Dickinson to Pinedale Drive: Best Stops & Tips

The drive from Dickinson, ND to Pinedale, WY covers roughly 520 miles, mostly along Interstate 94 and US-85, then I-90 and US-191, weaving through the northern Great Plains and the Rocky Mountain foothills. This route crosses the Missouri River near Bismarck and climbs into Wyoming's high desert before reaching the Wind River Range.

For travelers seeking a blend of prairie history and mountain adventure, this drive offers distinct regional flavors. The journey takes about 9 hours of pure driving time, but most travelers spend a full day to enjoy the stops.

Here's a quick overview of key logistics and time estimates to plan your trip:

For families, key stops include the Dickinson Museum Center, where kids can explore dinosaur fossils, and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, which offers hands-on pioneer exhibits. These breaks also serve as mental refreshers, crucial for safe driving.

Pet-friendly lodging and rest areas are plentiful, but be cautious of wildlife, especially deer and antelope, at dawn and dusk. Always carry water and a first-aid kit.

To manage fatigue, plan to stop every two hours. Notable rest areas include the ones near Belle Fourche, SD, and near Buffalo, WY, both equipped with picnic areas and pet walks.

As you leave Dickinson, the flat farmland gives way to the badlands of the Little Missouri National Forest, offering dramatic rock formations and prairie dog towns. The route then cuts across Montana’s southeast corner, where you can see the Custer National Forest in the distance.

In Wyoming, the landscape transforms into the Big Horn Basin, with views of the Bighorn Mountains to the east. The finale is the approach to the Wind River Range, with glaciers and jagged peaks.

Local commerce thrives in small towns like Buffalo and Pinedale, where you'll find ranching supply stores, artisan galleries, and diners serving regional specialties like bison burgers and huckleberry pie.

The journey primarily uses interstates and U.S. highways, ensuring smooth driving conditions in most weather. However, winter storms can make mountain passes hazardous, so check road reports.

Fuel prices vary along the route; expect higher costs in remote areas like Buffalo and Pinedale. Plan to fill up in Dickinson and again in Buffalo to avoid range anxiety.

• Estimated fuel cost: $50-$70 one way for a standard sedan.
• No tolls on this route.
• Cell service is intermittent, especially in Wyoming.