Medora ND to Kemmerer WY Road Trip Guide: Ultimate Stops

Spanning 850 miles across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, the drive from Medora, North Dakota to Kemmerer, Wyoming follows US-85, I-90, and US-16/US-20, passing through the remote landscapes of Wyoming's Powder River Basin. A little-known fact: the route crosses the Continental Divide twice—once near Greybull, WY, and again near Riverton. The highway is mostly two-lane,
with long stretches devoid of services, demanding careful planning. This guide provides everything you need to know about natural landscapes, fuel stops, child and pet suitability, and hidden off-route gems to determine if this journey is worth driving.

Route Overview: The drive takes approximately 14 hours of pure driving time, not including stops. Best stops Medora, ND to Kemmerer, WY include Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, and Hot Springs State Park. For tips on discovering lesser-known attractions, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel and Route Economics: Fuel stations are sparse, especially in central Wyoming. Plan to fill up at every town with a station, as gaps can exceed 80 miles. Gas prices tend to be higher in rural areas; fill up in larger towns like Gillette or Buffalo. The route uses mainly federal highways with toll-free travel. No tolls exist between Medora and Kemmerer. Cell service is intermittent; download offline maps before leaving Medora. Many stretches lack 4G. Emergency services may have slow response times—carry a first-aid kit and extra water.

• Key fuel stops: Medora, ND (last reliable for 100 mi); Gillette, WY (abundant stations); Buffalo, WY; Greybull, WY; Worland, WY; Riverton, WY; Kemmerer, WY.
• Cost: Estimate $120-$160 for fuel (based on 25 mpg and $3.50/gal).
• Check tire pressure and coolant before departure, especially in summer heat or winter cold.

Climatic Conditions and Route Aesthetics: The drive crosses varied climates. In summer, temperatures range from 70°F in the Black Hills to over 100°F in the Powder River Basin. Winter brings snow and ice; I-90 and US-16 can close due to blizzards. Spring may have rain and mudslides. Fall offers pleasant temperatures and stunning foliage in the Bighorn Mountains. The aesthetics shift from the badlands of North Dakota to the pine forests of the Black Hills, then open plains and finally the high desert of Wyoming. Sunrise and sunset over the Bighorn Basin are spectacular.

• Summer: Pack sunscreen, hats, and ample water.
• Winter: Carry chains, warm blankets, and a shovel.
• Best months: May-June and September-October for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Natural Landscapes and Attractions: This route passes through some of America's most dramatic geological formations. Starting at Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Medora), the badlands with their layered sedimentary rocks are a must-see. Then, east on I-90, Devils Tower National Monument rises 867 feet from the prairie—a sacred site to Native Americans and a premier rock climbing destination. Continuing west, the Bighorn Mountains offer alpine forests and the scenic Cloud Peak Skyway (US-16). Descending into the Bighorn Basin, you'll encounter the wild mustangs near the McCulloch Peaks. Near Thermopolis, the world's largest mineral hot spring flows at Hot Springs State Park. As you approach Kemmerer, the landscape becomes high desert scrubland dotted with sagebrush and antelope.

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park: South Unit scenic drive, prairie dog towns, and bison herds.
• Devils Tower: Tower Trail (1.3 miles) around the base; visitor center open year-round.
• Hot Springs State Park: Free public bathhouses; walkways over terraces.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While directly on route there are no UNESCO sites, Devils Tower is a National Monument and a candidate for mixed cultural-natural heritage status. Near Kemmerer, Fossil Butte National Monument preserves a 50-million-year-old fossilized lake ecosystem; it is on the tentative list. Consider a detour to see the fossil fish at the visitor center.

• Fossil Butte: 10 miles west of Kemmerer on US-30; high-quality fossils of fish and plants.
• Note: The fossil quarry is closed to unauthorized collecting; guided tours available in summer.

Local Commerce and Culture: Small-town Wyoming charms along the way. In Buffalo, the Occidental Hotel (1880) offers a step back in time and serves excellent elk burgers. Greybull's Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting displays retired aircraft used for wildfire fighting. In Thermopolis, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center offers hands-on fossil lab tours. Kemmerer is the birthplace of J.C. Penney; visit the original store, now a museum. Local artisans sell turquoise jewelry and leather goods in roadside shops.

