Dickinson to Evanston: Scenic Road Trip Guide

Driving from Dickinson, ND to Evanston, WY covers roughly 800 miles, a journey that crosses the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain foothills. The route typically follows I-94 west to I-25 south, then I-80 west, with total driving time around 12 hours if you don't stop. Before you go, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your trip.

This route showcases dramatic transitions: the badlands of North Dakota, the rolling plains of Montana, the Bighorn Mountains, and finally the high desert of Wyoming. Along the way, local commerce thrives in small towns like Miles City, MT, and Buffalo, WY, where you'll find family-owned diners and artisan shops.

One UNESCO World Heritage Site lies near the path: Yellowstone National Park, accessible via I-90 and US-14 from Buffalo. It's a detour of about 150 miles, but worth it for geothermal wonders.

Most drivers choose the interstate corridors for reliability. From Dickinson, take I-94 west into Montana, then I-90 south to Buffalo, Wyoming. From there, I-25 south to Casper and I-80 west to Evanston. An alternative is US-85 south through South Dakota, but expect longer travel times.

• Fuel stops are plentiful along interstates, with average gas prices around $3.50 per gallon.
• Budget roughly $150 for fuel for the entire trip.
• Check for road conditions on Wyoming's WyoRoad.info before leaving.

Wyoming interstates have 75 mph speed limits, but strong crosswinds can affect handling. Always slow down in gusty conditions. Fatigue is a real risk on this long drive; plan rest stops every two hours. Many rest areas are equipped with picnic tables and pet-walking areas.

For families, the Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis, WY, is a hit. Pets are welcome at most rest stops, but hotels often charge extra fees.

Hidden gems include the Medicine Lodge State Archeological Site in Hyattville, WY, and the Lewis and Clark Trail in North Dakota. Remember to fuel up before remote stretches, as some segments have sparse services.