Road-Tripping From Michigan to South Dakota: How Long Does It Take?

Gearing up for a road trip is often a mix of excitement and impatience. And, if your road trip is going to take you from Auburn Hills, Michigan, to Yankton, South Dakota, then you may be wondering how long it will take you to get there. Well, buckle up because we're about to find out!

Fastest Route vs. Scenic Route

The fastest route from Auburn Hills, Michigan, to Yankton, South Dakota, is a straight shot west on I-94, through the states of Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. This route is 667 miles long and is estimated to take around 10 hours and 30 minutes to drive.

However, if you have some room for adventure, then you may want to take the scenic route, which involves taking I-69 south from Auburn Hills to Indianapolis, Indiana, and then winding westward on I-74 towards Peoria, Illinois. From there, take I-80 west, and then I-29 north towards Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before heading west into Yankton. This route is about 961 miles long and should take around 15 hours and 30 minutes to drive.

Traffic Patterns

As with any road trip, traffic patterns can impact the drive time. For the fastest route, the travel time will depend on the time of day and day of the week that you are driving. From Auburn Hills, heading west on I-94, you will hit traffic in the downtown Chicago area, with congestion likely to continue through Wisconsin and Minnesota. During peak hours, this could add an extra hour or more to the drive, particularly around major cities like Indianapolis and Chicago.

Taking the scenic route, you may encounter less traffic congestion but, as with any longer route, you will need to account for more travel time. Your drive time will also be impacted by the weather, with colder months bringing snow and ice that can slow things down, particularly if you are traveling through the mountains.

Final Thoughts

When planning your road trip from Auburn Hills, Michigan, to Yankton, South Dakota, it is important to take into account both the fastest and the scenic route, as well as the impact of traffic and weather on the drive time. Ultimately, both routes offer unique experiences and sightseeing opportunities that should not be missed.

Whether you want to make the trip in less than 11 hours or want to take your time and enjoy the journey, we hope this guide gives you a better sense of what to expect. Remember, the joy of road-tripping is more than just getting to your destination, it's about the adventure of getting there. Happy travels!