Dickinson to Gillette Drive: Scenic Route Guide

Few routes capture the transition from the Great Plains to the Powder River Basin as directly as US-85. This two-state run from Dickinson, ND to Gillette, WY covers 192 miles of open landscape, historically used by the railroad and now a corridor of trucks and travelers. The direct road trip takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes of driving time, without extended stops.

While the drive is often written off as a pure transition, those who pause uncover a distinct geography of buttes and prairie dog towns. The route also sits at the edge of the Little Missouri National Forest, which offers unexpected relief from the emptiness.

Safety on this route is straightforward if you respect distances. Cell coverage is intermittent, especially between Bowman and Gillette, so download offline maps. Services like emergency roadside help are rare, but Wyoming Highway Patrol covers the Wyoming portion.

For families, the road trip itself can be educational, but there are few structured stops. However, the rest areas are spaced about every 60 miles and offer picnic tables and restrooms. The Bowman rest area is particularly clean.

• Kid-friendly: bring books or audio stories; download games
• Pet-friendly: many rest areas have designated pet exercise areas, but motels in Bowman and Gillette have pet policies; call ahead
• Wildlife watch: dawn and dusk increase deer encounters; use high beams in open stretches

Fatigue management is critical on this monotonous drive. Stop every two hours, stretch, and switch drivers if possible. Also, the Wyoming stretch near the border has a noticeable long downhill into the Powder River Basin, which can lull you into a trance.

Shortly after leaving Dickinson, the land opens up with ranchland and occasional buttes. Around the historic town of Amidon (abandoned, now a ghost town), you'll glimpse the southern reach of the badlands. This region is not part of a national park, but it offers dramatic erosion shapes.

The route passes near the northern edge of the Thunder Basin National Grassland, east of the highway, which is managed for grazing and wildlife. This is one of the few areas to see pronghorn antelope and raptors.

Local commerce along the route is mostly agricultural, but there are a few noteworthy stops. In Bowman, the Bowman County Museum offers a look into pioneer history. In Moorcroft, the local diner serves homemade pies and is a gathering spot for ranchers.

• Farm stands are seasonal but may sell produce like pumpkins in autumn
• Craft fairs in Bowman and Moorcroft occur during summer weekends

US-85 is the central artery here, a well-maintained two-lane highway for most of its length. From Dickinson, head southwest through Belfield and continue as the road curves through the badlands fringe. Just past the North Dakota-South Dakota border, the road enters Wyoming and becomes a divided highway approaching Gillette.

Fuel stops are sparse but predictable: Dickinson, Belfield, Bowman, and then eventually Moorcroft, Wyoming, offer major gas stations. Prices tend to be slightly higher in Bowman and Moorcroft due to lower competition, so it's wise to fill up in Dickinson or Gillette.

• Best fuel economy: maintain 60-65 mph to save fuel
• Roadside assistance coverage: check your provider before leaving urban areas
• Cash vs. card: some stations in rural areas may have card readers outside, but keep cash for backup

While there's no major interstate on this route, the highway is often used by coal trucks from the nearby mines, particularly south of Moorcroft. That means occasional slow-moving vehicles but generally smooth pavement. In winter, the route can be challenging due to blowing snow, so check forecasts.

For road quality, the pavement is good overall, but sections between Bowman and the border may have rough patches from heavy truck traffic.