01 Feb 2025Updated last time

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Road Trip From Minnesota To Yellowstone Itinerary

Minnesota to Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on an epic road trip from the urban landscapes of Minneapolis, MN, to the wild, natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park, WY. Start your journey in Minneapolis, enjoying the contemporary arts scene and sprawling malls. As you venture further, visit Sioux Falls, SD, to witness the majestic waterfalls and enjoy the serene parks.

Next, explore the surreal Badlands National Park, where the stark beauty of eroded buttes and pinnacles will captivate you. Don't miss the iconic Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four US presidents are etched into history. A stop at the mysterious Devils Tower in WY will reward you with its awe-inspiring geologic formation, beckoning climbers and curious sightseers alike.

Before you reach your final destination, stop at Cody, WY, the Rodeo Capital of the World, for a taste of the Wild West. Finally, Yellowstone National Park awaits with its geysers, wildlife, and rugged landscapes. Here, adventure and discovery are endless, from the steaming geothermal vents to the thunderous waterfalls and vast wilderness roaming with bison and elk.

Recommended Explorations

1
Minneapolis, MN
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Minneapolis offers a vibrant arts scene, beautiful parks, and a bustling economy. It's known for the famous Mall of America, its cultural landmarks like the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
2
Sioux Falls, SD
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Sioux Falls is known for its stunning waterfalls at Falls Park. The park is a central feature in the city and a place for outdoor activities, and the city itself offers a charming downtown with unique shops and restaurants.
3
Badlands National Park, SD
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Badlands National Park is famous for its dramatic landscapes, rugged beauty, and unique geological formations. It's a great destination for hiking, fossil hunting, and stargazing within its vast prairies.
4
Mount Rushmore, SD
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Mount Rushmore is an iconic national monument that features the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into granite. It symbolizes the nation's history and democracy and is set within the Black Hills region which offers beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation.
5
Devils Tower, WY
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Devils Tower is a striking geologic feature that rises dramatically above the rolling plains. It is a sacred site to many Northern Plains Tribes and offers unique climbing opportunities, as well as trails that provide close-up views and photography chances.
6
Cody, WY
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Cody, known as the 'Rodeo Capital of the World,' boasts a deep connection to Wild West history. Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West for insights into the American West, and enjoy authentic rodeo experiences, western parades, and access to nearby outdoor adventures.
7
Yellowstone National Park, WY
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Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the world and is an unparalleled natural wonder. It features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. It's also home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope.

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Stay Recommendations

The W Foshay
The W Foshay
This historic skyscraper in Minneapolis blends Art Deco elegance with modern luxury, providing a memorable stay in the heart of downtown.
Hotel Alex Johnson
Hotel Alex Johnson
Located in Rapid City, SD, and close to Mount Rushmore, this hotel is steeped in Native American tradition and 1930s artistry, and is rumored to be haunted.
The Corn Palace Hotel
The Corn Palace Hotel
Adjacent to the world-renowned Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD, this hotel offers quirky and colorful rooms inspired by the earthen art deco structure.
The Irma Hotel
The Irma Hotel
Opened by Buffalo Bill in Cody, WY, this historic hotel offers an authentic Old West experience complete with rustic furnishings and wild game cuisine.
Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
These cabins in West Yellowstone, MT, offer a cozy and unique retreat with all the modern comforts just a stone's throw from the national park entrance.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins
Stay inside Yellowstone National Park at this historical hotel, which offers access to the beautiful Mammoth Hot Springs and comfortable, family-friendly accommodations.