Riverton to Havre Road Trip Guide: Scenic Montana Drive

Driving from Riverton, Wyoming to Havre, Montana is a 370-mile journey along U.S. Route 287 and U.S. Route 87, crossing the Bighorn Basin, the Bighorn Mountains, and the vast prairie of central Montana. The route takes roughly 6 hours and 15 minutes of pure driving, but plan for at least 8 hours to savor the sights and breaks.

The landscape shifts dramatically: from the sagebrush steppe of Wyoming's Wind River Country to the pine-clad slopes of the Bighorn National Forest, and finally to the golden wheat fields of Montana's Golden Triangle. This drive is a lesson in the diversity of the Northern Rockies and Great Plains.

The route passes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (though not a UNESCO site, it's a natural wonder) and the nearby Medicine Wheel in the Bighorn National Forest, which is a Native American sacred site. Actually, the only true UNESCO site on the route is Yellowstone National Park to the west, but that's a detour. For this trip, the cultural highlight is the Plenty Coups State Park near Pryor, Montana, honoring the Crow chief.

Local commerce is defined by small ranching communities. In Thermopolis, you can visit the world's largest mineral hot springs, and in Buffalo, the Occidental Hotel offers a taste of western history. For a quick bite, look for cafés serving locally raised beef and huckleberry treats in Montana.

Weather on this route is extreme: summers are hot and dry (up to 95°F) with sudden thunderstorms; winters are cold and snowy (down to -10°F) with occasional blizzards. Spring and fall are pleasant but windy. The route's aesthetics are vast and open, with the Bighorn Mountains offering a dramatic alpine relief.

For culinary infrastructure, expect classic diners, drive-ins, and a few family-owned steakhouses. Don't miss the Buffalo Bar in Buffalo, WY, for a burger, or the Montana Club in Hardin for a steak. For something quick, Subway and McDonald's are reliable in larger towns.

Most of the route follows two-lane highways with occasional passing lanes, but the segment from Buffalo to Hardin includes a well-maintained four-lane section (I-90). Speed limits are typically 70 mph on open roads, dropping to 30 mph through small towns. Watch for livestock on the open range, especially at dawn and dusk.

Fuel stations are sparse, especially between Thermopolis and Buffalo (approx. 90 miles) and between Hardin and Havre (approx. 120 miles). Fill up whenever you see a station in towns like Worland, Buffalo, Sheridan, and Hardin. Gas prices tend to be lower in Wyoming than in Montana.

• Most stations are open 24/7 along major corridors, but small-town stations may have limited hours on weekends.
• Cell coverage is spotty in mountain passes and remote prairie stretches; consider downloading offline maps.

The route is generally safe, but watch for deer and antelope, especially between Buffalo and Sheridan. Road quality is good with occasional potholes in spring. For families, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis and the Pictograph Cave State Park south of Billings offer educational breaks. For pets, most hotels are pet-friendly, but national forests require leashes.

Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2-3 hours. Top rest areas include a pull-off at the summit of Powder River Pass, the town park in Buffalo, or the visitor center in Hardin. For hidden off-route spots, consider a detour to the Devil's Tower (not on route but nearby) or the Bighorn Canyon's Crooked Creek area. For a truly unique experience, check out the Madison Buffalo Jump** near Bozeman (off route), but on route, the Shoshone River Canyon west of Cody is a quick side trip.

In towns, local commerce thrives on ranching and tourism. You'll find unique shops like the Wind River Distillery in Riverton and the Hi-Line Art Gallery in Havre. For insights on making the most of your stops, see our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.