Red Lodge to Devils Lake: A Complete Road Trip Guide

The route from Red Lodge, Montana to Devils Lake, North Dakota traverses nearly 650 miles of dramatic landscapes. A lesser-known fact: the route crosses the 100th meridian, the traditional divide between the humid East and arid West. This line is visible near Glendive, MT, where the terrain shifts from Rocky Mountain foothills to Great Plains grasslands.

Driving time is approximately 9-10 hours without stops. However, the journey offers rich history, from the coal mining towns of Montana to the glacial lakes of North Dakota. Use this guide to plan your how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Key highways include I-90 East, US-212 East, and US-281 North. Enjoy the solitude of the High Line – this is a road less traveled, with vast skies and minimal traffic.

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel stations are abundant in Billings, Miles City, and Glendive, but become sparse beyond Watford City, ND. Plan to fill up in Glendive before entering North Dakota. Gas prices in Montana are typically cheaper than in North Dakota by $0.10-0.20 per gallon.

• Average fuel cost for the trip: $80-100 (mid-size SUV).
• Recommended stops: Billings (multiple stations), Miles City (town center), Glendive (I-94 exit), Dickinson, ND (US-85).
• Diesel available at most truck stops.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The route passes near two UNESCO sites: the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in Billings? (No – but nearby is the Glacier National Park, though it's a detour). Actually, the closest is the Archaeological Site of the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Alberta, Canada, but that's far. However, the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, near Crow Agency, MT, is a National Historic Landmark. It's only 20 minutes off I-90 east of Red Lodge. This site commemorates the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn.

• Little Bighorn Battlefield: 45 min south of Red Lodge on I-90.
• No direct UNESCO site on the exact route, but the area is rich in history.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

The best times to drive are late spring (May-June) for wildflowers, and early fall (September-October) for golden prairie light. Summers are hot (90°F+), with frequent thunderstorms. Winters can be brutal: snow and ice are common, especially in eastern Montana and North Dakota. Check road conditions via MDT or NDDOT.

• Spring: Blooming prairie, but mud and possible closures on gravel roads.
• Summer: Clear skies, but high heat in the Badlands.
• Fall: Vibrant colors, especially at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
• Winter: Snow-covered plains; avoid if possible.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The journey showcases Montana's Beartooth Front, the Yellowstone River Valley, the badlands of eastern Montana, and the drift prairie of North Dakota. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP) is a highlight: the South Unit near Medora, ND offers painted canyons and bison herds. It's just off I-94.

• Beartooth Highway (US-212): Start your trip from Red Lodge by taking this scenic byway to Yellowstone National Park (if you have time).
• Pompeys Pillar National Monument: 30 mi east of Billings – a rock with Clark's signature.
• Makoshika State Park, near Glendive: Montana's largest state park, with dinosaur fossils and rugged badlands.
• Theodore Roosevelt NP: Must-see for wildlife and scenery.
• Devils Lake: A terminal lake, popular for fishing and birding.

Culinary Infrastructure

Dining options range from cowboy steakhouses to Native American fry bread. In Red Lodge, try the Red Lodge Pizza Company. In Billings, sample local craft beer at Montana Brewing Company. For a unique stop: the historic Bale of Hay Saloon in Terry, MT (halfway between Miles City and Glendive). In North Dakota, the Farmhouse Cafe in Valley City serves hearty prairie cuisine.

• Best stops Red Lodge to Devils Lake: Billings (Jake's Restaurant), Miles City (Lone Star Steakhouse), Medora (Boots Bar & Grill), Devils Lake (White Horse Hill restaurant).
• How long to drive Red Lodge to Devils Lake: 9-10 hours, so plan for a lunch and dinner stop.
• Is it worth driving Red Lodge to Devils Lake: Yes, for the diversity of landscapes and cultural landmarks.

Local Commerce & Culture

The region's economy is tied to energy (coal, oil), agriculture, and tourism. In Glendive, visit the Frontier Gateway Museum. In Dickinson, ND, the Ukrainian Cultural Institute showcases the area's immigrant heritage. Devils Lake's economy relies on tourism (fishing) and the Spirit Lake Nation.

• Things to do between Red Lodge and Devils Lake: Visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield, explore Makoshika, hike in TRNP, fish at Devils Lake.
• Hidden off-route spots: Fort Buford State Historic Site (near Williston, ND) – a 19th-century fort.
• Local events: Medora Musical (summer outdoor show), Norsk Høstfest (Scandinavian festival in Minot, ND).

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Interstates (I-90, I-94) are well-maintained, but US-212 and US-85 are two-lane highways with occasional rough patches. Watch for wildlife (deer, antelope, bison) especially at dawn/dusk. In ND, roads can be straight and monotonous, leading to drowsy driving.

• Cell service: Spotty between major towns; download offline maps.
• Emergency services: limited in remote areas; carry a first aid kit and extra water.
• Road conditions: call 511 or visit mdt511.gov / nddot.gov.

Family and Child Suitability

The route offers numerous kid-friendly stops. The Little Bighorn Battlefield has an interactive museum. Makoshika has a dinosaur trail. TRNP offers Junior Ranger programs. Devils Lake has fishing charters suitable for children.

• Best stops for families: Billings ZooMontana, Glendive's Prehistoric Gardens, Medora's Wild West show.
• Travel tips: pack snacks, audiobooks, and plan for restroom breaks every 2 hours.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most national parks (TRNP) allow leashed pets on trails, but not on backcountry paths. Many motels in Billings, Glendive, and Devils Lake are pet-friendly (e.g., La Quinta, Motel 6). Rest areas have designated pet exercise areas.

• Pet-friendly stops: Pompeys Pillar (on leash), Makoshika (on leash), TRNP (on roads and picnic areas).
• Hydrate your pet frequently, especially in summer.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

With long stretches of monotonous driving, plan breaks every 2 hours. Rest areas are located at major exits on I-94: near Miles City, Glendive, Beach, ND, and beyond. Also consider stops at scenic overlooks (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt NP Painted Canyon).

• Recommended rest stops: Rest area just east of Billings (Pompeys Pillar exit), Glendive rest area (has picnic tables), and the Painted Canyon Visitor Center in TRNP.
• For overnight stays: Consider lodging in Miles City, Glendive, Medora, or Dickinson.