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Epic 7-Day Road Trip from Richmond, Kentucky to Montana

Viewed by 89 travelers

Day 1: Kentucky to Indiana

Richmond, Kentucky to Indianapolis, Indiana

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Times

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and excellent coffee at this locally loved Richmond spot before hitting the road.
$10, 1h

8:30AM

Drive from Richmond, KY to Indianapolis, IN

Head northwest for approximately 3 hours (180 miles) taking I-75 N and I-70 W.
Gas cost varies, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at Shapiro's Delicatessen, Indianapolis

Taste authentic Jewish deli favorites at this iconic Indianapolis institution, open from 11am–9pm.
$15, 1h

1:00PM

Explore Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields

Discover an impressive art collection and beautiful gardens at this museum open until 5pm. Ideal for a leisurely afternoon.
$18, 2h

3:30PM

Stroll through White River State Park

Enjoy relaxing walks along the river and visit local sculptures. The park is open until dusk and free to enter.
Free, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Bluebeard

Savor farm-to-table dining with a creative menu in a chic atmosphere, open until 10pm.
$40, 1.5h

8:00PM

Overnight stay in Indianapolis

Rest well at a downtown hotel to prepare for the next day's journey.
$100 - $150
Find Hotels in Richmond

Day 2: Indiana to Illinois

Indianapolis, Indiana to St. Louis, Missouri

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Patachou

Start your day with fresh, wholesome breakfast dishes popular with locals, serving from 7am.
$15, 1h

8:30AM

Drive from Indianapolis to St. Louis, MO

Drive approximately 4 hours (240 miles) west via I-70 through Illinois, enjoying scenic views and quick rest stops.
Gas cost varies, 4h

12:30PM

Lunch at Pappy’s Smokehouse

Delight in world-renowned Memphis-style barbecue ribs, open 11am–7pm daily.
$20, 1h

1:30PM

Visit the Gateway Arch National Park

Take a tram ride to the top of the Arch for panoramic views or explore the museum about westward expansion. Open until 6pm.
$15, 2h

4:00PM

Walk in Forest Park

Explore one of the largest urban parks in the US, free to visit, featuring gardens, lakes, and cultural institutions.
Free, 1.5h

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hill restaurant district - choose Charlie Gitto’s

Experience classic Italian cuisine in one of St. Louis's historic neighborhoods, open till 9pm.
$35, 1.5h

8:00PM

Overnight stay in St. Louis

Relax overnight in a centrally located hotel near downtown.
$100 - $150
Find Hotels in Indianapolis

Day 3: Missouri to Kansas

St. Louis, Missouri to Kansas City, Missouri

8:00AM

Breakfast at Half & Half

Enjoy a creative American breakfast at this trendy spot, opening at 7am.
$15, 1h

9:30AM

Drive to Kansas City, MO

A short 4-hour drive west (250 miles) along I-70 with opportunities for rest stops.
Gas cost varies, 4h

1:30PM

Lunch at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Try legendary Kansas City ribs and barbecue, open from 11am–7pm.
$20, 1h

2:45PM

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Visit this world-class art museum with free general admission, open until 5pm.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Walk at Country Club Plaza

Enjoy Spanish-inspired architecture and fountains while shopping or relaxing in this outdoor mall.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at The Westside Local

Feast on locally sourced dishes and craft beers in a cozy environment, open until 9pm.
$40, 1.5h

8:30PM

Overnight stay in Kansas City

Rest in a centrally located hotel.
$120 - $160
Find Hotels in St. Louis

Day 4: Kansas and Western Plains

Kansas City, Missouri to Hays, Kansas

7:30AM

Breakfast at Succotash

Enjoy a creative Southern-inspired breakfast starting at 7am.
$15, 1h

8:30AM

Drive from Kansas City to Hays, KS

Travel nearly 4 hours west (260 miles) on I-70, entering the scenic plains of Kansas.
Gas cost varies, 4h

