Sheridan WY to Minot ND Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

Did you know that the stretch of I-94 between Glendive, MT and Beach, ND was originally part of the Fort Keogh to Fort Abraham Lincoln military road, and that General George Custer once trod this path in 1876? This 472-mile route from Sheridan, WY to Minot, ND crosses the Missouri River Basin and passes within 20 miles of the Little Bighorn Battlefield.

Driving time is approximately 7 hours without stops, but to truly experience best stops Sheridan, WY to Minot, ND, plan for 8-10 hours. The answer to how long to drive Sheridan, WY to Minot, ND depends on how many detours you take. And is it worth driving Sheridan, WY to Minot, ND? Absolutely — for the vast skies, badlands, and river valleys. For more on finding hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Key highway segments: Start on I-90 E (briefly) then US-14 E/US-16 E to US-14 E, then I-94 E from Billings to Dickinson, then US-85 N to Minot. Coordinates: Sheridan (44.7972° N, 106.9562° W) to Minot (48.2325° N, 101.2963° W).

Road safety: I-94 has wide shoulders and rumble strips. However, deer and antelope are common at dusk. In winter, black ice is frequent, especially on US-85. The route crosses the High Plains, where sudden hailstorms occur in spring.

• Family suitability: Kid-friendly stops include ZooMontana (Billings), the Children's Museum of the Northern Plains (Minot), and the Dakota Territory Air Museum (Minot).
• Pet-friendly: Most hotels along the route allow pets; designated rest areas with dog runs every 30-50 miles.

Fatigue management: Break at the I-94 rest areas at mile markers 195 (east of Billings) and 249 (near Hysham). The Dickinson Visitor Center offers a quiet lounge. For a longer break, hike the Caprock Coulee Trail in Theodore Roosevelt NP (1.5 miles).

Sheridan is at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains. As you head east, the terrain flattens into the Powder River Basin, then transitions to the badlands near Medora, ND. The Little Missouri River carves stunning buttes and canyons.

• Natural attractions: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (MT), Painted Canyon (ND), Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit, near Medora).
• UNESCO sites: None directly on route, but the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (AB) is a day-trip from Minot. Within the region, the Fort Union Trading Post is a National Historic Site.

Local commerce: In Sheridan, stop at the King's Saddlery for handcrafted leather. In Glendive, the Makoshika State Park visitor center sells local art. Medora offers the Medora Musical and Pitchfork Fondue. Minot's Scandinavian Heritage Park highlights Nordic culture.

Fuel stations are sparse between Miles City and Glendive, MT — about 60 miles apart. Carry extra water and snacks. Cell service is intermittent, especially in the badlands east of Billings. Download offline maps.

• Petrol costs: Average $3.50/gal in WY, $3.60 in MT, $3.45 in ND (as of 2025). Total fuel cost ~$65-75 for a sedan.
• Road quality: I-94 is in excellent condition; US-85 in ND is good but two-lane with some construction. Watch for livestock crossings.