We are planning a driving trip from Columbus Oh to the Black Hills, Yellowstone, Tetons, and
then back with this itinerary leaving September 23 and returning October 11. We just want to
sightsee. We aren’t campers or hikers.
3 days driving toward Rapid City with perhaps ending the third day with a drive through part of
the Badlands. About 22 hours driving.
3 days in the Black Hills area.
2 days driving to Gardner Wy. About 8 or so hours driving.
3 days in Yellowstone. We have reserved 3 nights at Yellowstone Lake Hotel.
3 days in the Tetons. We have reserved 3 nights at Signal Mt.
1 day driving to maybe Rawlins on mainly Rt 287. 1 day driving.
3 days driving back to Columbus Oh. On 80, 74, and 70. 24 hours driving.
The AAA recommends driving around Chicago to 90 and Google maps suggests driving on 70
and 74 to near Omaha and north on 29 to 90. It might be around 4 PM when we get to the
Chicago area. Any suggestions?
I would also like any suggestions as to the route from the Tetons on our return and the itinerary in
general.
Any general comments or recommendations on the sights, places to eat and stay and such also
appreciated.
BLACK HILLS, GRANT TETONS, AND YELLOWSTONE. CRITIQUE MY ITENEARY PLEASE
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I would suggest you go on I-90 from Chicago through Wisconsin and southern Minnesota. The speed limit on the interstate through Minnesota is 70. Much less traffic. 80 though Iowa can be unpleasant.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Chicago&1s=IL&2c=Rapid+City&2s=SD Check out mapquest.
Don't take the tri-state tollway through Chicago as the tolls are really expensive now.
It may be better to stay on I-80 until you reach I-39 in Illinois and then go north on I-39 to Rockford and check the map for picking up I-90. You may miss more of Chicago traffic going that way.
Try to do the Beartooth Parkway on your way into Yellowstone/Teton area. It may be closed by the time you are on your return (call before taking the Beartooth - it closed in Sept when we were there last.) Add a stop at Cody for the museum, then take East Gate, hwy 14, into Yellowstone. Will put you right at the Yellowstone Lake Hotel.
harvey
I agree with Bayougal
Try to go thru Cody. Wonderful museum of the west,fun downtown, nice drive. Have fun.!
Hi Harvey, your itinerary looks great!
We're also planning a smiliar trip Sept 20-Oct 5 driving from Toronto.
Once we arrive in Montana, we're spending 2 nights around Glacier NP, then heading to Jackson Hole, WY for 3 nights to see the GTNP, then 3 nights around Yellowstone, ending up in Cody, before making our way home.
Should be a beautiful time of year..have a wonderful trip!
Thanks so much for the suggestions. I plan to change our routing picking up 39 way around Chicago and then 90 on to the Black Hills area and on to Ranchester and then Cody. Then maybe we can check out the Beartooth Highway as a side trip while we are staying at Yellowstone. Any other suggestions on highlights appreciated.