There’s something special about a road trip.
Maybe it’s the sense of adventure or the freedom of the open road.
Whatever the reason a road trip is a perfect way to see America.
And what better place to start a road trip than Windy City? Chicago is a great place to start your journey because it’s centrally located in the United States.
From Chicago you can head west to Yellowstone National Park or east to the Atlantic Coast.
But before you hit the road there are a few things you should do to prepare.
Here’s a checklist to help you plan the perfect road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone:
- Decide on your route.
There are a few different ways to get from Chicago to Yellowstone.
The most direct route is to take I-90 west.
But if you’re looking for a more scenic drive you can take I-94 west to Wisconsin then head north on I-90.
Either way you’ll end up in South Dakota where you’ll take I-90 west into Wyoming and Yellowstone.
- Plan your stops.
You’ll need to make a few stops along the way to gas up and stretch your legs.
But there are also a few places you might want to visit along the way.
Depending on your route you could stop at Devil’s Tower National Monument the Badlands National Park or Mount Rushmore National Monument.
- Pack your car.
Once you’ve decided on your route and made a list of your stops it’s time to start packing your car.
In addition to your clothes and personal items you’ll want to make sure you have a few essentials for the road.
These include a map of your route a first-aid kit a spare tire and a bag of snacks.
- Hit the road.
With your car packed and your route planned it’s time to hit the road.
Sit back relax and enjoy the ride.
And don’t forget to take plenty of pictures along the way!
Chicago To Yellowstone Distance:
On a car the distance is 17 hr 2 min (1191.0 mi) via I-94 W.
Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone: Gas Stations On The Way
If you’re driving from Chicago to Yellowstone you’ll want to gas up before you hit the road.
Here are some gas stations along the way:
In Illinois:
Shell – there are several Shell stations along I-90 in Illinois
BP – there are also several BP stations along I-90 in Illinois
In Wisconsin:
Shell – there are several Shell stations along I-90 in Wisconsin
BP – there are also several BP stations along I-90 in Wisconsin
In Minnesota:
Shell – there are several Shell stations along I-90 in Minnesota
BP – there are also several BP stations along I-90 in Minnesota
I###n South Dakota:
Shell – there are several Shell stations along I-90 in South Dakota
BP – there are also several BP stations along I-90 in South Dakota
In Wyoming:
Shell – there are several Shell stations along I-90 in Wyoming
BP – there are also several BP stations along I-90 in Wyoming
In Montana:
Shell – there are several Shell stations along I-90 in Montana
BP – there are also several BP stations along I-90 in Montana
How To Hire A Car For A Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone
There’s no better way to see America than on a road trip.
And there’s no better place to start your road trip than in Chicago.
There are plenty of things to do in the Windy City but if you’re looking to get out of the city and see some of America’s natural beauty a drive to Yellowstone National Park is the perfect way to do it.
The drive from Chicago to Yellowstone is a long one but it’s one that’s well worth taking.
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone.
1.
Plan Your Route In Advance.
The drive from Chicago to Yellowstone is a long one so it’s important to plan your route in advance.
There are a few different ways to get to Yellowstone but the most direct route is through South Dakota.
If you’re not familiar with the area be sure to check out a map so you can plan your route and make sure you don’t get lost.
2.
Make Sure Your Car Is In Good Condition.
This is a long road trip so you’ll want to make sure your car is in good condition before you set out.
Have your car checked by a mechanic to make sure everything is in good working order.
3.
Pack Snacks And Drinks For The Road.
You’ll be spending a lot of time in the car on this road trip so it’s important to pack snacks and drinks for the road.
This will help you stay hydrated and keep your energy up so you can enjoy the drive.
4.
Stop At Interesting Places Along The Way.
There are plenty of interesting places to stop along the way from Chicago to Yellowstone.
If you’re looking for something to do be sure to check out some of the attractions in South Dakota such as Mount Rushmore or the Badlands.
5.
Enjoy The Drive!
This is a long road trip but it’s one that’s well worth taking.
Enjoy the scenery and the experience of driving through America.
Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone: Attractions To See On The Way
There’s no shortage of things to see and do on a road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park.
Here are just a few of the many attractions you’ll want to check out along the way:
The Field Museum:
One of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations the Field Museum is home to an impressive collection of natural history artifacts and exhibits.
Devil’s Lake State Park:
This beautiful state park in Wisconsin is perfect for a nature break on your road trip.
Take a hike or go for a swim in the clear waters of Devil’s Lake.
The Badlands:
These unique and otherworldly rock formations in South Dakota are definitely worth a stop on your road trip.
Mount Rushmore National Monument:
Another must-see in South Dakota is Mount Rushmore where you can see the faces of four American presidents carved into the mountain.
Yellowstone National Park:
And of course the ultimate destination of your road trip is Yellowstone National Park one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
Here you can see the world-famous geysers go for hikes in the wilderness and much more.
Road Trip From Chicago To Yellowstone: What Hotels To Stay In?
There’s no shortage of hotels to stay in either when driving from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park.
However with so many options available it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.
To help narrow down your choices we’ve compiled a list of our top hotels to stay in when making the journey from Windy City to America’s first national park.
No matter what your budget is you’ll be able to find a hotel that fits your needs.
For those looking for a luxurious experience the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is a great option.
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago this hotel offers stunning views of the cityscape.
If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile is a great option.
This hotel is just a few blocks from the InterContinental but offers more modest accommodations.
For those looking for a more rustic experience there are plenty of hotels located near Yellowstone National Park.
The Old Faithful Inn is one of the most iconic hotels in the park and offers stunning views of the geyser for which it’s named.
If you’re looking for something a bit more modern the Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins is a great option.
This hotel is located right on the lake and offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy.
No matter what your budget or preferences are there’s sure to be a hotel that’s perfect for you on your road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park.