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15-Day Scenic Road Trip from Detroit to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks

Viewed by 734 travelers

Day 1: Departure and Travel

Detroit, USA on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Avalon International Breads

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast featuring fresh baked goods and coffee to fuel your long journey west.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Detroit to Chicago

Begin driving west on I-94 to Chicago, an approximately 5-hour drive that sets the pace for your cross-country adventure.
USD0, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Enjoy authentic Chicago deep dish pizza, perfect for a filling midday meal before continuing your journey.
USD25, 1h

3:30pm

Drive from Chicago to Sioux Falls

Resume your westward drive to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, around 8 hours away, with scenic views along the way.
USD0, 8h

11:30pm

Overnight stay in Sioux Falls

Rest up in Sioux Falls for a fresh start the next day, ready for the next leg of your trip.
USD100, 8h
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Day 2: Crossing to Yellowstone

Sioux Falls to Yellowstone National Park, USA on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Phillips Avenue Diner

Enjoy a classic American breakfast with large portions to energize your travel day.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive towards Yellowstone National Park

Prepare for a long 12-hour drive heading west through Wyoming, making stops at scenic rest areas.
USD0, 12h

8:00pm

Check-in at accommodation near Yellowstone

Stay overnight in towns such as West Yellowstone for easy park access the next day.
USD120, Overnight
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Day 3: Yellowstone Exploration

Yellowstone National Park, USA on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Running Bear Pancake House

Fuel up with pancakes and freshly brewed coffee close to the park entrance.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Visit Old Faithful Geyser

Witness the iconic geyser erupt, a must-see geothermal display occurring roughly every 90 minutes.
USD35 (Park entrance fee), 1h

10:00am

Explore the Upper Geyser Basin

Walk boardwalks among many geysers, hot springs and unique thermal features in one of the park’s largest geyser basins.
Included in park fee, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Dine in a historic lodge with rustic charm and views of the geyser area.
USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

Admire Yellowstone’s most colorful hot spring from the boardwalk and nearby overlook trail.
Included in park fee, 1h

3:00pm

Hike Fairy Falls Trail

Take a gentle 5-mile return hike to a lovely waterfall and views of the Grand Prismatic Spring from above.
Included in park fee, 2.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Yellowstone Lodge

Enjoy casual dining with American fare after a full day of exploring.
USD35, 1h
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Day 4: Yellowstone Scenic Drive

Yellowstone National Park, USA on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Canyon Village Eatery

Start your day with a quick and convenient breakfast in the park’s east side.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Visit Yellowstone Grand Canyon

Explore viewpoints like Artist Point to see the spectacular canyon and Lower Falls.
Included in park fee, 2h

11:00am

Wildlife watching at Hayden Valley

Look for bison, elk and possibly bears in this prime wildlife habitat often seen from park roads.
Included in park fee, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room

Enjoy elegant dining with lake views in a historic hotel setting.
USD35, 1h

2:30pm

Relax by Yellowstone Lake

Stroll along the shore or rent a kayak if open for peaceful water views surrounded by mountains.
USD40 for kayak rental (seasonal), 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Grand Teton National Park

Head south for about 1 hour to Grand Teton National Park for lodging near Jackson Hole.
USD35 (park entrance fee), 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Blue Lion

Enjoy a fine dining experience in Jackson with locally sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 5: Grand Teton Adventure

Grand Teton National Park, USA on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Persephone Bakery

Begin with artisanal pastries and excellent coffee in Jackson before heading into the park.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Hike Jenny Lake Loop

Enjoy a moderate 7.5-mile hike with stunning lake views, waterfalls and potential wildlife sightings.
Included in park fee, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Signal Mountain Lodge

Dine lakeside with great views of the Tetons to recharge after your morning hike.
USD30, 1h

2:30pm

Scenic Drive through Teton Park Road

Drive the 42-mile scenic loop for breathtaking mountain and valley views, stopping at overlooks like Oxbow Bend.
Included in park fee, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Mormon Row Historic District

Explore historic homesteads set against dramatic mountain backdrops, a favourite photography spot.
Included in park fee, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Choose from options in Jackson, such as Snake River Grill, for New American cuisine.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 6: Travel to Glacier Park

Grand Teton to Glacier National Park, USA on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Jackson Hole Roasting Company

Enjoy strong coffee and a light breakfast before your drive north to Glacier National Park.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Glacier National Park

Prepare for a scenic 7-hour drive heading northwest, entering Montana and approaching Glacier’s dramatic landscapes.
USD0, 7h

