Cody to Dickinson: Road Trip Guide Across Wyoming & Montana

The drive from Cody, Wyoming to Dickinson, North Dakota covers approximately 450 miles (724 km) via US-14, I-90, and I-94. Without stops, it takes roughly 7 to 8 hours. The route traverses the dramatic Bighorn Basin, crosses the Montana plains, and enters the badlands of North Dakota.

One striking detail: just east of Cody, the road climbs the Bighorn Mountains via the Medicine Wheel Passage, which reaches an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet. This ascent offers breathtaking views but also sudden weather changes and steep grades.

For those wondering is it worth driving Cody, WY to Dickinson, ND, the answer is yes—if you appreciate wide-open landscapes, historic sites, and unique geological formations. The journey is a study in contrasts: from the volcanic remnants of the Absarokas to the glacial plains of the Missouri Plateau.

To maximize your experience, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Key milestones and coordinates:

• Cody, WY: 44.5263° N, 109.0569° W
• Greybull, WY: 44.4891° N, 108.0569° W
• Hardin, MT: 45.7316° N, 107.6120° W
• Dickinson, ND: 46.8792° N, 102.7896° W

Understanding fuel stops, road conditions, and vehicle preparation is essential for this drive. The route is largely two-lane highway (US-14, US-310) until you join I-90 near Billings, MT, then I-94 to Dickinson. Cell service is spotty in the Bighorn Mountains and parts of Montana.

• Fuel stations are plentiful in Cody, Greybull, Lovell, Billings, Hardin, and Glendive (MT). Stretch between Lovell and Billings is about 100 miles; fill up before leaving Cody.
• Gas prices are slightly lower in Montana than in Wyoming or North Dakota.
• Road quality: US-14 through Bighorns is well-maintained but winding. I-90 and I-94 are smooth, straight highways with frequent rest areas.

Vehicle recommendations: A standard sedan is fine, but an SUV or truck offers more comfort on gravel side roads to hidden spots. Check your spare tire and coolant before departing.

For those calculating how long to drive Cody, WY to Dickinson, ND, plan 8-9 hours with short breaks. Add 2-3 hours for sightseeing.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

US-14 over the Bighorns has steep grades and sharp curves; watch for trucks using runaway truck ramps. I-90 and I-94 are in excellent condition. Speed limits: 65-70 mph on interstates, 55-65 on US highways.

Cell service: Most reliable between Billings and Dickinson. Off the interstates, download offline maps.

• Emergency services: Emergency call boxes are rare; carry a satellite phone or personal locator beacon if traveling off main routes.
• Weather: Snow possible in mountains even in summer. Check forecasts: Wyoming road conditions at WYDOT, Montana at MDT.

Family and Child Suitability

This route is family-friendly with many kid-oriented stops. The dinosaur museum in Dickinson and the Little Bighorn Battlefield (with interactive exhibits) are hits. Rest areas along I-94 have playgrounds.

• Best family stops: The Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis (slight detour south of Greybull), and the Billings ZooMontana (small but engaging).
• Kid-friendly dining: Pizza and burger chains in Billings, Hardin, and Dickinson.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most rest areas allow pets on leashes. Hotels and motels in Cody, Billings, and Dickinson are largely pet-friendly (chain brands like Super 8, Best Western). National parks require pets on trails but allow them in parking lots.

Water and shade: Carry a collapsible bowl and extra water, especially in the Bighorn Mountains where temperatures can vary.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Stretch breaks every 2 hours. Notable rest stops:

• Bighorn National Forest rest area near Burgess Junction (milepost 36 on US-14)
• I-90 rest area near Columbus, MT (east of Billings)
• I-94 rest area near Glendive, MT (west of Dickinson)

Plan for a longer break in Billings (food, fuel, hotels) or at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. If tired, consider staying overnight in Billings (midway point).

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Devil's Canyon Overlook (east of Greybull) offers a stunning view of the Bighorn River canyon. Follow County Road 135 for 5 miles unpaved. Also, the ghost town of Acme, WY (near Sheridan) is a short detour north of US-14.

In Montana, visit the Petroglyph Canyon near Hardin (private land, ask permission) or the ghost town of Bannack (far west near Dillon, too far for this trip). In North Dakota, the Enchanted Highway (exit 72 on I-94) features giant metal sculptures—a quirky photo op.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The Bighorn Mountains offer alpine meadows and forests. Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (near Lovell) is a 12,000-year-old stone circle. Further east, the Montana plains are expansive grasslands with buttes and the Yellowstone River valley.

In North Dakota, the badlands near Theodore Roosevelt National Park (south entrance near I-94 exit 32) feature eroded cliffs, petrified forests, and wildlife like bison and prairie dogs.

• Medicine Wheel: Remote, requires gravel roads. Free.
• Theodore Roosevelt NP: $30/vehicle, good for 7 days.
• Pompeys Pillar National Monument (near Billings): Site of Lewis and Clark's signature on a sandstone pillar.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

No UNESCO sites lie directly on the route, but Yellowstone National Park (south of Cody) is a World Heritage site. Consider a day trip if time allows. Also, the nearby Fort Union Trading Post (near Williston, ND) is a National Historic Site.

Local Commerce & Culture

Small towns like Greybull and Hardin offer antique shops and diners. The Crow Indian Reservation (near Hardin) includes the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument—a must for history buffs. In Dickinson, the Dickinson Museum Center presents pioneer history.

• Greybull: The Greybull Museum (free, small)
• Hardin: Little Bighorn Battlefield (entry $15/vehicle)
• Dickinson: Dakota Dinosaur Museum (adult $12, child $8)