Scenic Appleton to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip Itinerary | June 28 - July 5, 2025

Day 1: Travel and Explore Minneapolis

Appleton, WI to Minneapolis, MN on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Paul Bunyan Cafe

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast at Paul Bunyan Cafe in Appleton, known for classic American breakfast fare and local charm.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Minneapolis

Begin the approximately 4-hour drive west to Minneapolis, MN, enjoying scenic views along I-94 West.
USD40 (fuel est.), 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hell’s Kitchen

Enjoy a lunch of locally-sourced dishes including their famed wild rice soup at Hell’s Kitchen, located in downtown Minneapolis.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Explore the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, open daily from 6am to midnight, featuring iconic art such as the Spoonbridge and Cherry.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your chosen downtown Minneapolis hotel to rest before evening activities.
USD150, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Local

Dine at The Local for a cozy gastropub experience featuring American comfort food with local craft beers.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mount Rushmore Experience

Minneapolis, MN to Rapid City, SD on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hen House Eatery

Enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast in Minneapolis to fuel up before a longer drive.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Rapid City

Embark on an 8-hour scenic drive through South Dakota towards Rapid City, near Mount Rushmore.
USD80 (fuel est.), 8h

4:30pm

Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Open until 10pm in the summer, this iconic monument is a must-see. Explore the visitor center and enjoy the evening lighting ceremony around 9pm.
USD10 (parking), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tally’s Silver Spoon

Sample eclectic local dishes featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients at this downtown Rapid City restaurant, open until 9pm.
USD35, 1h
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Day 3: Journey to Yellowstone Gateway

Rapid City, SD to Cody, WY on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Corn Exchange

Start your day with breakfast at this cozy spot offering homemade pastries and hearty breakfast plates.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Cody, Wyoming

Drive approximately 7 hours, passing through scenic Wyoming vistas straight to Cody, the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
USD70 (fuel est.), 7h

3:30pm

Visit Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Open until 5pm, explore this extensive museum complex covering Western art, history, and culture.
USD25, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Local

Dine on hearty steaks and Wyoming specialties in this relaxed downtown favorite, open until 9pm.
USD40, 1h
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Day 4: Yellowstone National Park Exploration

Yellowstone National Park, WY on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cody Coffee Co.

Grab coffee and quick breakfast as you prepare for an early Yellowstone adventure.
USD10, 30m

8:00am

Enter Yellowstone National Park

Start exploring Yellowstone’s highlights including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and hiking trails. Park entrance fee is per vehicle.
USD35, Full day

12:00pm

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Enjoy classic American lunch with scenic views inside the historic Old Faithful Inn, open 7am to 9pm in summer season.
USD25, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner picnic at Yellowstone Lake

Pick up supplies earlier and enjoy a relaxing dinner picnic by Yellowstone Lake while soaking in sunset views.
USD20 (groceries), 1h
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Day 5: More Yellowstone Wonders

Yellowstone National Park, WY on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fishing Bridge General Store

Grab a quick breakfast and coffee before another day of exploration inside the park.
USD10, 30m

8:00am

Visit Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon and Waterfalls

Walk along the rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to see the spectacular Upper and Lower Falls.
Included with park pass, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Canyon Village

Enjoy lunch at the Canyon Village cafeteria or nearby dining options, open daily from 7am to 8pm.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching

Spend the afternoon spotting bison, elk, and possibly wolves in Lamar Valley, renowned for wildlife viewing.
Included with park pass, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room

Conclude the day with rustic cuisine at Roosevelt Lodge, featuring locally sourced game and seasonal dishes.
USD40, 1h
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Day 6: Travel Back via Rapid City

Yellowstone National Park to Rapid City, SD on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Yellowstone General Store

Pick up a quick breakfast and coffee before heading out.
USD10, 30m

7:30am

Drive to Rapid City

Return on a roughly 7-hour drive east to Rapid City for an overnight stay before final leg home.
USD70 (fuel est.), 7h

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Rest at your Rapid City hotel and recover from a long drive.
USD120, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Delmonico Grill

Enjoy upscale dining at Delmonico Grill, known for steaks and elegant ambiance, open until 9pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Return Home

Rapid City, SD to Appleton, WI on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Tally’s Silver Spoon

Have a relaxing breakfast before the final day's long drive back home.
USD18, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Appleton

Drive approximately 11 hours with stops as needed to return to Appleton, completing the road trip loop.
USD100 (fuel est.), 11h

7:00pm

Home Arrival

Arrive back in Appleton, ending an exciting and scenic seven-day road trip across the northern USA.
Free, Rest
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