Dickinson ND to Kemmerer WY: A Scenic Road Trip Guide

This 650-mile corridor from Dickinson, North Dakota, to Kemmerer, Wyoming, traces the edge of the Great Plains and the rise of the Rocky Mountains. The route's westbound climb in elevation, from about 2,300 feet in Dickinson to 6,800 feet in Kemmerer, mirrors a geological transect through sedimentary layers that record 500 million years of Earth's history.

The journey follows U.S. Highway 85 south to Interstate 90 west, then U.S. 85 again into Wyoming, linking two towns born from railroad expansion and coal mining. Expect mostly straight, open roads with occasional buttes and badlands, plus a final mountain pass.

Road quality ranges from excellent interstate to well-maintained two-lane highways. Watch for wildlife—especially deer and elk near dawn and dusk—and sudden weather changes.

Rest stops every 50 miles on I-90, but on US-85, plan stops in towns like Bowman, Sundance, Buffalo, Kaycee, and Muddy Gap. For families, the Reptile Gardens in Rapid City (detour) or the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody (detour) offer kid-friendly exhibits.

This route offers many family-friendly parks, including the Dickinson Museum Center and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis (off route).

Fatigue risks increase on long rural stretches; prioritize breaks every 2 hours. Use a rest area or welcome center to stretch, hydrate, and share tasks.

Seasonal closures: I-90's Bighorn Pass occasionally closes in severe winter storms; check weather ahead.

Driving from Dickinson, ND to Kemmerer, WY typically 10-12 hours without extended stops, but plan 2-3 days to soak in sights and manage fatigue.

• Major highways: US-85, I-90, I-25, US-20/26, US-189.
• Fuel is economical west of I-25; fill up in Dickinson, Bowman, Buffalo, Casper, and Kemmerer.
• Average fuel price along route: $3.20/gal (2024 data), with slight variations.
• Most fuel stations offer diesel and EV charging (Level 2) at larger towns.
• Rest areas every 50-70 miles on interstates; fewer on two-lane US-85 in Wyoming.
• Pet-friendly stops include rest areas with leash-free zones in Casper and Buffalo.

Download offline maps, as cell service is spotty between Buffalo and Casper. Carry cash, as some rural stations have card minimums.

This route crosses three distinct eco-regions: sagebrush steppe, high plains, and foothills. Notable attractions include the Badlands near Dickinson, the Bighorn Mountains at Buffalo, and the Oregon Trail corridor near Casper.

One UNESCO World Heritage Site lies within a 100-mile detour: the Yellowstone National Park, accessible off I-90 at Cody (about 160 miles from Buffalo). If you have time, the Grand Loop Road offers thermal features and wildlife viewing.

In Kemmerer, visit the Fossil Butte National Monument, which preserves 50-million-year-old fish fossils. Local diners in Buffalo and Casper serve bison burgers and homemade pies; try the Baker's Cafe in Kemmerer for regional fare.

For hidden gems, take a short detour to the ancient Pictograph Caves near Buffalo, or the scenic Shell Falls in the Bighorn National Forest.