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Epic 7-Day National Parks Road Trip from Wisconsin to Montana

Viewed by 298 travelers

Day 1: Minnesota & South Dakota Entry

Minneapolis, Minnesota / Rapid City, South Dakota on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Al's Breakfast

Enjoy hearty and classic breakfast dishes at this Minneapolis staple, open from 6:30am to 2pm.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Minneapolis to Badlands National Park

Prepare for a scenic 5-hour drive heading west through South Dakota towards Badlands National Park.
USD30 (Park Entrance), 5h

3:00pm

Explore Badlands National Park

Discover fascinating rock formations, unique landscapes, and wildlife in this stunning park. The Visitor Center is open until 6pm.
USD30, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Corn Exchange

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience in Rapid City, open from 5pm-9pm, focusing on local ingredients.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 2: Mount Rushmore & Drive to Wyoming

Rapid City, South Dakota / Cody, Wyoming on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Start your day with breakfast sandwiches and coffee in a local favorite open from 7am.
USD12, 1h

9:00am

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Explore the iconic mountain carving, visitor center, and walking trails. The site opens at 5am and closes at 10pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Cody, Wyoming

A 6-hour scenic drive heading west through the beautiful landscapes towards Yellowstone’s eastern gateway.
Free, 6h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cody Cattle Company

Dine on western-style steaks and live music in an authentic cowboy atmosphere, open until 9:30pm.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 3: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, WY on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Cody Diner

Fuel up with classic diner breakfast options open from 6am for early park adventure.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Enter Yellowstone and visit Old Faithful

Watch the famous geyser erupt on schedule. The park is open year-round, with visitor centers open from 8am-6pm.
USD35 per vehicle, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn

Historic lodge dining with views of the geyser, open from 11am to 3pm.
USD25, 1h

1:00pm

Drive through Yellowstone Loop to visit Lower Falls & Hayden Valley

See spectacular waterfalls and spot wildlife in one of the park's prime areas.
Included in park fee, 4h

5:30pm

Dinner in West Yellowstone town

Try local fare at the Madison Crossing Lounge, known for bison burgers and open until 9pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 4: To Glacier National Park

Yellowstone, WY to Glacier National Park, MT on June 22, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at Running Bear Pancake House

Enjoy hearty pancakes before a long drive, open from 6am.
USD15, 1h

7:30am

Drive to Glacier National Park

A scenic 7-hour drive north into Montana, preparing for mountain and lake views.
USD35 park pass, 7h

3:00pm

Check-in and light hike around Lake McDonald

Relax with an easy trail along the lake shoreline, Glacier National Park open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Eddie’s Café

Casual cozy diner offering classic American meals, open until 8pm.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 5: Glacier National Park Exploration

Glacier National Park, MT on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Glacier Coffee House

Start the day with excellent coffee and pastries, open from 7am.
USD12, 1h

8:30am

Drive and hike Going-to-the-Sun Road & Hidden Lake Trail

Experience Glacier’s most famous scenic drive and take a hike with incredible views, park open 24 hours.
Included in park fee, 6h

3:00pm

Rest and refreshments at The Village Grill

Casual spot for afternoon snacks and drinks, open until 5pm.
USD15, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Belton Chalet

Enjoy delicious Montana cuisine in a historic setting, open until 9pm.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 6: Glacier to Missoula

Glacier National Park to Missoula, MT on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Catalano Coffee

Get a flavorful coffee and fresh pastry before leaving the park area, open from 7am.
USD10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Missoula, Montana

A pleasant 3-hour drive south through Montana’s scenic valleys.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ

Enjoy famous smoked BBQ meats in a relaxed atmosphere, open until 3pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Learn about elk conservation and regional wildlife, open 10am-5pm.
USD10, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Catalyst Café & Coffee

Award-winning dishes and local ingredients served in a warm setting, open until 9pm.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 7: Departure Day

Missoula, MT on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Garden City Brewery

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with craft beer options available, open from 8am.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Final stroll downtown Missoula

Explore local shops and riverfront trails before departure.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

End of trip - start return or onward travel

Prepare for return journey or next destination with plenty of memories from this scenic national park adventure.
Varies, N/A
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