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Scenic Road Trip from Junction City to Bandon via Yellowstone National Park with Budget Stays

Viewed by 74 travelers

Day 1: Drive & Stop Rapid City

Junction City, KS to Rapid City, SD on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Depart Junction City

Start your road trip early morning to make good time towards South Dakota, aiming to arrive in Rapid City by evening.
USD0, 8h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Sunrise Family Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty American breakfast to fuel your drive. They open at 6:00am and offer a variety of classic breakfast options.
USD15, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Rapid City

Stay at Hotel Rapid City by Magnuson Hotels, rates generally under $150 per night with comfortable amenities.
USD140, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Tally's Silver Spoon

Well-known for innovative American dishes made with fresh local ingredients, open until 9:00pm.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 2: Rapid City to Cody

Rapid City, SD to Cody, WY on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Good breakfast options plus local coffee to start your day, open from 7:00am.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Cody

Scenic 4-5 hour drive towards Cody, WY entering the Yellowstone region tomorrow.
USD0, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Cody Cattle Company

Western ambiance with hearty BBQ meals, prepares you for your upcoming Yellowstone adventure.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Buffalo Bill Center of the West

This complex of museums showcases Western art, history, and native culture, open 8:00am - 6:00pm.
USD18, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at Cody Hotel

Book at the Irma Hotel or equivalent budget hotel under $180, historic and comfortable.
USD175, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Olive Glenn

Offers casual dining with western flair and locally sourced ingredients, open until 9:00pm.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 3: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone NP, WY on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading into Yellowstone for a full day of exploration.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Enter Yellowstone National Park

Drive from Cody into Yellowstone via East Entrance; park opens 24 hours, allow all day to explore geothermal features.
USD35 per vehicle, All day

9:00am

Visit Old Faithful Geyser

Watch the famous geyser spout steam and water. Boardwalks and visitor center open from early morning.
Included, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Historic lodge with rustic charm, serving classic American dishes until 2pm.
USD25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin

Stroll the boardwalks to see the vibrant spring and other geothermal features.
Included, 2h0m

3:30pm

Head to West Yellowstone

Drive towards West Yellowstone for overnight, about 1-2 hours from Old Faithful.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Check-in Hotel in West Yellowstone

Options like the Gray Wolf Inn & Suites offer rooms within $150-$180 per night.
USD170, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon

Casual atmosphere and open late, serves pizza and local brews, perfect after a day of hiking.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 4: West Yellowstone to Missoula

West Yellowstone, MT to Missoula, MT on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Madison River Brewing Company

Great breakfast options with local craft beers, open from 7:00am.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Missoula

Scenic 3-hour drive northwest to Missoula, enjoy mountain and river views along the way.
USD0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Catalyst Cafe

Popular cafe serving fresh and healthy lunch options in downtown Missoula.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Learn about elk conservation and wildlife with exhibits and trails, open 9am-5pm.
USD15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at Holiday Inn Missoula

Affordable and comfortable stay under $180 per night with good amenities.
USD160, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at The Pearl Cafe

Serves creative Northwestern cuisine with a great selection of wines, opens until 9pm.
USD35, 1h0m
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Day 5: Missoula to Bend

Missoula, MT to Bend, OR on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Catalyst Cafe

Enjoy a repeat stop at this popular spot before the longer day ahead.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Bend

Longer 6-hour drive southwest to Bend, OR, enjoying Oregon's mountain and river scenery.
USD0, 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch en route (packed or local cafe)

Stop for a quick lunch break at a local cafe or picnic to keep on time.
USD15, 0h45m

5:00pm

Check-in at Bend Hotel

Book at the Oxford Hotel or similar budget boutique hotel under $180 per night.
USD175, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Deschutes Brewery

Famous brewery offering hearty fare and craft beers, open until 10pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Final Leg Bend to Bandon

Bend, OR to Bandon, OR on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at McKay Cottage Restaurant

Charming spot with classic breakfast fare, very popular locally and opens at 7:00am.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Bandon

Scenic 3.5-hour drive west toward the Oregon coast and Bandon.
USD0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tony's Crab Shack

Enjoy fresh seafood with views of the Coquille River, a local favorite in Bandon.
USD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Check-in at Bandon Inn

Comfortable stay under $180 with ocean views, ready to explore Bandon’s beaches and shops.
USD170, Overnight

5:00pm

Visit Bandon Beach and Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint

Explore iconic coastal scenery perfect for relaxing walks and photography.
USD0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lord Bennett’s Restaurant & Lounge

Wood-fired steaks and seafood with a cozy atmosphere, open until 9:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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