Cody to Medora Road Trip: Wyoming to North Dakota Guide

The journey from Cody, Wyoming to Medora, North Dakota spans roughly 450 miles along U.S. Highway 16 and Interstate 94, crossing the Powder River Basin—one of the world's richest coal deposits. This route traces the edge of the Great Plains, where the Rocky Mountains yield to endless prairies. Unlike the tourist-choked roads of Yellowstone, this drive offers solitude and a raw, untamed landscape.

The driving time is about 7 hours without stops, but is it worth driving Cody, WY to Medora, ND? Absolutely—if you pace yourself. The best stops between Cody, WY and Medora, ND include Devils Tower, the Little Bighorn Battlefield, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. For more guidance on uncovering hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Route Overview

• Distance: 450 miles (720 km)
• Driving time: 7 hours (no stops)
• Highways: US-16, US-14, I-90, I-94
• Best time: May–September for clear roads and full access

Quick Facts

US-16 east from Cody climbs over the Bighorn Mountains, a twisty two-lane road with steep grades. After Greybull, the terrain flattens onto I-90 at Sheridan, then you merge onto I-94 near Glendive, Montana. The highway is well-maintained, but rural stretches lack services.

• Fuel stops: Every 30–50 miles in Wyoming, scarcer in Montana. Fill up in Buffalo, WY (mile 130) and Miles City, MT (mile 310).
• Rest areas: Wyoming rest areas are clean with picnic tables; Montana has fewer. Plan breaks at Sheridan WY (mile 110) and Glendive MT (mile 370).
• Road conditions: Most pavement is smooth; watch for livestock on US-16 near Bighorn. Winter can close mountain passes.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas prices rise as you leave Cody (often $3.50/gal) and drop slightly in Montana. A typical sedan will cost about $70 for the trip. Diesel trucks may pay more. Along I-94, truck stops offer competitive prices. Avoid filling up at tourist spots like Devils Tower, where prices spike.

• Average fuel cost: $0.16/mile
• EV charging: Limited. Level 2 chargers in Cody, Buffalo, and Miles City. Plan charging stops carefully.
• Cash-to-card ratio: Most stations accept cards; carry cash for remote locations.

Accommodation and Budget

Mid-range motels cost $80–$120/night. Budget options include motels in Gillette, WY or Dickinson, ND. Consider camping at Devils Tower or Theodore Roosevelt National Park ($15–$30 per site).

Cell service is intermittent west of Sheridan and east of Miles City. Download offline maps and carry a paper map. Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk: deer, antelope, and even bison near the badlands.

• Emergency services: Hospitals in Cody, Sheridan, Gillette, and Dickinson. Call 911; response times may exceed 30 minutes in remote areas.
• Weather awareness: Summer thunderstorms can bring hail; winter conditions can close I-94. Check forecasts before departure.

Family and Child Suitability

Kids will enjoy the hands-on museums in Cody and the hike to Devils Tower. The drive is long but broken by rest stops with picnic areas. Plan for 8–10 hours with breaks. The Medora area offers horseback riding and the Badlands Miniature Golf.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most motels accept pets ($20–$30 fee). National park rules: pets must be leashed and are not allowed on trails. Devils Tower allows pets on leash on the paved path only. Rest areas in Wyoming have pet exercise areas.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Hobo Pool Hot Springs near Thermopolis (40 miles south of Cody) – free natural hot springs.
• The J.C. Penney Museum in Kemmerer, WY (30 miles off route) – the first Penney store.
• Painted Canyon near Medora – a stunning overlook worth a short detour.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Stop every 2 hours. Use the following rest stops: Buffalo WY Rest Area (mile 130), Sheridan WY Rest Area (mile 110), Glendive MT Rest Area (mile 370). Caffeine is available at truck stops; stay hydrated.

The road unrolls through three distinct ecosystems: the alpine Bighorn Mountains, the high plains of eastern Wyoming, and the badlands of the Little Missouri River. Each segment holds dramatic vistas.

• Bighorn Mountains: US-16 crosses the 9,000-foot Powder River Pass. Look for glacial cirques and dense pine forests.
• Devils Tower National Monument: A 1,267-foot volcanic neck rising from the prairie. President Theodore Roosevelt designated it the first national monument in 1906.
• Little Bighorn Battlefield: Site of Custer's Last Stand. A somber memorial with a visitor center and self-guided tour.
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park: The North Unit's dramatic canyons and petrified forests. Bison and prairie dogs abound.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Though not directly on the route, nearby sites include the Bighorn Medicine Wheel (a sacred Native American structure) and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings in nearby Billings. Neither is a UNESCO site, but they hold cultural significance. The true UNESCO presence is further north in Yellowstone, but this route offers a quieter alternative.

Local Commerce & Culture

• Cody: Buffalo Bill Center of the West museums. Local arts scene with galleries on Sheridan Avenue.
• Buffalo, WY: Historic downtown with saloons and the Occidental Hotel.
• Medora: A cowboy town built by the Marquis de Morès. The Medora Musical and pitchfork fondue dinners are summer staples.