Dickinson to Green River: A Prairie-to-Desert Road Trip Guide

The drive from Dickinson, ND to Green River, WY crosses 640 miles of starkly beautiful terrain, from the rolling Great Plains to the high desert of Wyoming. The route uses I-94 west to Billings, MT, then I-90 south through Sheridan, WY, and finally US-191 to Green River. Expect a journey of about 10 hours of pure driving, but plan for at least two days to savor the stops.

One of the most striking features along this route is the dramatic change in elevation: Dickinson sits at 2,400 feet, while Green River is at 6,100 feet. This gradual climb affects the climate, vegetation, and even your vehicle's performance.

Road quality is generally good, but watch for potholes in Montana's early spring and frequent wildlife crossings, especially at dawn and dusk. Deer and antelope are common, so use high beams when clear and avoid night driving in rural areas.

For families, rest areas with playgrounds are rare; a better stop is the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, which offers educational exhibits and kid-friendly activities. Pets are allowed on leash at most rest areas, but not in buildings at national parks.

Fatigue management is crucial: the long, straight stretches can lull you into drowsiness. The 24-hour Walmart in Sheridan and the Flying J Travel Center in Billings are safe 24/7 rest options. For a break, the town of Buffalo, WY has the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, a good stop to stretch your legs.

Hidden gems: just north of US-191 near Wamsutter, you can spot continental divide markers, and south of Rock Springs, the Killpecker Sand Dunes offer surreal landscapes.

Most of the drive uses well-maintained interstate highways, with the exception of US-191 from Rock Springs to Green River, which is a two-lane road with a 65 mph limit. Expect heavy truck traffic on I-90, especially between Sheridan and Buffalo.

Fuel is readily available in Dickinson, Miles City, Billings, Sheridan, and Rock Springs, but stretches of over 70 miles without services exist between Miles City and Forsyth, MT, and between Buffalo and Gillette, WY. Gas prices tend to be lower in Montana than in Wyoming, so top off before crossing the state line.

• Distances: Dickinson to Billings (305 mi), Billings to Sheridan (145 mi), Sheridan to Green River (290 mi).
• Total driving time: ~10 hours + stops.
• Best fuel stops: Billings (lowest MT prices), Buffalo (cheaper than Gillette), Rock Springs (last services before Green River).
• Unique road number: US-191 becomes a scenic byway between Rock Springs and Green River.

Near the start of the route, Theodore Roosevelt National Park — about 30 miles east of Dickinson — showcases the North Dakota badlands. If you have time, take the scenic loop to see wild bison and prairie dogs, a perfect introduction to the rugged landscapes that follow.

As you cross into Montana, the Yellowstone River Valley offers white cliffs and cottonwood groves, while the Little Bighorn Battlefield (near Crow Agency) preserves a significant Native American history site. In Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountains loom over Sheridan, and the route descends into the Powder River Basin, a coal-rich area with cowboy-era ranches.

Local commerce along the way reflects the rural economy: small ranches, truck stops, and agricultural supply stores dominate. In Sheridan, King's Saddlery and the Don King Museum celebrate Western craftsmanship. In Green River, the Flaming Gorge Dam and the Sweetwater County Museum highlight the region's energy and pionner heritage.