Dickinson to Alpine Road Trip: Best Stops & Scenic Drive

This route traces the historic path of the Northern Pacific Railway, completed in 1883, which opened the West to settlement. Today, I-94 and I-90 form the spine of the drive, connecting Dickinson's Badlands to Alpine's mountain valleys.

Begin in Dickinson, North Dakota, at the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit. The drive heads west through Montana, then south through Wyoming, ending in Alpine at the edge of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Expect a mix of prairie, badlands, and mountain scenery, with long stretches of open road.

Road quality is generally good, but be aware of wildlife crossings, especially at dawn and dusk, and always wear seat belts. Cell coverage is sparse in mountainous areas, so carry a physical map.

For kids, the route offers the Dickinson Museum Center, the Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana, and Cody's Buffalo Bill Center of the West (slightly off-route).

Pet-friendly motels exist in major towns; chain hotels often allow pets for a fee. There are rest areas with pet exercise zones every 50-80 miles, but no designated dog parks along the interstates.

To combat fatigue, plan to stop every two hours. The best rest areas are at the Montana/Wyoming border and near Sheridan, WY. Tip: Watch for signs indicating the next services.

Hidden gems: The Bozeman Trail historical marker in Montana, and the free Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, WY, (a slight detour) offer unique experiences.

From Dickinson, the badlands of western North Dakota offer striped buttes and fossil beds. One UNESCO World Heritage Site lies near the path: the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Taliesin West in Arizona, but that's far off-route. However, the route passes through the Greater Yellowstone region, not a UNESCO site itself, but adjacent to two: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites).

Scenic highlight: The Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming, with their 9,000-foot passes.

Local commerce thrives in towns like Miles City, MT, known for the Bucking Horse Sale; Buffalo, WY, with its Old West vibe; and Dubois, WY, a gateway to the Wind River Range. Look for local rancher-driven diners and shops selling artisan goods.

In Alpine, the economy centers on tourism, with outfitters for float trips on the Snake River.

Most of the drive is on interstate highways, so fuel and food are plentiful near exits. However, some remote stretches, particularly in Montana and Wyoming, have gaps of up to 80 miles between services.

• Fuel cost estimate (mid-size car, $3.50/gal): around $100-$120 one way.
• Speed limits: 75-80 mph on interstates; lower in construction zones.
• Road conditions: check for winter closures, especially in Wyoming's mountain passes.

For planning fuel stops, use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest prices. For a comprehensive approach to spotting worthwhile stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Tolls: There are no tolls on this route. Wi-Fi is scarce in rural areas, so download offline maps.