Dickinson to Saratoga Road Trip Guide: Best Stops

This 500-mile journey crosses the Missouri River and the Continental Divide, passing through Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Bighorn Mountains. The drive typically takes 8-10 hours without stops, but the real value lies in the detours.

Along the way, you'll witness a dramatic shift from North Dakota's badlands to Wyoming's high desert. The route's defining feature is its oscillation between stark beauty and surprising civilization.

Roosevelt National Park's Painted Canyon offers scenic overlooks and wildlife like bison and wild horses. Little Bighorn Battlefield, a National Monument, memorializes the 1876 clash.

The Bighorn Mountains present a stunning contrast with alpine lakes and pine forests, earning them the nickname 'Yellowstone of the Backyard.'

Culinary opportunities include Buffalo's historic Occidental Hotel, serving pioneer-era dishes. In Saratoga, the Lazy Rafter Steakhouse uses local beef, and the general store sells artisan goods.

Local commerce thrives on tourism, with ranch supply stores and art galleries in small towns like Ten Sleep and Worland.

I-94 and I-90 are well-maintained, but the mountain sections can be narrow with sharp curves. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Cell service is patchy in remote areas, so download offline maps.

Weather can change quickly; winter storms can close mountain passes. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms, and spring often has snow. Pack layers.

Family stops include the Teddy Bear Museum in Spearfish, SD, or the Dinosaur Museum in Thermopolis, WY. These are kid-friendly and educational.

Pets are welcome at most rest stops and national parks, but leashes are required. For a comfortable break, Colter Bay Village near Yellowstone has pet-friendly cabins.

Fatigue management is key: take a break every 2 hours. Rest zones with picnic areas exist at scenic overlooks in the Bighorns.

Hidden gems like the Ghost Town of Kirwin offer a detour into an abandoned mining town, while the hot springs in Saratoga are a perfect finale.

For more tips, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Start on I-94 west to I-90, then follow US-14/16 through the Bighorn National Forest. This route offers two fuel-efficient options: the interstate path via Sheridan, or the scenic byway through Buffalo.

Fuel prices average $3.50 per gallon in Montana and $3.20 in Wyoming, so fill up in Billings or Sheridan. The route has no tolls.

• Total distance: approximately 500 miles.
• Driving time: 8-10 hours, but plan for 2 days to explore.
• Best stops: Roosevelt National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Bighorn Mountains, Ten Sleep Canyon.