YELLOWSTONE TO RUSHMORE

Big-sky views and big-time exploration await on an epic 10-day road trip featuring some of America’s best national treasures, and some hidden gems, too. From Yellowstone National Park to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the road is wide open.

1 WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA + YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Explore the western portion of the park including Old Faithful geyser and Yellowstone Falls. Be prepared for wildlife traffic jams and unbelievable views. Spend the night in West Yellowstone, Montana, where visitors enjoy ranger-led programs and activities throughout the summer.

2 BIG SKY, MONTANA

In the warmer months, this world-class ski town is the perfect spot to live the mountain life. Hike to Ousel Falls or ride the ski lifts for endless views. Visit breweries, restaurants, and the Music in the Mountains summer concert series.

3 BOZEMAN, MONTANA

Take the Lone Mountain Scenic Trail from Big Sky to Bozeman, Montana, a hip college town. Visit the Museum of the Rockies with the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in North America, a planetarium and more, and also explore shops, restaurants, breweries and distilleries.

4 LIVINGSTON, MONTANA

Fly-fish the Yellowstone River (with or without a guide) and take in the iconic sights and sounds of Big Sky Country. Relax in nearby natural hot springs, stroll the mountains and river valleys or explore Livingston’s historic downtown.

5 GARDINER, MONTANA + YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Rise and shine! Dawn is the best time to see wildlife in the Lamar Valley. Spend the afternoon exploring Mammoth Hot Springs and grab dinner in Gardiner. Visit the shops and restaurants in town or head back into the park to watch the sun set over the geyser basins.

Travel Tips

 Campgrounds fill up early! Book in advance.

 Purchase a National Park Pass.

 Cell service can be spotty, so plan ahead.

6 COOKE CITY-SILVER GATE, MONTANA + BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY

+ RED LODGE, MONTANA

From the tiny outpost of Cooke City-Silver Gate, grab a famous bearclaw at the local bakery before heading north on one of the most beautiful roads in America. Make your way to the charming town of Red Lodge, Montana, via the scenic Beartooth Highway and enjoy the road trip of a lifetime.

7 BILLINGS, MONTANA

Spend a day exploring downtown Billings, with multiple dining options, Old West charm and Montana’s only walkable brew trail.

8 LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD + BIGHORN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Get a lesson in the history of the Battle of the Little Bighorn (Custer’s Last Stand) and spend the afternoon on the water at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

9 BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK + DEADWOOD, SOUTH DAKOTA

Travel east toward the spectacular Badlands National Park, where stunning rock formations await. Then, relive the Old West in Deadwood, South Dakota, a National Historic Site with tours and reenactments of the Wild West.

10 MOUNT RUSHMORE + CRAZY HORSE + CUSTER STATE PARK + WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK

End your trip in the Black Hills of South Dakota at Mount Rushmore. Next, travel south to Crazy Horse Memorial. Then, head toward Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park.

Start discovering now. Get your FREE Travel Packet by calling 1.800.736.5276 or going to VisitYellowstoneCountry.com

Trip Planning Resources

Travel Tips

1. While most places happily accept a variety of payment methods, it is wise to travel with some cash when visiting small towns or Indian reservations.

2. You may experience spotty cell phone service between destinations; take it as an opportunity to unplug and be more present.

3. Drive safely and watch out for wildlife crossings on the road—day and night.

MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

For a map of weather, current road conditions, alerts, closures and incidents, please visit 511MT.net

Travel Alerts

To stay informed about the latest travel updates in Montana on issues relating to weather, fire and Covid-19, please visit VisitMT.com/Plan-Your-Trip/Travel-Alerts

Recreate Responsibly

4. Be aware of your surroundings; in the warmer months rattlesnakes and other animals may be sharing your hiking trails.

5. Weather is fickle in Montana—especially in spring and fall. Be prepared with clothing layers and check with Montana Department of Transportation for current road conditions and closures before traveling.

6. Use a map, GPS or mapping system like onX to know where you are so that you can respect private property, including on reservations.

Have questions and want to talk to a real person? Just call 800.346.1876 to chat.

We encourage everyone to Recreate Responsibly by keeping yourself, others and outdoor places safe; accessing outdoor benefits essential to the human experience; and building an outdoors for all through justice, diversity and inclusion. To learn more about Recreate Responsibly guidelines, visit SoutheastMontana.com/Recreate-Responsibly.

Visiting Tribal Nations

 Expect event start times in Indian Country to be approximate; time in Native American cultures is more fluid than Western culture.

 While watching powwows or other traditional events, feel free to take photos but recognize the times when it is considered inappropriate to do so. When in doubt, ask.

 Support the tribes by purchasing Native American-made arts and crafts and eating with local food vendors.

 While out and about, if you discover any artifacts, please leave all such cultural resources undisturbed, just as you found them.

Be a respectful traveler and learn more about traveling to Tribal Nations in Montana at visitmt.com/indian-country

Visitor

Places To Stay

Montana State Parks

MontanaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com

Federal Campgrounds Recreation.gov

Lodging

SoutheastMontana.com/Places-to-Stay