3:00pm

Check-in Glacier area lodging

Stay in a lodge or hotel near the west entrance for peak access to park activities the next day.
USD150, Overnight

5:00pm

Light walk at Lake McDonald

Stretch your legs with a peaceful lakeside walk along Lake McDonald, enjoying reflections of surrounding peaks.
Included in park fee, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Raven Grill

Dine with local ingredients and a warm atmosphere in West Glacier village.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 7: Glacier National Park Hiking

Glacier National Park, USA on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rising Sun Bakery

Fuel up with fresh baked goods and coffee before a day outdoors.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Hike Hidden Lake Overlook

Hike 3.2 miles round trip to a stunning overlook of Hidden Lake and possible mountain goat sightings.
Included in park fee, 3h

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Logan Pass

Pack a picnic from local shops to enjoy amid stunning alpine scenery at Logan Pass Visitor Centre.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road

Cruise the park’s iconic scenic drive, stopping at viewpoints such as Weeping Wall and St. Mary Lake.
Included in park fee, 3h

5:00pm

Visit St. Mary Visitor Center

Explore exhibits on park geology and wildlife at the east side visitor centre.
Included in park fee, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Belton Chalet

Historic chalet offering comfort food and mountain charm near the park’s west entrance.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 8: Glacier Scenic & Wildlife

Glacier National Park, USA on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Glacier Coffee House

Start the day with fresh coffee and hearty breakfast options in West Glacier.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Boat tour on Lake McDonald

Take a guided boat tour showcasing the park’s aquatic wildlife and stunning mountain reflections.
USD40, 1.5h

10:30am

Explore Apgar Village

Browse local shops, ranger talks and visitor centre exhibits in this west-side gateway town.
USD0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Eddie’s Café & Mercantile

Enjoy home-style meals featuring regional fresh ingredients.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Hike Trail of the Cedars

An easy boardwalk trail through ancient cedars and lush forest, perfect for a relaxing afternoon walk.
Included in park fee, 1h

3:00pm

Wildlife Viewing at Many Glacier Area

Drive north and watch for bears, deer and eagles in one of the park’s most beautiful valleys.
Included in park fee, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ptarmigan Dining Room

Fine dining inside Many Glacier Hotel often with views of the spectacular area.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 9: Return Journey Begins

Glacier National Park to Rapid City, USA on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Grab N Go Local Bakery

Grab fresh coffee and breakfast pastries for your early departure.
USD15, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive south towards Rapid City, South Dakota

Begin your long drive eastward, covering approximately 8-9 hours with stops along the way.
USD0, 8h

4:00pm

Check-in at Rapid City hotel

Rest for the night in a comfortable hotel to prepare for the onward journey.
USD100, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Tally’s Silver Spoon

Enjoy creative American cuisine in a casual yet stylish setting in Rapid City.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 10: Drive to Minneapolis

Rapid City to Minneapolis, USA on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Start with a fresh brewed coffee and a wholesome breakfast in Rapid City.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Long drive to Minneapolis

A roughly 9-hour drive east covering varied Midwestern landscapes.
USD0, 9h

5:00pm

Check-in at Minneapolis hotel

Rest overnight in Minneapolis city centre.
USD130, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at The Bachelor Farmer

Enjoy Nordic-inspired farm-to-table dining reflecting Minnesota’s culinary heritage.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 11: Minneapolis Sightseeing

Minneapolis, USA on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at French Meadow Cafe

Enjoy fresh organic and gluten-free options to start your day right.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Minnehaha Falls Park

Explore 53-acre park featuring a stunning 53-foot waterfall within city limits.
USD0, 1.5h

11:30am

Walk around the Chain of Lakes

Leisurely stroll or bike ride around lakes Harriet, Calhoun and Lake of the Isles.
USD0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Sea Change

Fresh seafood dishes with a casual yet elegant atmosphere near the lakes.
USD30, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Minneapolis Institute of Art

Free entry to a vast art collection spanning 5,000 years of history.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Spoon and Stable

Savour inventive American cuisine by a James Beard Award-winning chef.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 12: Return to Detroit

Minneapolis to Detroit, USA on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Uncle Hugo’s

Grab a quick breakfast at this charming local spot before departing.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive back to Detroit

A roughly 8-hour drive to return home after your memorable 15-day trip.
USD0, 8h

4:00pm

Arrive back in Detroit

End of trip. Relax and reflect on your adventure through America’s iconic national parks.
USD0, Rest
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