Dickinson to La Crosse Road Trip: Best Stops & Drive Time

This road trip traces the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway (US-85) and I-94 eastward, ending at the confluence of the Mississippi and Black rivers. The route covers roughly 656 miles, crossing the Missouri River near Bismarck (Mandan) and the Missouri Plateau before descending into the Minnesota River Valley. You'll pass through the homeland of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (Fort Berthold Reservation) before entering the glacial terrain of eastern North Dakota.

Why drive it? The contrast is stark: from the badlands' rugged buttes to the driftless area's limestone bluffs near La Crosse. It's a journey through prairie potholes, sunflower fields, and river towns that defines the Northern Plains' character.

The total drive is about 9.5 hours, but you'll want to stretch it over two days. The best stops Dickinson, ND to La Crosse, WI include the state parks and riverfronts listed below.

The badlands around Dickinson are ancient river deposits carved into clay buttes; the Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit) entrance is 30 miles west, but a quick view is possible at the Painted Canyon overlook off I-94 (exit 32). As you move east, the terrain flattens into prairie pothole country, vital for migratory waterfowl. Near Jamestown, the James River has carved a modest valley, and the Pipestem Creek area is good for birding.

Beyond Fargo, the landscape becomes a patchwork of farmland and wetlands. Western Minnesota's Glacial Ridge Trail region is dotted with lakes and walleye fishing towns like Alexandria (a common overnight stop).

Near La Crosse, the ancient quaternary geology of the driftless area emerges: bluffs of sandstone and limestone, home to endangered species like the Higgins' eye pearlymussel.

Commerce along the route is small-town America: farm stores, CNG stations, and family diners. In Dickinson, try the local bison burgers (an echo of the region's ranching). Jamestown has the National Buffalo Museum and Frontier Village, with its iconic white bison statue. Fargo's downtown has a vibrant craft brewery scene, but you'll be passing through on I-94.

For a culinary infrastructure hint: in small towns like Valley City, ND, and Clear Lake, SD, you'll find truck-stop cafés serving hyper-local fare like Lefse and knoephla soup. These are unpretentious but filling.

Follow I-94 east from Dickinson, then pick up I-94/I-694 around Minneapolis, and finally I-90/US-14 into La Crosse. Expect four-lane divided highway for 95% of the trip; only a short stretch south of La Crosse on US-14/61 is two-lane. Road quality is excellent, with rest areas every 50-75 miles on I-94 in both Dakotas and Minnesota.

Fuel prices decrease slightly as you move east; as of early 2025, gas runs $3.10–$3.40 per gallon. A typical sedan consumes about two tanks, costing $60–$80 total. Watch for fuel deserts: between Dickinson and Bismarck (128 mi) and between Jamestown and Fargo (97 mi) have limited services, so top off.

For a smoother trip, check construction alerts on the ND DOT and MnDOT sites. Winter (Nov–Mar) demands caution: ice and snow are common, and whiteouts can close I-94 between Jamestown and Valley City. Summer brings roadwork and occasional bird migrations (see wildlife section).

For deeper trip planning, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

I-94 is a divided highway with a 75 mph limit in ND and 70 in MN/WI; elsewhere, 65 mph. Winter maintenance is prompt but remote stretches may be icy. Cell coverage is strong along the corridor except for the 50-mile stretch between Dickinson and Belfield. Emergency call boxes are rare, but ND has a blue-light system at some interchanges.

This drive is family-friendly: the 20-mile detour to the Enchanted Highway (Regent, ND) features large metal sculptures visible from the road. The World's Largest Buffalo (Jamestown) is a quick photo op. The Minnesota Children's Museum in Rochester (2 hours from La Crosse) is a full-day option.

Pets are welcome at most rest stops, which have small fenced areas; hotels along the route are pet-friendly (expect $20-40 fee). The Gateway Trail near Stillwater, MN, is a good walk for dogs if you stop.

For fatigue, plan to stop every 2 hours; major rest areas (with vending, restrooms) are at Valley City (mile 240), Fergus Falls (mile 44), and US-90 outside La Crosse. The Jamestown and Alexandria are ideal for long breaks if you need to actually leave the highway.

Hidden off-route gems include the Sheyenne National Grassland (south of I-94 near Kathryn, ND) and the Beaver Creek Valley State Park (south at Caledonia, MN). Only the latter has a fee ($7/vehicle). These require a 25-minute detour but offer solitude.

Local commerce: in downtown La Crosse, the Pearl Street ice cream and the Co-op deli are local institutions. The city's downtown is walkable, and the riverboat cruises offer a different pace after the prairie miles.