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15-Day Road Trip Detroit to Rocky Mountain and Glacier National Parks
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15-Day Road Trip Detroit to Rocky Mountain and Glacier National Parks
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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
Find Hotels in Detroit
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
Find Hotels in Minneapolis to Glacier National Park
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
Find Hotels in Glacier National Park
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
Find Hotels in Glacier National Park
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
Find Hotels in Glacier to Yellowstone National Park
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
Find Hotels in Yellowstone National Park
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
Find Hotels in Grand Teton National Park
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
Find Hotels in Grand Teton to Rapid City
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
Find Hotels in Rapid City to Chicago
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
Find Hotels in Chicago to Detroit
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
June 20, 2025
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