The Ultimate Route Guide: Driving from Billings, MT to Louisville, KY Made Easy!
Are you planning a road trip from Montana to Kentucky but don't know where to start? Well, look no further! In this guide, we'll explore the best routes from Billings, Montana to Louisville, Kentucky, including driving time and interesting stops along the way. Buckle up, let's hit the road!
The Northern Route
The northern route is the quickest route to travel from Billings, Montana to Louisville, Kentucky, covering a distance of approximately 1,530 miles. Starting from Billings, you will head south along Interstate 90 until you reach Rapid City, South Dakota. From there, you will continue eastward on I-90 until you reach Sioux Falls. Finally, take I-29 south and the I-70 east to Louisville, Kentucky.
This route can take up to 26 hours non-stop, but we recommend a couple of stops along the way to recharge and enjoy the scenery. For example, make a pit stop in the city of Deadwood, South Dakota, to brush up on your Wild West history by visiting the final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok. Alternatively, if you're a lover of National Parks and the great outdoors, hit the Badlands in South Dakota.
The Southern Route
The southern route is the longest but the most diverse route, covering a distance of approximately 1,997 miles. Starting from Billings, you'll head east along I-90 until you reach Spearfish. From there, take I-25 south to Denver, Colorado, then I-70 to Kansas City. Finally, take I-64 east to Louisville, Kentucky.
This route can take up to 33 hours without any stops. Nonetheless, take advantage of the stunning scenery and experience the various stops along the way. For example, don't miss out the infamous Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, stop by the Wind Cave National Park, or experience the excitement of floating down the Platte River in right through the middle of Denver, Colorado!
The Middle Route
The middle route is a hybrid of both the northern and southern routes, covering a distance of approximately 1,840 miles. You'll start from Billings and head east on I-90 to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Take I-29 south to Kansas City and then finally I-64 east to Louisville, Kentucky.
This route can take up to 31 hours non-stop. However, there are plenty of stops to make along the way. Visit the famous Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, or step into a world of history and science with a visit to the Omaha Children's Museum in Nebraska. For any shopaholics, the Kansas speedway in Kansas City is also worth visiting.
Driving Tips and Recommendations
It is best to plan your journey before leaving on the road. Ensure that your vehicle is fit for a long road trip, and you have adequate food, supplies, and water. Most importantly, remember to take breaks as needed to prevent cramping and keep your mental health up.
We highly recommend checking out the National Parks that you'll come across en route, such as the Badlands in South Dakota or Wind Cave National Park in Colorado. You may also stop by Wall Drug while in South Dakota. In Kansas City, visit the Kansas Speedway and take advantage of the natural river water park.
Final Takeaway
Planning a road trip from Billings to Louisville can be an exciting and amazing experience, but how you get there is up to you. Whether you want to hit the more scenic southern route, the quicker northern route, or something in the middle route, ensure to tailor the journey to your taste and convenience. Stop at the recommended places, eat well along the way, and above all enjoy the beautiful views en route. Happy travels!