Epic 10-Day Road Trip from Crown Point, Indiana to Yellowstone National Park

Day 1: Departure Day

Crown Point, Indiana on April 7, 2025

7:30AM

Departure from Crown Point

Start your adventure bright and early as you leave Crown Point, Indiana, and embark on your exciting road trip to Yellowstone National Park.
FREE, 30 minutes for preparation and check

8:00AM

Breakfast at Golden Nugget Pancake House

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Golden Nugget Pancake House where you can relish their renowned pancakes and freshly brewed coffee.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Chicago, IL

Enjoy a scenic drive to Chicago, indulging in views of Midwestern landscapes along Interstate 90.
FREE, 1.5 hours

Day 2: City Exploration

Chicago, Illinois on April 8, 2025

9:30AM

Visit Millennium Park

Explore Millennium Park where you can see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Giordano’s

Savor Chicago's iconic deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s, a perfect mid-day meal during your city exploration.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago

Immerse yourself in art and history at the Art Institute of Chicago, featuring a vast collection from Impressionist to Modern art.
USD25, 2 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Madison, WI

Head to Madison, where you'll enjoy the diverse scenery of rural Wisconsin while driving on US-51.
FREE, 2.5 hours

Day 3: Capitol City Adventure

Madison, Wisconsin on April 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Marigold Kitchen

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Marigold Kitchen, known for their fresh, locally sourced menu items.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Wisconsin State Capitol

Join a guided tour of the stunning Wisconsin State Capitol building, renowned for its beautiful dome.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at The Old Fashioned

Enjoy traditional Wisconsin cuisine at The Old Fashioned, famous for its cheese curds and bratwurst.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Drive to Minneapolis, MN

Drive to Minneapolis while enjoying the view of the Midwest countryside.
FREE, 3 hours

Day 4: Twin Cities Tour

Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hell's Kitchen

Indulge in a unique breakfast at Hell's Kitchen, famous for its brunch menu and homemade specialty foods.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art

Explore the Minneapolis Institute of Art, featuring an impressive collection of over 90,000 artworks.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Aster Cafe

Relax by the river at Aster Cafe, which offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes made from local ingredients.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Walker Art Center

Visit the acclaimed Walker Art Center, known for its contemporary art and the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
USD15, 2 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Sioux Falls, SD

Set out for Sioux Falls while enjoying scenic views during your drive.
FREE, 4 hours

Day 5: Sioux Falls Escape

Sioux Falls, South Dakota on April 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Falls Overlook Café

Enjoy breakfast with a view at Falls Overlook Café, located near the beautiful Sioux Falls.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Falls Park

Explore Falls Park, home to the stunning cascades of the Big Sioux River and perfect for a morning stroll.
FREE, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Lunch at Marco's Pizza

Grab a quick bite at Marco's Pizza, known for its fresh ingredients and hearty pizza options.
USD15, 1 hour

11:30AM

Drive to Rapid City, SD

Head towards Rapid City, enjoying the flat plains of South Dakota.
FREE, 3 hours

Day 6: Gateway to the West

Rapid City, South Dakota on April 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tally's Silver Spoon

Start your day at Tally's Silver Spoon, celebrated for its homemade breakfast and cozy setting.
USD18, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Witness the iconic presidential sculptures at Mount Rushmore, an essential stop in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
USD10, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Red Chimney Bar-B-Que

Enjoy authentic barbecue at Red Chimney Bar-B-Que, famous for its mouthwatering ribs and brisket.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Drive to Badlands National Park

Drive towards Badlands National Park and take in the stunning rock formations and unique landscapes along the way.
FREE, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Badlands Adventure

Badlands National Park, South Dakota on April 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cedar Pass Lodge

Enjoy a wonderful breakfast at Cedar Pass Lodge with stunning views of Badlands National Park.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Badlands National Park

Spend the day exploring Badlands National Park's extraordinary landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife.
USD30, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Breakers Grill

Replenish your energy with a casual meal at Breakers Grill, known for sandwiches and local dishes.
USD18, 1 hour

3:00PM

Continue Exploring Badlands National Park

Finish your day by visiting several lookout points for breathtaking vistas of the park.
FREE, 2 hours

Day 8: Journey to Cody

Cody, Wyoming on April 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before hitting the road to Cody, Wyoming.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Cody, WY

Make your way to Cody, a town steeped in cowboy history and culture.
FREE, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Proud Cut Saloon

Savor classic American dishes and local favorites at The Proud Cut Saloon upon your arrival in Cody.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Explore the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, showcasing Western history, art, and culture.
USD20, 2 hours

Day 9: Yellowstone Arrival

Yellowstone National Park on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Irma Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the historic Irma Hotel, known for its classic Western charm.
USD18, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Make your way to Yellowstone National Park, where adventure awaits with its iconic geothermal features.
FREE, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Old Faithful

Visit the famous Old Faithful geyser, one of the park's most iconic attractions.
FREE, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge

Dine at Old Faithful Lodge for a scenic lunch overlooking the geyser area.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

Witness the breathtaking colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the park's most photographed features.
FREE, 1.5 hours

Day 10: Yellowstone Exploration

Yellowstone National Park on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Canyon Lodge

Start your day with breakfast at Canyon Lodge, where you can fuel up for a full day of exploration.
USD18, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Yellowstone Lake

Enjoy the panoramic views and unique ecosystems at Yellowstone Lake, one of the largest alpine lakes in North America.
FREE, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Lake Lodge Restaurant

Have a cozy lunch at Lake Lodge Restaurant, featuring regional cuisine with stunning lake views.
USD25, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Explore Hayden Valley

Drive through Hayden Valley for opportunities to spot bison, elk, and stunning landscapes.
FREE, 2 hours

2:30PM

Return to Camp

Spend the evening relaxing at your campsite or lodge enjoying the natural surroundings.
FREE, Rest of the Day