This post is about fun things to do on a road trip through Interstate I-90 in Wyoming.
So you’re traveling along I 90 in the United States and in desperate need of something to do… well I’ve got you!
There’s a couple different reasons you may be traveling along this route. You could be on a country wide excursion headed east towards Yellowstone National Park. Or maybe you’re coming from Glacier National Park in Montana and headed towards the Badlands National Park or Mount Rushmore. Whatever your journey takes you, we’re here to give you some entertainment along your drive!
These spots are sequenced as if you’re coming from western South Dakota headed to Montana. I-90 is usually the fastest of the state highways connecting the two states making it a popular option.
The drive in total is about 5 hours. Depending on what you want to do you could travel this in a day, but I would recommend breaking it in at least two if you want to take in every nook and cranny there is to see. It depends on what your interests are. There aren’t many roadside attractions on this route but there are some that you may want to take a hike or two on, explore a small town, see some historic sites, visit some free attractions, or take your time on one of the scenic byways.
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Check out the table of contents for easy navigation throughout the post.
Know Before You Go
What to keep in mind:
- Weather can change drastically. We do not recommend doing this drive in winter; spring and fall are questionable too. Winters are harsh in Wyoming and whiteouts are common. During winter weather months you will need AWD or 4WD at the least with chained tires.
- Fuel up! Fuel stops aren’t very frequent along this route. Be sure to fill up before leaving and don’t let your tank go below half full if you don’t know a gas station coming up soon.
- Don’t forget some snacks. Depending on your plans for this trip you may not be stopping at many locations offering food. Be sure to bring some sustenance so no one gets cranky!! Lol
- Download maps when you have service. Along the highway you should be OK with service but travelling anywhere off route will be spotty or non existent! Be sure to download maps before leaving for your trip to ensure you don’t get lost and also pick up a paper map just in case.
Must See Adventures
Devils Tower
Devils Tower is an absolute must see along I-90 and a great starting point. It is a giant rock formation named the very first national monument by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. It is a sacred place for Native Americans, originally called “Bear Lodge.” You may also see prayer flags on some trails troughout the park; it is important to be respectful and please do not disturb the flags.
This natural wonder was originally magma beneath the Earth’s surface. Once cooled, it formed layers of sedimentary rock. Years and years (and years!) of erosion created the 867 foot tall tower we see today.
Weather can vary greatly no matter what time of year you visit but is especially unpredictable in the spring and fall. In the summer, it can be hot and dry with frequent sporadic thunderstorms, while the winter gives snow and whiteout conditions. Just be prepared and dress accordingly!
Pick up a map at the visitor center and get there early.
There are lots of hiking trails to enjoy in the park. All the trails are awesome to see but some we recommend are:
South Side to Red Beds Loop (4 miles roundtrip): For breathtaking views of the tower along the Belle Fourche River valley and up close views of geological formations.
Tower Trail (1.8 mile out and back): The most popular trail in the park, visit before 10 am or after 6 pm for less crowds. All paved.
Joyner Ridge Trail (1.5 mile loop): A less traveled trail and short hike that offers scenic views of the tower, prairie and surrounding landscape.
Be sure to leave no trace!
Admission for Devil’s Tower National Monument is $15.00–$25.00 or S45 for the year. You can also purchase the America the Beautiful Pass for $80 giving you access to all national parks and monuments for a year. Absolutely worth it if you plan on stopping at two or three parks a year!
If you stay the night around the tower be sure to look up! Skies are dark and full of glittering stars and planets. Some parts of the year the milky way is also visible!
Buffalo, WY
Crazy Woman’s Canyon
The most popular legend about how Crazy Woman’s Canyon got its name is from the story of the Morgan family. The family was attacked by Sioux warriors when travelling, killing three children and their father, leaving the mother wounded but still alive. After witnessing these brutal murders of her family, it is said the woman stole an axe from the warriors, killing four before the rest of the group fled.
Now that’s some badass crazy woman energy!
A man later came across the crime scene and the woman in distress. Unable to get her to leave the location, he built her a cabin for safety but she ultimately perished due to starvation.
