Scenic Road Trip from Minneapolis, MN to Seaside, OR with Must-See Stops

Day 1: Minneapolis to Sioux Falls

Minneapolis, MN to Sioux Falls, SD on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Al's Breakfast

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this iconic Minneapolis diner, famous for its omelets and friendly atmosphere.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Depart Minneapolis

Start the road trip with a 4.5-hour drive west to Sioux Falls, SD, passing through scenic Minnesota landscapes.
USD0, 4h30m

2:00pm

Explore Falls Park

Visit the beautiful waterfalls in downtown Sioux Falls, featuring walking trails and panoramic views.
USD0, 1h

3:30pm

Lunch at Queen City Bakery

Grab a delicious sandwich or salad at this popular local eatery open until 5pm.
USD20, 1h

5:00pm

Visit the Old Courthouse Museum

Explore local history in this charming museum, open until 7pm.
USD5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Parker's Bistro

Enjoy upscale American cuisine with local ingredients before relaxing for the night.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 2: Sioux Falls to Badlands

Sioux Falls, SD to Badlands National Park, SD on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Queen City Bakery

Fuel up with excellent coffee and pastries before a day of exploring.
USD12, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive to Badlands National Park

Drive approx. 4 hours to breathtaking Badlands National Park, arriving midday.
USD0, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch picnic at Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Stop for lunch at the visitor center picnic area after picking up park maps and tips.
USD15, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Badlands Loop Road

Drive the scenic 31-mile loop with stops at overlooks and short hikes like Notch Trail.
USD30 park entrance fee, 3h

5:00pm

Check in Rapid City hotel

Drive 1 hour to Rapid City and check into hotel for overnight stay.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Delmonico Grill

Enjoy a fine dining experience with steak and local wine in Rapid City.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 3: Rapid City and Surrounds

Rapid City, SD on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Enjoy a craft coffee and breakfast in a cool historic firehouse setting.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Explore the iconic carved monument and learn about its history. Open 8am-10pm.
USD10 parking, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Alpine Inn

Enjoy hearty German-American fare in nearby Hill City.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Crazy Horse Memorial

Visit the ongoing massive mountain carving and museum about Native American history.
USD12, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Rapid City; relax or stroll downtown

Explore public art and shops in downtown Rapid City before dinner.
USD0, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Tally's Silver Spoon

Savor farm-to-table dishes focusing on regional ingredients in a casual setting.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 4: Rapid City to Billings

Rapid City, SD to Billings, MT on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Quick and hearty breakfast to start the day of driving.
USD12, 0.75h

8:30am

Drive to Billings, MT

Journey approx. 5 hours north across the scenic plains of South Dakota and Montana.
USD0, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Montana Brewing Co.

Relax with burgers and local brews in downtown Billings.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Pictograph Cave State Park

See ancient Native American rock art in this state park open until dusk.
USD6, 2h

5:30pm

Check into hotel and relax

Prepare for the next day of driving with a rest.
USD0, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at JB's Italian Villa

Enjoy classic Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 5: Billings to Missoula

Billings, MT to Missoula, MT on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Egg

Popular local spot for American breakfast classics.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Missoula, MT

Approximately 3-hour scenic drive west through Montana’s mountainous terrain.
USD0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Good Food Store

Enjoy fresh sandwiches and organic fare in Missoula’s charming downtown.
USD18, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

Explore hiking trails surrounded by forest and mountain views. Access is free.
USD0, 2.5h

4:30pm

Relax at hotel or take a stroll downtown

Missoula offers vibrant arts and local shops worth exploring.
USD0, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ

Savor Montana-style barbeque with excellent local sides.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 6: Missoula to Spokane

Missoula, MT to Spokane, WA on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Catalyst Café

Enjoy eclectic breakfast options in a lively setting.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Spokane, WA

3-hour drive heading west into Washington State.
USD0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Wild Sage American Bistro

Upscale lunch featuring fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Riverfront Park

Explore Spokane’s iconic park with the Spokane Falls and enjoyable walking paths. Open year-round.
USD0, 2h

4:00pm

Explore downtown Spokane shops and art

Take time to browse boutique shops and public murals in downtown Spokane.
USD0, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Italia Trattoria

Finish the day with delicious Italian cuisine and wine.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 7: Spokane to Portland

Spokane, WA to Portland, OR on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Chaps Coffee

Quick but quality coffee and breakfast sandwich before a long drive.
USD10, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive to Portland, OR

About 5.5-hour scenic drive through Eastern Washington and Columbia River Gorge area.
USD0, 5h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pine Street Market

Explore diverse food vendors at this indoor food hall downtown Portland.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Powell's City of Books

Wander the world's largest independent bookstore, open until 11pm.
USD0, 1.5h

4:30pm

Relax at Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Take a leisurely stroll along the Willamette River and enjoy views of the city skyline.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pok Pok

Sample acclaimed Northern Thai cuisine in a casual ambiance. Reservations recommended.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 8: Portland to Seaside

Portland, OR to Seaside, OR on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Star Donuts

Delicious gourmet donuts and coffee to fuel the short drive to the coast.
USD10, 0.5h

8:00am

Drive to Seaside, OR

Approximate 1.5-hour scenic drive west to the Oregon coast town of Seaside.
USD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Seaside Promenade and Beach

Enjoy walking along the oceanfront promenade and sandy beaches.
USD0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Norma's Seafood & Steak

Fresh seafood with views of the Pacific Ocean, open daily from 11am.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Seaside Aquarium

Experience marine life close-up in one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast, open until 4pm.
USD8, 1h

3:30pm

Walk or bike Tillamook Head Trail

Enjoy coastal forest views and ocean panoramas. This moderate trail is approx 4 miles roundtrip.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Crabby Oyster

Casual spot for excellent seafood and happy hour specials.
USD35, 1.5h
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