• Dining: Try bison tacos at the Range Rider Saloon in Buffalo; in Riverton, the 907 Cafe for homemade pie.
• Shopping: Antique stores in Greybull; the Cowgirl Yarn in Basin.

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality: Most of the route is paved two-lane highway with speed limits of 65-70 mph. I-90 is interstate quality; US-16 over the Bighorns is winding and narrow in sections. Watch for wildlife, especially deer and antelope at dawn/dusk. Gravel roads are present near ranch access roads. Roadside assistance is limited—membership in AAA or having a satellite phone is advisable. In winter, Wyoming DOT plows major routes but lesser roads may be icy. Cell service is absent in many valleys and mountain passes.

• Hot spots for accidents: Bighorn Mountain passes (snow/ice), US-20 near Thermopolis (sharp curves).
• Construction zones: Expect delays especially in summer; check WYDOT app.

Family and Child Suitability: The drive is family-friendly with numerous interactive stops. Kids love the wildlife in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (bison, prairie dogs). Devils Tower offers junior ranger programs. In Thermopolis, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center has a dig site where kids can uncover fossils. The free hot springs pools are a hit. Long stretches between towns can bore children; pack audiobooks or car games. Rest stops are basic; plan for picnic breaks. Baby-changing facilities are available at visitor centers but not at highway pullouts.

• Recommended stops for kids: Deer haven (feed deer) near Buffalo; the town of Kaycee with its Hoofprints of the Past museum.
• Safety: Use child car seats properly; bring snacks and water to avoid dehydration at altitude.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Many attractions allow pets on leashes. National parks require pets to be on a 6-ft leash and are not allowed on trails (except service animals). However, Devils Tower allows dogs on the paved trail. Hot Springs State Park permits dogs but not in the bathhouse. Most motels along the route are pet-friendly, with fees around $20-50. Note: Extreme summer heat and cold can be dangerous for pets; never leave them in the car. Carry collapsible bowls and extra water. In remote areas, watch for rattlesnakes and cactus when walking.

• Pet-friendly lodging: Super 8 by Wyndham Buffalo; Holiday Inn Express in Riverton.
• Veterinary clinics: Buffalo Veterinary Clinic; Thermopolis Animal Hospital.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones: With long, monotonous stretches, driver fatigue is a real risk. Wyoming has few official rest areas; most are simple pullouts with no facilities. Plan to stop every 2-3 hours. Good rest spots: I-90 rest area west of Moorcroft (lavatories, picnic tables); the Bighorn National Forest scenic overlooks; the rest area near Powder River. Caffeine, proper sleep, and sharing driving duties help. The high altitude (up to 9,000 ft) can cause dehydration and headache; drink plenty of water.

• Tips: Take a break at the Shell Creek Rest Area (US-20) southwest of Thermopolis; stretch legs on the short hiking trail.
• Audio: Download podcasts or music to stay alert. Avoid driving during peak drowsiness times (2-4 AM).

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Detour south of I-90 to visit the Spotted Horse Ranch (notable for its rodeo). Near Ten Sleep, the Paint Rock Canyon trail features ancient pictographs. In the Bighorn Basin, the ghost town of Kirwin (abandoned mining camp) requires a high-clearance vehicle but rewards with solitude. Southwest of Kemmerer, the Hams Fork River offers trout fishing along unmarked paths. For an eerie experience, the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site near Hyattville has 1,000-year-old rock art—a 30-mile detour.

• Access: Many require gravel roads; check conditions locally.
• Permits: No special permits needed for these spots; respect private property.

Culinary Infrastructure: Dining options are limited to small-town cafes, diners, and fast food. Expect classic American fare: steak, burgers, and Mexican dishes. Vegetarian options are sparse; plan ahead. Noteworthy: the Cowboy Cafe in Buffalo for homemade pies; the Wagon Wheel in Greybull for chicken fried steak; the Bull Moose in Thermopolis for bison burgers. Health-conscious travelers will find Subway or local markets with fresh produce in larger towns like Riverton. Fine dining is absent; pack snacks if you have dietary restrictions.

• Breakfast: The Branding Iron Cafe in Kaycee; the Hitching Post in Worland.
• Splurge: The Wyoming Room in Buffalo (reservations recommended).