Dickinson to Riverton: Prairie, Badlands & Gems

This road trip crosses the Missouri River near Dickinson, then climbs through the Great Plains to the Wind River Basin. You'll traverse the boundary where the Northern Plains meet the Rocky Mountains.

The route follows US-85 south, then I-90 west to Buffalo, WY, and finally US-16/20 southwest to Riverton. Expect dramatic shifts in geology and ecology.

Plan for a full day's drive: how long to drive Dickinson, ND to Riverton, WY is about 9-10 hours without stops. Add 2-3 hours for breaks and sightseeing.

• Gas stations are sparse between Bowman, ND and Buffalo, WY (about 140 miles). Fill up in Bowman.
• Interstate 90 has rest areas every 30-50 miles; US-16/20 has fewer services, so carry snacks and water.
• Weather can change quickly; check forecasts for mountain passes.

For navigation, use GPS but download offline maps for remote stretches. Cell coverage is spotty in the Powder River Basin.

Road quality is generally good: I-90 is smooth, US-85 is well-maintained, and US-16/20 is winding but paved. Watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk.

Is it worth driving Dickinson, ND to Riverton, WY? Yes, especially for nature lovers. Families will enjoy the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY (a slight detour).

Pet-friendly framework: most rest areas allow pets on leashes. Many hotels along the route are pet-friendly, but check in advance.

For fatigue management, plan stops every 2 hours. Notable rest zones include the Bowman Rest Area (ND) and the Buffalo Visitor Center (WY).

Hidden off-route spots: The Vore Buffalo Jump (near Sundance, WY) is a preserved prehistoric hunting site. Another gem is the Canyon Springs Ranch near Buffalo, offering trail rides.

Climatic conditions: Summer highs reach 90°F, winter lows can hit -20°F. The route is scenic in autumn with golden cottonwoods.

For the best stops Dickinson, ND to Riverton, WY, consider integrating how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities from Wayro's blog.

Start in Dickinson, ND, known for its German-Russian heritage. The Dickinson Museum Center offers local history.

As you head south on US-85, you'll enter the Little Missouri National Grassland, a prelude to the Badlands. This area is part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which has a North Unit accessible from I-94 near Belfield.

The route passes near two UNESCO World Heritage Sites? None are directly on the route, but nearby Yellowstone National Park (a UNESCO site) is a day trip from Riverton.

Local commerce in towns like Bowman, ND and Buffalo, WY centers on ranching and oil. Try a local diner for a taste of regional cuisine.