Dickinson to Lander Road Trip Guide: Scenic Route, Tips

This 800-mile route crosses three states and four distinct ecosystems, beginning in North Dakota’s Petrified Forest and ending in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. The drive typically takes 12–13 hours of pure wheel time, but the landscape rewards those who linger.

Notably, the route passes near two of America’s most remote national parks: Theodore Roosevelt (ND) and Wind Cave (SD), though both require detours. The heart of the trip, however, lies in Wyoming’s vast, open spaces—home to the largest population of pronghorn antelope in North America.

Your primary highways are I-94 East to I-90 West then US-287 South, but the true flavor begins when you leave the interstate. Plan your fuel stops: after Dickinson, the next reliable stations are in Bowman, ND, and Buffalo, WY—a gap of roughly 150 miles.

• Fuel economy: expect 25 MPG; a full tank covers about 350 miles.
• Toll roads: none.
• Weather delays: blizzards in winter, thunderstorms in summer.

The route’s safety record is solid, with paved shoulders on all highways and regular patrols. But be aware of wildlife crossing zones, especially between Buffalo and Casper.

For the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, consider using Wayro’s trip-planning tools.

The geological narrative begins with the Hell Creek Formation near Bowman, yielding T. rex fossils, and culminates in the granite peaks of the Wind River Range. The route crosses the 100th meridian—the traditional dividing line between humid East and arid West—just east of Rapid City.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along or near the route include Yellowstone (a significant detour) and the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in South Dakota, but the nearest is the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, over 500 miles north.

Local commerce thrives on dinosaur-themed attractions: the Dickinson Museum Center and the Marmarth Research Station. For coffee and pie, stop at the historic Vore Buffalo Jump (a roadside archaeological site) and head into Buffalo, WY, for a classic Western diner experience.

The region’s economy relies on energy—coal, oil, and wind—and you’ll see wind farms near Glenrock and vast cattle ranches along the Powder River.

Road quality is excellent: I-90 is concrete, US-287 is well-maintained asphalt. Winter driving demands caution—wind chill can drop to -30°F, and the high plains are prone to whiteouts. Summer brings sudden hail; check forecasts before crossing the Big Horns.

For families, the route offers natural playgrounds: Theodore Roosevelt’s badlands (a 30-minute detour), the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD, and the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, WY.

Pet-friendly infrastructure is plentiful: every rest area has pet exercise areas, and many motels (especially in Buffalo and Lander) accept dogs. For discipline, keep pets on a leash—pronghorn and cattle are common.

Fatigue management: take breaks every two hours. The best rest stops are the Platte River Rest Area near Douglas, WY, and the scenic overlook at Powder River Pass. Local tip: the gas station in Kaycee, WY, is a hidden gem—try the homemade jerky.