Devils Lake to Thermopolis: Epic Road Trip Guide

Starting in Devils Lake, ND, at the eastern edge of the Great Plains, this route to Thermopolis, WY, unwinds over roughly 760 miles and 12 hours of driving. The journey crosses the Missouri River near Bismarck, slices through the Badlands of western North Dakota, and climbs onto the high plains of Montana before descending into Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. Along the way, you’ll pass the geographic center of North America and encounter landscapes that shift from glacial lakes to dinosaur-laden desert.

This guide distills the essential facts and experiences, ensuring you know exactly what to expect and where to pause. For a systematic approach to discovering worthwhile stops, consult this how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The most direct path uses US-281 south to I-94 west, then I-90 west through Montana, and US-212 south into Wyoming. This all-highway route offers consistent pavement and clear signage, with rest areas every 50-70 miles.

Fuel stations cluster at major towns — Bismarck, Dickinson, Glendive, Miles City, Billings — and become sparse in the 120-mile stretch between Dickinson and Glendive, so fill up before leaving the city. Diesel is widely available, and prices tend to drop by $0.10-$0.20 per gallon in Montana compared to North Dakota.

• I-94 is the primary east-west artery through North Dakota; road conditions are available via the ND DOT app.
• Montana’s speed limit is 80 mph on interstates, common in the region.
• US-212 from Billings to Thermopolis is a scenic two-lane through the Bighorn Canyon area; check for roadwork in spring.

Within an hour of Devils Lake, you’re driving among rolling prairie and shallow wetlands, part of the Prairie Pothole Region crucial for migratory birds. By the time you reach the Missouri River, the landscape turns into dramatic buttes and coulees.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit, near Medora, offers a drive through painted canyons and petrified forests, with a 5% chance of spotting bison from your car. Further west, Pompeys Pillar National Monument near Billings preserves a rock with William Clark’s signature from 1806.

Local commerce thrives in small towns like Beach, ND, and Hardin, MT, where roadside cafes and cowboy bars serve as gathering spots. In Thermopolis, the Hot Springs County Museum and the historic downtown capture the town’s frontier heritage.

For a true taste of the region, try the chokecherry jam sold in nearly every gift shop, or the beef brisket at a diner in Forsyth, MT, known for its Saturday barbecue.

The route experiences wide temperature swings year-round: summer highs can reach 100°F, while winter subzero temperatures and ice are common. Spring brings thunderstorms and potential hail, especially across the plains. Always check forecasts and pack accordingly.

Wildlife crossings are frequent, particularly at dawn and dusk; deer and antelope may leap onto the roadway. Keep a sharp eye and slow down near ranch fences.

For families, the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck offers a safe, educational break, and the Montana Dinosaur Center in Glendive features a full-size T. rex cast. Both allow children to stretch their legs.

Pets are welcome at designated rest areas, but national parks restrict them from trails; the Painted Canyon Overlook in Theodore Roosevelt NP has a short paved loop where dogs are allowed.

• Rest areas on I-94 in North Dakota are open 24/7, with picnic tables and restrooms.
• For safe sleep breaks, consider the rest stop at the Montana Visitor Center in Billings, which has a coffee shop.
• Fatigue warning: the 200-mile stretch between Dickinson and Glendive is monotonous; plan to stop in Beach or Baker.