this route is high, but watch for wildlife (deer, antelope) during dawn and dusk, especially between Buffalo and Gillette. All rest areas have lighting and parking. In winter, carry an emergency kit. The main hazard is driver fatigue on long straight stretches.

• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours or 100 miles. Rest stops with picnic areas in Sundance and Bowman.
• Pet-friendly: Most rest areas have pet areas; hotels like La Quinta (Buffalo) allow pets.
• Family: The Bighorn National Forest has easy trails; the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper (detour) is excellent.

Hidden off-route spots: The Crazy Woman Canyon (near Buffalo) offers secluded hiking. The Enchanted Highway (Regent, ND) has giant metal sculptures. The town of Medora (north of I-94) is a living history town. Note: Medora is a slight detour but worth it for the badlands views and the Pitchfork Fondue dinner.

The drive crosses three distinct landscapes: the Bighorn Mountains (elevation 9,000+ ft), the high plains of Wyoming, and the Missouri River breaks in North Dakota. The Bighorn National Forest offers pine forests and alpine meadows; the Powder River Basin features rolling sagebrush; and the final stretch approaches the Missouri River valley near Bismarck.

• Key attraction: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (near Lovell, mile 45).
• UNESCO site: No direct, but the route passes near the fossil sites of the Hell Creek Formation (east of Dickinson).
• Local commerce: Buffalo's Main Street has antique shops; Dickinson has the Dakota Dinosaur Museum.

Culinary stops: In Greybull, try the Cowboy Cafe for hamburgers. In Buffalo, the Historic Occidental Hotel serves steak. In Dickinson, the Blarney Stone Pub offers Irish fare. Bismarck's downtown has many farm-to-table options. For family, recommend the Buffalo Children's Museum or the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck.

Fuel is available every 50-70 miles, but reliable stations cluster near towns: Cody (mile 0), Greybull (mile 60), Buffalo (mile 180), Gillette (mile 270), and Dickinson (mile 420). Plan refueling stops to avoid rural stretches like between Buffalo and Gillette (100 miles with limited services).

• Best fuel price average: $3.50/gal in Wyoming, $3.70 in North Dakota.
• Rest areas: Buffalo Rest Area (mile 185) and a rest area near Sundance (mile 300).
• Cell signal: Strong on I-90; weak or absent on US-16 between Cody and Greybull, and on US-85 south of Dickinson.

Road quality is generally good: I-90 is a four-lane highway; US-16 from Cody to Buffalo is a two-lane road with moderate curves through the Bighorn Mountains. Winter conditions (Nov-Mar) can bring snow and ice, requiring all-wheel drive or chains. Summer sees construction zones, especially near Gillette.