Island Park, ID to Gillette, WY: A Scenic Road Trip

The journey begins in Island Park, Idaho, home to the world's longest main street, which stretches along U.S. Route 20 for over 30 miles. That's a quirky fact, but it's dwarfed by the 700-mile drive ahead, a route that traces the footsteps of the Oregon Trail and crosses the Continental Divide.

You'll traverse parts of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming before reaching Gillette, a city sitting on one of the largest coal reserves in the world. This isn't just a drive; it's a transect across varied geological eras, from volcanic plateaus to the vast High Plains. To make the most of it, knowing how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities can turn a long haul into an adventure.

Spending six hours behind the wheel calls for strategic breaks. The route has several state-run rest areas, such as the one near Shell Falls, which offers picnic tables and restrooms. For families, the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum (founded 1978) and the Old Trail Town are interactive diversions. Children will also enjoy the petting zoo at the Meeteetse Chocolatier, a quirky stop that combines sweets with llamas.

If you're traveling with pets, most rest areas and roadside parks allow leashed animals. Several motels in Cody and Buffalo are pet-friendly, as are many restaurants with outdoor seating. The region also boasts a strong culture of long-haul trucking, so there are 24-hour truck stops with showers and fuel just off I-90 in Buffalo and Gillette.

To manage fatigue, the American Automobile Association recommends a 15-minute break every two hours. The Shell Falls rest area, named for the 120-foot waterfall, is a ideal spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. As you approach Gillette, the terrain flattens into high desert; this monotony can be hypnotic, so vary your speed and keep your windows cracked.

Hidden gems abound if you're willing to venture off the main highway. On Route 14, look for the turnoff to Medicine Lodge State Archeological Site, where you can see ancient petroglyphs. Further east, the Devil's Tower National Monument is a 1.5-hour detour from Gillette; its 1,267-foot height is a sacred site for several Native American tribes.

As you leave Island Park, you're driving through the caldera of an ancient supervolcano; the Yellowstone Plateau is dotted with geysers and hot springs. After entering Wyoming, the Absaroka Mountains rise to the right, a rugged range that's part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This area is prime habitat for bison, elk, and grizzly bears, so keep your eyes peeled.

Further east, you'll hit the Bighorn Basin, a arid, badlands-like terrain that contrasts sharply with the pine forests behind you. Here, the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers dramatic cliffs and the opportunity to see wild horses.

Local commerce along the route is deeply tied to tourism and ranching. In Cody, the Cody Nite Rodeo runs nightly during summer, a tradition since 1938. For a taste of Western culture, stop at a local diner and try a buffalo burger—many are sourced from nearby ranches. In Greybull, the Greybull Dinosaur Museum and Research Center displays real fossils excavated from the Bighorn Basin, including a complete Allosaurus skeleton.

One UNESCO World Heritage Site on this route: Yellowstone National Park, which you'll skirt. While you won't enter the park, its influence on the landscape is profound. If you have extra time, a detour to the park's east entrance is just 50 miles from Cody.

Driving directly from Island Park to Gillette via US-20 East and Interstate 90 East covers roughly 410 miles and typically takes 6 hours without stops. The route is mostly two-lane highways in rural stretches, but speeds are reasonable, and traffic is light. You'll pass through small towns like West Yellowstone, Cody, and Greybull, each offering fuel and basic services.

Gas prices fluctuate, but plan for about $60-$80 in fuel for a mid-size sedan. Along US-14, you'll encounter sections maintained by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, which keeps the roads plowed in winter and well-graded in summer.

• Drive time: ~6 hours, but plan for 8-9 with breaks.
• Best Stops: Cody's Old West charm, Greybull's dinosaur museum (see below).
• Budget tip: Fill up in Cody where gas is often cheaper than in smaller towns.
• Weather note: Conditions can change quickly; check forecasts before you go.

One notable engineering feat is the Buffalo Bill Dam near Cody, completed in 1910, which was the tallest dam in the world at the time. This is a worthwhile quick detour off the main route.