15-Day Road Trip Detroit to Rocky Mountain and Glacier National Parks

Day 1: Departure and Travel

Detroit, USA on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Avalon International Breads

Start your journey with fresh baked goods and excellent coffee to energize your drive west.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Detroit to Minneapolis

Head west about 9 hours toward Minneapolis, taking breaks at scenic or interesting stops as needed.
USD0, 9h

6:00pm

Dinner at Spoon and Stable

Enjoy innovative American cuisine from a top Minneapolis restaurant before checking in.
USD50, 1.5h

8:00pm

Overnight stay in Minneapolis

Rest for your long journey tomorrow.
USD130, Overnight
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Day 2: Travel to Glacier National Park

Minneapolis to Glacier National Park, USA on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at French Meadow Cafe

Enjoy organic and healthy breakfast options before the longer drive north-west.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Glacier National Park

Travel approximately 12 hours northwest toward the park, with breaks to stretch and refuel.
USD0, 12h

8:00pm

Check-in near Glacier National Park

Stay overnight near West Glacier to prepare for exploring the park the next day.
USD150, Overnight
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Day 3: Explore Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, USA on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Glacier Coffee House

Start the day with fresh coffee and pastries near the park entrance.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Hike the Hidden Lake Overlook trail

Enjoy a 3.2-mile round trip hike with superb views of Hidden Lake and potential wildlife encounters.
Included in park fee, 3h

12:00pm

Picnic lunch at Logan Pass

Pack a lunch to enjoy amid alpine scenery and visitor information displays.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road

Experience this famous scenic route with stops at Weeping Wall and St. Mary Lake viewpoints.
Included in park fee, 3h

5:00pm

Explore St. Mary Visitor Center

Learn about Glacier’s ecosystem and geology from interactive displays.
Included in park fee, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Belton Chalet

Enjoy hearty rustic meals in an historic chalet setting near the park’s western boundary.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 4: Glacier Scenic & Wildlife

Glacier National Park, USA on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rising Sun Bakery

Begin with fresh pastries and coffee inside the park or nearby.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Boat tour on Lake McDonald

Take a scenic boat ride to view mountain peaks and learn about local wildlife.
USD40, 1.5h

10:30am

Visit Apgar Village

Browse artisan shops and gather supplies or souvenirs.
USD0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Eddie’s Café & Mercantile

Enjoy locally-sourced American meals in a relaxed village setting.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Hike the Trail of the Cedars

Take an easy forest boardwalk trail through ancient cedar groves and lush greenery.
Included in park fee, 1h

3:00pm

Wildlife Viewing in Many Glacier Area

Drive north to this picturesque valley, spotting bears, elk, and mountain goats.
Included in park fee, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ptarmigan Dining Room

Dine in fine style within Many Glacier Hotel, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 5: Travel to Yellowstone National Park

Glacier to Yellowstone National Park, USA on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café in West Glacier

Grab a quick and energizing breakfast before your drive south.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Drive approximately 7-8 hours south through Yellowstone’s west entrance, enjoying spectacular scenery.
USD0, 8h

4:30pm

Check into West Yellowstone lodging

Rest up in the gateway town of West Yellowstone to fully explore the park tomorrow.
USD120, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon

Enjoy a casual dining experience with pizza and local brews in West Yellowstone.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 6: Yellowstone National Park Highlights

Yellowstone National Park, USA on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Running Bear Pancake House

Start early with a hearty breakfast close to the park entrance for a full day ahead.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Old Faithful Geyser

Observe one of the world’s most famous geysers erupting on a predictable schedule.
USD35 (Park entrance fee), 1h

10:00am

Upper Geyser Basin walk

Explore boardwalk trails featuring multiple geysers and hot springs in a unique geothermal area.
Included in park fee, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Enjoy rustic and historic dining with views of geothermal wonders.
USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

See the vivid colours of the largest hot spring in the US from boardwalk and overlook trails.
Included in park fee, 1h

3:00pm

Hike Fairy Falls Trail

Moderate 5-mile return hike to a beautiful waterfall and elevated views of Grand Prismatic Spring.
Included in park fee, 2.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Yellowstone Lodge

Casual dining with classic American dishes to end the day relaxing in the park.
USD35, 1h
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Day 7: Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, USA on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Persephone Bakery

Start with pastries and coffee in Jackson before a day of exploration in Grand Teton.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Hike Jenny Lake Loop

Enjoy a 7.5-mile scenic hike with lake views, waterfalls and wildlife opportunities.
Included in park fee, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Signal Mountain Lodge

Dine lakeside with views of the Tetons and fresh mountain air.
USD30, 1h

2:30pm

Scenic Teton Park Road Drive

Make stops at Oxbow Bend and other overlooks for photography and wildlife sightings.
Included in park fee, 2h

5:00pm

Mormon Row Historic District

Explore iconic homesteads with dramatic mountain backdrops for outstanding photo opportunities.
Included in park fee, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Snake River Grill

Enjoy fine dining in Jackson with regional ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 8: Start Return Journey

Grand Teton to Rapid City, USA on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Jackson Hole Roasting Company

Enjoy freshly roasted coffee and light breakfast before departure.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Rapid City, South Dakota

Long drive of approximately 9 hours east, crossing spectacular plains and small towns.
USD0, 9h

5:00pm

Check-in at hotel in Rapid City

Rest after the long day on the road.
USD100, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Tally’s Silver Spoon

Creative American dishes in a casual setting to relax and refuel.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 9: Rapid City to Chicago

Rapid City to Chicago, USA on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Hearty breakfast and locally brewed coffee to start your morning.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Chicago

Approximate 10-hour drive east towards Chicago with scenic stops as wanted.
USD0, 10h

6:00pm

Check-in at Chicago hotel

Stay overnight to rest before your last leg home.
USD150, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Famous Chicago deep dish pizza in a classic city atmosphere.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 10: Return to Detroit

Chicago to Detroit, USA on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Enjoy a popular Chicago breakfast spot with a variety of pancakes and skillets.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive back to Detroit

Complete the trip with a 5-6 hour drive east to Detroit.
USD0, 6h

2:00pm

Arrive in Detroit

End of your memorable scenic 15-day road trip.
USD0, Rest
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