6-Day Road Trip from Waupun, Wisconsin to Montana National Parks avoiding Minneapolis

Day 1: Travel & Explore Fargo

Waupun, Wisconsin to Fargo, North Dakota on June 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Fox & Hound Coffee

Start your road trip with a delicious coffee and breakfast sandwich at this cozy local café in Waupun, opening from 6:30AM. Fuel up for the drive ahead.
USD10, 0h45m

8:15AM

Drive from Waupun to Fargo, avoiding Minneapolis

Take US-10W and then get on I-94W to Fargo, North Dakota. This route avoids Minneapolis as requested and offers a direct and scenic alternative. The drive will take about 7.5 hours covering roughly 550 miles.
USD40 Fuel Approx, 7h30m

4:00PM

Visit Plains Art Museum

Visit this engaging museum for contemporary and regional art in Fargo, open until 5PM. It offers an intriguing look at local culture and art.
USD12, 1h

5:30PM

Dinner at Mezzaluna

Enjoy upscale Italian dining at Mezzaluna, known for its fresh local ingredients and elegant ambiance. Open until 9PM.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Drive to Billings

Fargo, North Dakota to Billings, Montana on June 20, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Rhombus Guys

Grab a hearty breakfast and artisan coffee at this popular Fargo spot, opening at 7AM, ideal for fueling up before a long drive.
USD12, 0h45m

8:15AM

Drive from Fargo to Billings

Head west via I-94W covering about 540 miles in roughly 7.5 hours. Enjoy the Great Plains scenery along the way.
USD40 Fuel Approx, 7h30m

4:00PM

Check-in and relax at hotel

Rest at a hotel in Billings like the Northern Hotel downtown, comfortable and centrally located.
USD100, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Montana's Rib & Chop House

Treat yourself to classic Montana steaks and ribs in a welcoming rustic atmosphere, open until 10PM.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Yellowstone Bound

Billings, Montana to Yellowstone National Park on June 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Sassafras

Enjoy a Southern-inspired breakfast at Sassafras, open from 7AM, before hitting the road to Yellowstone.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00AM

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Drive about 130 miles southwest to Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance via US-212, approximately 3 hours drive.
USD10 Fuel Approx, 3h

11:00AM

Enter Yellowstone & explore Mammoth Hot Springs

Visit the stunning terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, a unique geothermal feature. The area is open year-round and FREE to explore.
Free, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room

Enjoy a casual lunch with views in the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel dining room, open from 11AM to 3PM.
USD20, 1h

2:30PM

Explore Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching

Drive to Lamar Valley for iconic Yellowstone wildlife viewing including bison, wolves and elk. Best light in the afternoon. Park open all day.
Free, 2h

5:30PM

Dinner at Roosevelt Lodge Corral

Dine Western-style at the Roosevelt Lodge Corral, open seasonally with hearty meals, perfect after a day of wildlife watching.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Yellowstone Highlights

Yellowstone National Park on June 22, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Start your day with breakfast at your Yellowstone lodge or campsite to prepare for a full day in the park.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30AM

Explore Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin

Witness the famous Old Faithful geyser eruptions and walk the trails of the Upper Geyser Basin. Visitor center open from 8AM to 6PM.
Free, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Enjoy lunch in the historic log-cabin Inn open for lunch from 11AM, providing a unique dining experience inside the park.
USD25, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin

Explore the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the US, just a short drive with walking trails. Open all day.
Free, 2h

4:00PM

Scenic drive through Hayden Valley

Drive through Hayden Valley for breathtaking views and potential wildlife sightings. Great for late afternoon tranquility.
Free, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Lake Yellowstone Hotel

Conclude your day with an elegant dinner at Lake Yellowstone Hotel dining room, open until 8PM with views of Yellowstone Lake.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Drive to Glacier Park

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

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel or lodge

Enjoy a convenient breakfast before checking out and driving north to Glacier National Park.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00AM

Drive to Glacier National Park

Drive approximately 370 miles north via US-89 and US-2, about 6.5 hours, through scenic Montana landscapes.
USD30 Fuel Approx, 6h30m

2:30PM

Visit Logan Pass & Hidden Lake Trail

Explore Logan Pass Visitor Center (open 9AM-6PM) and hike part of the Hidden Lake Trail for stunning mountain views and chance to see wildlife.
USD35 Park Entrance per vehicle, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner at Glacier Park Lodge

Dine in rustic elegance at Glacier Park Lodge restaurant, serving local cuisine and open until 8PM.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Glacier & Return

Glacier National Park towards Waupun on June 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Have an early breakfast for a final morning in Glacier National Park.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30AM

Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road

Drive this stunning 50-mile road, open seasonally from late spring to fall, featuring jaw-dropping mountain and lake views. Allocate 3-4 hours including stops.
Free, 4h

12:30PM

Lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge

Relax with lunch overlooking Lake McDonald at the historic lodge, open from 11AM to 3PM.
USD25, 1h

1:30PM

Begin drive back towards Waupun (break journey as needed)

Start your return journey heading generally southeast. Consider resting overnight halfway or proceed in stages depending on your time and energy. Total return trip is approximately 1250 miles.
USD70 Fuel Approx, Variable
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