Road trip through the Great American West

Start: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Your adventure starts in Minneapolis, a city that’s as much about chill vibes as it is about exploring cool spots. Whether you’re into art, nature, or just hanging out, this city’s got you covered.

Must-See & Do:

• Minnehaha Falls: Imagine a 53-foot waterfall right in the city. Take a hike along the trails, snap some pics, or just relax by the water. It’s a great place to start the trip.
• Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: This spot is perfect for getting your creative juices flowing. Check out the contemporary art exhibits, and don’t miss the iconic "Spoonbridge and Cherry" sculpture—it's Instagram gold.
• Mall of America: You’ve probably heard of it, and it’s worth the hype. There’s a theme park inside, an aquarium, and more food options than you’ll know what to do with. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, this place is worth stopping by.
• First Avenue: Into live music? This is the spot where Prince made a name for himself. Catch a show or just soak up the history.

Quick Bite:

Matt’s Bar: Get yourself a Jucy Lucy, a burger with melted cheese inside the patty. It’s a Minneapolis classic, and it’ll set the tone for the awesome food you’re gonna find on this trip.

Minneapolis to North Dakota

The drive to North Dakota is around 4-5 hours, but there are some great places to break up the trip, like Fergus Falls. Your first stop in North Dakota will be in Fargo. North Dakota's biggest city is not a main tourist hotspot, but we'd say it's still well worth a visit - at least stop here for lunch or drinks. In Fargo you'll find North Dakota's first cider bar, as well as a Scandinavian inspired restaurants.

North Dakota

You've crossed into North Dakota, and now the adventure gets even better. This state is full of wide-open landscapes and unique spots you won’t find anywhere else.

Bonanzaville Historical Village, West Fargo: Step into a time machine at Bonanzaville, where you can explore what life was like in the 1800s. This place is packed with over 40 buildings, each showing off a different piece of pioneer life. It's like a history book coming to life in a fun way.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park: The #1 National Park in North Dakota. Imagine wild bison roaming free, colourful canyons, and wide-open skies. That’s what you’ll find at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Hike the Painted Canyon, drive the scenic loop, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some wild horses. This is the North Dakota Badlands at their best.

Little Missouri State Park: If you’re looking for a less touristy spot with lots of nature and hiking (though let's be honest, North Dakota is already pretty off the beaten track), Little Missouri State Park is your pick. The park offers miles of trails through rugged terrain. Whether you’re into hiking or horseback riding, the views of the Badlands here are epic.

Extra Stop - Medora: This tiny town is like walking into the Wild West. If you’re here in the summer, catch the Medora Musical—an outdoor show that’s a mix of country music and cowboy culture. Medora is also the only place where you can try pitchfork steak fondue - and yes, that's exactly what it sounds like... 

South Dakota

Welcome to South Dakota, where you’re about to see some of the most iconic landscapes in the U.S.

Chamberlain: This city sits right along the Missouri River and offers up some of the best views you’ll find on this trip. Swing by the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center to get a deeper understanding of Lakota culture and history. This stop is all about connecting with the local culture and soaking in the scenery.

Badlands National Park: Get ready to have your mind blown by the Badlands. It’s a unique national park, with jagged cliffs, spires, and a landscape that feels more like Mars than Earth. Drive the scenic loop, hike the Notch Trail if you’re up for it, and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and fossil beds.

Black Hills National Forest (Mt. Rushmore): You can’t miss Mt. Rushmore- but don't just take a picture and move on! The monument is part of the Black Hills National forest, where there is a lot more to see and do. Visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, go for a hike, or explore the old mining town of Deadwood (known from the HBO series with the same name), which is packed with history and probably one of the best ''Old West'' towns in the USA.

Wyoming

Wyoming is where the wild things are—literally. Get ready for some of the most epic national parks in the country.

Devils Tower: This giant rock formation is straight out of a sci-fi movie. Walk around the base and you’ll see why it’s been a sacred site for Native American tribes for centuries. The views are great, and the stories behind it are even better. After visiting Devils Tower, we recommend stopping by Sheridan at least for dinner and a good night's rest. It's a modern western town with lots of great pubs and restaurants to enjoy.

Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone is one of the USA's most famous national parks, and it lives up to the hype. You’ve got geysers (like Old Faithful), rainbow-colored hot springs, and wildlife everywhere. Spend a couple of days here to really take it all in—there’s way too much to see in just one day.

Grand Teton National Park: The Tetons are next-level beautiful. These jagged peaks look like something out of a postcard. Whether you’re hiking, paddling on Jenny Lake, or just chilling with a beer and a view, this place is great to spend a few extra days.

Idaho

From Grand Teton it's only a short drive across the state lines into Idaho. This state might surprise you with how much cool stuff it has to offer. We recommend at least stopping by the following places.

Twin Falls: Shoshone Falls is a must-see. They call it the “Niagara of the West” for a reason—it’s taller than Niagara Falls, and just as stunning. The Snake River Canyon is also nearby, where Evel Knievel tried (and failed) to jump the canyon on a rocket bike. It’s a great place for some epic views and adventure. For some more serenity, visit Blue Heart Springs where you can paddleboard or swim in a refreshing and stunning water oasis.

Craters of the Moon: This place is straight-up wild. Imagine walking on a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. Craters of the Moon is a massive lava field with weird rock formations and caves to explore. It’s one of those places that’ll stick with you long after you leave because there's just no place like it.

Idaho Falls: Time to dive into some Idaho culture at the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot. Yep, a whole museum dedicated to potatoes. It’s quirky and fun, and you’ll learn more about spuds than you ever thought possible. After that, relax by the Snake River in Idaho Falls and check out the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Extra stop:

Sun Valley: Even if you’re not hitting the slopes, Sun Valley is a cool place to visit. In the summer you can go hiking, mountain biking, and enjoy the mountain views.

Drive to Salt Lake City

You’re on the home stretch now, heading into Utah with some sweet stops along the way. Depending on where in Idaho you decide to end up, you'll be driving to Salt Lake City from the North or the West, and both will take you along the massive salt lake giving the city its name - you really can't miss it!

Interesting Stops:

• Bear Lake: This massive lake’s turquoise waters will make you do a double-take. It’s a great spot for swimming, paddleboarding, or just chilling on the beach. The drive around the lake is also gorgeous.
• Antelope Island State Park: This island in the Great Salt Lake is like a mini safari. You’ll see bison, antelope, and maybe even a coyote or two. The views of the lake are unreal, especially at sunset.

Salt Lake City, Utah

You’ve made it! Salt Lake City is a mix of urban cool and outdoor adventure, making it the perfect end to your road trip.

Must-See & Do:

• Temple Square: Even if you’re not into history or religion, the architecture here is something else. Wander around, check out the gardens, and maybe even take a free tour to learn more about the city’s history.
• Great Salt Lake: You can’t leave Salt Lake City without visiting its namesake. Float in the salty water or just take in the surreal landscape—there’s nothing else like it.
• Big Cottonwood Canyon: This place is a playground for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re into hiking, rock climbing, or just driving through scenic routes, Big Cottonwood Canyon delivers.
• The Living Room Trail: This hike is popular for a reason—the view from the top is incredible. The rock “couches” at the summit make it a perfect spot to chill out and soak in the view of the city below.

Extra Stop:

Park City: Just a short drive from Salt Lake City, Park City is where the Sundance Film Festival happens. Even if it’s not festival time, it’s worth a visit for the cool shops, cafes, and mountain views. In winter it's a great destination for winter sports.

Trip Summary

Total Distance: ~2,000 miles
Time Needed: 16-21 days, depending on how much you want to explore each stop.
Best Time to Go: Late spring to early fall, when the weather’s good and everything’s open.

This road trip is all about big landscapes, amazing national parks and that real wild west feeling. Want to drive the wide open roads of this route yourself? We can help you do just that, or hook you up with a different road trip adventure in North America. 

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