12:30PM

Lunch at Main Street Bagel & Deli, Hays

Casual lunch offering tasty sandwiches and fresh bagels.
$10, 1h

1:30PM

Explore Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Featuring impressive fossil collections and exhibits on regional natural history. Open till 5pm.
$10, 1.5h

3:30PM

Drive to Fort Hays State Historic Site

Quick 10-minute drive to visit the historic 19th-century military post, open till 5pm.
$5, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at The Golden Q

Enjoy expertly smoked barbecue in Hays at this popular restaurant, open until 8pm.
$25, 1.5h

8:00PM

Overnight stay in Hays

Relax overnight at a local hotel.
$80 - $120
Find Hotels in Kansas City

Day 5: Kansas to South Dakota

Hays, Kansas to Rapid City, South Dakota

7:00AM

Breakfast at Jones Coffee Roasters

Grab excellent coffee and fresh pastries before setting off early.
$10, 1h

8:00AM

Drive Hays to Rapid City, SD

Longer drive of about 6.5 hours (420 miles) northwest on I-70 and I-90, crossing to South Dakota's beautiful Black Hills.
Gas cost varies, 6.5h

2:30PM

Lunch Stop: Buffet at Rapid City

Arrival lunch at one of Rapid City's popular buffet restaurants like City Range, open till 3pm.
$15, 1h

3:30PM

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Drive 30 mins from Rapid City to see the iconic granite Presidential faces, open until sunset (varies seasonally).
$10 parking, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner in Rapid City at Tally’s Silver Spoon

Fine dining with locally inspired cuisine, open till 9pm.
$40, 1.5h

8:00PM

Overnight stay in Rapid City

Stay overnight centrally to rest for the next leg.
$100 - $140
Find Hotels in Hays

Day 6: Explore South Dakota

Rapid City and Black Hills, South Dakota

7:30AM

Breakfast at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Local favorite serving hearty breakfasts starting at 7am.
$15, 1h

8:30AM

Custer State Park Wildlife Loop

Spend the morning driving this scenic 18-mile loop renowned for bison herds, scenic lakes, and vistas. Park open 24 hours, visitor center opens 8am.
$20 vehicle entry, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch in Custer at Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.

Delicious casual spot for gourmet burgers, open till 2pm weekdays.
$15, 1h

1:00PM

Explore Crazy Horse Memorial

Visit the ongoing monumental mountain carving dedicated to the Lakota leader, open 8am–6pm.
$12 admission, 2h

3:30PM

Return to Rapid City and stroll historic downtown

Enjoy local shops, art galleries, and cafes. Great for an afternoon break.
Free, 1.5h

6:00PM

Dinner at Murphy's Pub & Grill

Irish-inspired pub food with live music on weekends, open till 10pm.
$35, 1.5h

8:00PM

Overnight in Rapid City

Replenish energy for tomorrow's final day.
$100 - $140
Find Hotels in Rapid City and Black Hills

Day 7: Montana Arrival

Rapid City, South Dakota to Billings, Montana

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Crooked Pint Ale House

Fuel up for the drive with a popular breakfast menu open from 7am.
$15, 1h

8:00AM

Drive from Rapid City, SD to Billings, MT

Final leg: approx. 5 hours (320 miles) west via I-90, crossing into Montana with scenic prairie and mountain views.
Gas cost varies, 5h

1:00PM

Lunch in Billings at Montana Brewing Company

Relax with delicious Montana-inspired food and craft beer, open 11am–9pm.
$20, 1h

2:00PM

Explore downtown Billings

Visit shops, galleries, and the Yellowstone Art Museum, open till 5pm.
$10, 2h

5:00PM

Dinner at TheBurger Dive

Close your trip with a casual but delicious gourmet burger and local craft beers, open till 10pm.
$25, 1.5h

7:00PM

Check-in to Billings hotel

Rest and savor having completed your scenic drive from Richmond, Kentucky to Montana.
$120 - $170
Find Hotels in Rapid City
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