Scenic Road Trip from Bozeman, Montana to Madison, Wisconsin

Day 1: Bozeman to Rapid City

Bozeman, Montana to Rapid City, South Dakota on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jam! in Bozeman

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with fresh, local ingredients including omelets and pancakes to fuel up for the long drive ahead.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Depart Bozeman

Begin the approximately 6.5-hour drive east to Rapid City, South Dakota, passing through scenic Montana and Wyoming countryside.
USD0, 6h30m

3:30pm

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Explore the iconic mountain carving of four U.S. presidents, with walking trails and a visitor center open until 8:00pm in June.
USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into accommodation in Rapid City for the evening and relax after the day’s drive.
USD100-150 per night, overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Tally's Silver Spoon

Savor classic American cuisine with a modern twist in this welcoming Rapid City eatery.
USD25-35, 1h
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Day 2: Badlands and Minneapolis

Rapid City, South Dakota to Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Firehouse Brewing Company

Enjoy hearty breakfast fare and house-brewed coffee in a historic downtown Rapid City setting.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Visit Badlands National Park

Drive 40 minutes to this striking park known for its sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles. The park opens at 6:00am and is great for scenic drives and short hikes.
USD30 per vehicle, 2h

10:30am

Depart for Minneapolis

Start the roughly 9-hour drive east to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with planned stops for breaks and meals along the way.
USD0, 9h

8:00pm

Dinner in Minneapolis at The Bachelor Farmer

Experience Nordic-inspired dishes made from local Midwestern ingredients in a cozy urban setting.
USD30-40, 1h

9:30pm

Overnight stay in Minneapolis

Check into your hotel and rest for the night preparing for the last leg home.
USD100-180 per night, overnight
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Day 3: Minneapolis to Madison

Minneapolis, Minnesota to Madison, Wisconsin on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hen House Eatery, Minneapolis

Start your day with classic American breakfast dishes in a comfortable setting known for quality and freshness.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Depart Minneapolis

Drive approximately 4 hours southeast to Madison, Wisconsin, enjoying the landscapes of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
USD0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Old Fashioned, Madison

Enjoy traditional Wisconsin cuisine including cheese curds and local beer in a historic downtown Milwaukee spot renowned for regional favorites.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Madison

Visit the Wisconsin State Capitol, stroll along State Street shopping and visiting cafes, and relax by Lake Mendota.
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Graze, Madison

Sample modern American dishes with a focus on local ingredients and inventive flavors in a lively atmosphere.
USD30-40, 1h
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