6-Day Road Trip from Waupun, Wisconsin to Montana's National Parks

Day 1: Waupun to Minneapolis

Waupun, Wisconsin to Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cadillac Jack's

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cadillac Jack's in Waupun, known for their classic American breakfast options and friendly service.
USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Minneapolis

Embark on the 3.5-hour drive from Waupun to Minneapolis, heading west on I-94 W to begin your journey towards Montana.
USD0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Bachelor Farmer

Enjoy lunch at The Bachelor Farmer in downtown Minneapolis, offering Nordic-inspired dishes with fresh, local ingredients in a cozy setting.
USD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to iconic outdoor sculptures including the Spoonbridge and Cherry. Open daily 24/7 with no admission fee.
USD0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk around Downtown Minneapolis and Stone Arch Bridge

Stroll across the historic Stone Arch Bridge, enjoying views of the Mississippi River and Minneapolis skyline.
USD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Spoon and Stable

Dine at Spoon and Stable, a highly rated restaurant serving creative American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Reservations recommended.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Minneapolis to Bismarck

Minneapolis, Minnesota to Bismarck, North Dakota on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis

Start your morning at Hell's Kitchen, a local favorite serving organic and eclectic breakfast items with a unique vibe.
USD18, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Bismarck

Depart Minneapolis for Bismarck, North Dakota via I-94 W, taking approximately 6.5 hours through the scenic Great Plains.
USD0, 6h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Walrus Restaurant

Stop in Jamestown for lunch at The Walrus Restaurant, known for hearty American dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
USD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Visit Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park just south of Bismarck, featuring reconstructed military buildings and interpretive trails closed by 7PM.
USD7, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Toasted Frog

Enjoy dinner at The Toasted Frog, offering a diverse menu spotlighting local ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Bismarck to Billings

Bismarck, North Dakota to Billings, Montana on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bent Brewstillery

Have a casual breakfast and coffee at Bent Brewstillery, known for great brews and simple breakfast offerings.
USD12, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Billings

Begin the 7-hour drive west along I-94 W from Bismarck to Billings, Montana. Enjoy scenic views as you enter Montana’s plains.
USD0, 7h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Glendive at Asian Bistro

Break for lunch in Glendive, MT at Asian Bistro offering a variety of fresh Asian-inspired dishes.
USD18, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Pictograph Cave State Park

Explore Pictograph Cave State Park near Billings, open daily from 8AM to sunset and renowned for ancient Native American rock art.
USD7, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Montana’s Rib and Chop House

Dine at Montana’s Rib and Chop House, famous for its steaks and western hospitality.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Billings to Yellowstone

Billings, Montana to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at First Watch Billings

Enjoy fresh, healthful breakfast at First Watch, featuring made-to-order omelets and fresh juices.
USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Drive approximately 2.5 hours from Billings to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park via US-212 W (Beartooth Highway), one of the most scenic routes in the USA.
USD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Yellowstone Park Entrance Fee

Pay the park entrance fee to begin exploring Yellowstone National Park, home to geysers, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
USD35 per vehicle, 0h30m

11:30am

Visit Mammoth Hot Springs

Explore Mammoth Hot Springs terrace formations, open year-round and easily accessible; learn about geothermal activity.
USD0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room

Lunch at the park’s Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room offering casual meals in a rustic setting.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Norris Geyser Basin

Visit Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest geyser basin in the park open daily with boardwalk trails showcasing geysers and steam vents.
USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Yellowstone Lodge

Check into a lodge or hotel inside the park or nearby Gardiner for ease of access and early starts.
USD200+, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Buffalo Bar

Enjoy hearty dinner at The Buffalo Bar near Mammoth Hot Springs famous for burgers and local brews.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 5: Yellowstone to Glacier

Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park, Montana on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Yellowstone Lodge

Have an early breakfast to maximize your day at the park, and prepare for the scenic drive to Glacier National Park.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Glacier National Park

Take a scenic approximately 6-hour drive from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park via US-89 N, passing through beautiful Montana landscapes.
USD0, 6h0m

2:00pm

Entrance Fee at Glacier National Park

Pay entrance fees and begin exploration of Glacier National Park, known for its stunning mountain ranges and lakes.
USD35 per vehicle, 0h30m

2:30pm

Explore Lake McDonald and Trail of the Cedars

Visit Lake McDonald for breathtaking views and walk the Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail, suitable for all skill levels.
USD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at Lake McDonald Lodge

Check in at Lake McDonald Lodge or nearby accommodations to rest and enjoy the park ambiance.
USD250+, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lake McDonald Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy dinner featuring regional specialties in a rustic setting with views of the lake.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Glacier to Missoula

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

7:00am

Breakfast at Glacier Park Lodge

Have breakfast with a mountain view to start your final day of the road trip.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road

Drive the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road early to avoid crowds, with views of glaciers, valleys, and wildlife. Road opens by late May.
USD0, 3h0m

11:00am

Stop at Logan Pass

Hike the Hidden Lake Overlook trail from Logan Pass for panoramic mountain views; spend about 1.5 hours here.
USD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic

Have a packed picnic lunch at Logan Pass or nearby picnic areas to enjoy nature.
USD10, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Missoula

Depart Glacier National Park and head south on US-93 S toward Missoula, about a 3-hour drive through scenic Montana landscapes.
USD0, 3h0m

4:30pm

Explore Downtown Missoula

Stroll around downtown Missoula, explore Rathskeller Brewery, and see local shops and galleries. Great spot for souvenirs.
USD0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Catalyst Cafe & Espresso

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring organic and vegetarian-friendly meals with views of the river.
USD25, 1h0m
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