Route Planning For Trip to Montana

[truck driver]

I've been going over google maps and my old road atlas to plan my route of travel for my trip to MT.
I want to drive no more then 12hrs a day which will be about 780mi per leg of the trip.
I'll be using all interstate hi ways, I-80, I-29 and I-90 for most of the trip.
The first leg may be the hardest since it will stretch my hourly driving limit a little but don't want to stay in Illinois around Chicago area will make Davenport IA my first layover.
Form there I plan to travel west on I-80 to I-29 into Rapid City SD. That will hook me up with I-90 and the last leg of my trip to Alder MT.
These layovers could change along the way due to fatigue or what ever else may get in the way. I might layover in Boseman MT before the final run to UPCO Outfitters.
Everything will need to go off as planned for the layover points to work naturally but I don't foresee any problems.

 

[Dr. Vette]

Where are you starting from?

Staying south of Chicago along the highway area isn't bad at all. Just don't go north as it gets a lot busier.

If you don't mind average motels, think about staying in Wall, SD instead of Rapid City. I have done this often, and taking an hour to then go through the Badlands at sunrise is incredible. You've gained 2 hours due to time changes so getting up early isn't a big deal. Breakfast at Wall Drug and then drive on.

 

[truck driver]

Where are you starting from?

Staying south of Chicago along the highway area isn't bad at all. Just don't go north as it gets a lot busier.

If you don't mind average motels, think about staying in Wall, SD instead of Rapid City. I have done this often, and taking an hour to then go through the Badlands at sunrise is incredible. You've gained 2 hours due to time changes so getting up early isn't a big deal. Breakfast at Wall Drug and then drive on.

Starting out from MD and will run I-80 across Ohio going just south of Chicago into Davenport IA.
Thought about running I-70 across but that is way too far south and will add too many miles to the trip.
I'll keep Wall in mind I do plan on trying to keep motel expenses under $100 a night if I can. I see lots of deals for for under $100 at some Top name motels.

 

[Dr. Vette]

I use Trip Advisor to find - and sometimes book - hotels. Also try ABNSave.com for hotel discounts. You don't actually have to sign up to be a member, and since their is no login membership is useless.

At this time of year rates are usually low because it's not tourist season.
Wall hotels are $65-70 right now.

Badlands in October photos attached below.

Also, don't forget Little Bighorn (Custer's Last Stand) just into Montana on your way through. It's worth a short stop as well.

If you take 212 from Spearfish, SD to Garryowen, MT note that there are essentially no gas stations once you turn left onto 212 north of Spearfish. Fill up before making that trek, and at Garryowen you'll end up right at Little Bighorn.

 

[cloverleaf]

OOPs- I-80 will get you to I-29 which will take you north to I-90 at Sioux falls. West from there will take you to Rapid and then north and west into MT. Hwy 212 is lonesome country West of the Missouri river, but if you are prepared, and like that kind of thing I like it too.

Where can you pick up I-94?

I guess the map will tell you the answers. Just be careful, you get into SD and you may not want to leave....Especially on your way home.... but then I am biased. +1 on the Badlands- Spearfish Canyon can be a pretty drive also. Custer state park is nice after the tourists are gone... can see some great game animals. Al's Oasis is a good "tourist trap" (Chamberlain SD) that used to serve a good breakfast. CL