Its recommended to do this scenic drive in a high clearance vehicle. It is possible in low clearance but be very careful!! Especially if there is hazardous weather. Do NOT go in the winter. Its best to visit in the late spring, summer or early fall. The best way to visit is allowing a few hours to explore the scenic byway in order to fully take in all the sights and stop when you want to.
Crazy Woman’s Canyon is a hidden gem that follows through Bighorn National Forest and Big Horn Mountains. There are several pull offs along the way to stop and take pictures of the beautiful scenery like Loaf Mountain Overlook, Elgin Park and Tie Hack Reservoir.
Once you reach the end of the route you can turn around and go back towards I-90 and Buffalo getting an opposite view of the canyon road or follow Route 16 up which also holds some breathtaking views. Your choice! Both are good routes to take boasting amazing scenery.
Fun and Interesting Stops
Vore Buffalo Jump
Vore Buffalo Jump is a great place for history buffs. It is a 40 ft sinkhole containing the remains of an estimated 20,000 buffalo. Indigenous people hunting buffalo used this site as a way to trap the buffalo and kill them without putting themselves in danger.
It is open from June to August. You have to take a guided tour to see the fossils so keep that in mind if you plan to add this to your trip. For more information, visit their website here.
Gilette, WY
The Railyard Restaurant
This restaurant has something for everyone! From steak to pizza to pasta to salads, you can’t go wrong stopping at this establishment. There are also 22 beers on tap, 16 of which are from local Wyoming breweries, making a great stop for road-weary travelers. It is also in a prime location in the downtown area.
Ice Cream Cafe
Right across the street from the Railyard is the Ice Cream Cafe, the perfect choice before hitting the road again or settling in for the night if you’re staying in Gilette. The Cafe offers several delicous flavors of ice cream and other treats like kettle corn, caramel rolls, specialty coffee drinks, pies, breakfast burritos and pastries.
Big Lost Meadery & Brewery
Another establishment nearby is the Big Lost Meadery and Brewery. This is a great spot to try some locally made mead and even drink your beverage out of a horn! It is only one of two meaderies in Wyoming and they make various styles of mead, beer and mead-based cocktails. There’s also special events like trivia night every Tuesday and Bingo every Wednesday.
Sheridan, WY
Crazy Woman Trading Co.
If you’re looking for a gift shop, this is one of the best souvenir shops to stop at to celebrate exploring Crazy Woman’s Canyon. There is clothing, fun souvenirs and gifts, as well as award winning chili! The shop is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Little Willow Traders
This store was voted one of the best businesses on the interstate! Little Willow Traders is a rustic home decor shop specializing in wood cabin style items made in carefully crafted fashion. This is a great store to wander into when visiting Sheridan on the main street.
Lodging Options
Near Devils Tower
Devils Tower Lodge
Devils Tower Lodge is a Bed and Breakfast with a restaurant and room options featuring views of the mountain! They have free wifi, breakfast, a gym, and free filtered water. A great option if you want to be close to DT without worrying about dining options.
Gillette, WY
Arbuckle Lodge
Arbuckle has lots of great amenties for a great price and in a good location! There is free breakfast, wifi, a pool and gym. There are also plenty of room type options including whirlpool suites.
Buffalo, WY
TA Ranch
TA Ranch is a mountain bed and breakfast with a restaurant, a bar and free wifi. Delicious food and cozy rooms with beautiful scenery. friendly staff and animals on the ranch. A must stay if you’re looking for a classic Wyoming experience.
Sheridan, WY
Candlewood Suites Sheridan
Candlewood Suites is your basic reliable place to stay here in Sheridan offering all you need for a great stay at an affordable price. It is pet friendly with a gym, free wifi, good service and comfortable beds. It is also in the heart of downtown which is a great location. All rooms are suites containing a full size fridge, sink, microwave and dishwasher.
Conclusion
Are there any favorite places on this list you’ve visited before?
Anything amazing places we’ve left out?
Let us know in the comments!
Safe Travels!
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