"Cruisin' Across Two States: Blackwell, Oklahoma to Gardiner, Montana"
Heading up to the great state of Montana, but not sure which way to go? Well, we've got you covered. Here's a breakdown of the different routes you can take from Blackwell, Oklahoma to Gardiner, Montana, and their respective travel times.
Route 1 - I-35 N and I-90 W
If you're looking for the quickest way there, then taking I-35 N all the way up to I-90 W is your best bet. It's a straight shot and covers approximately 1,125 miles. The total driving time is about 17 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. While this route is mostly highways, you can still find a few gems on the way, such as the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas, and Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
Route 2 - I-35 N, US-83 N, and I-90 W
If you're wanting to explore a bit more and break up the drive, then taking I-35 N to US-83 N to I-90 W is a perfect choice. This option adds approximately 100 miles to the total driving distance but takes you through some scenic spots like the Marvin Schwilling Farm south of White Lake, South Dakota. The total driving time is around 19 hours and 30 minutes.
Route 3 - US-81 N, US-281 N, and I-90 W
For those that want to stick to smaller highways and drive through smaller towns, taking US-81 N, US-281 N, and I-90 W may be the route for you. This option can take you past some notable spots such as Battle Lake State Park in Nebraska and The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. However, this route is the longest, with a total driving distance of approximately 1,292 miles, taking about 21 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Route 4 - US-77 N, I-70 W, and I-25 N
Lastly, for those that want to take a bit of a detour and see some unique sights, taking US-77N to I-70 W then I-25 N could be a great option. This route passes through the quirky city of Roswell, New Mexico, the majestic Rocky Mountains in Colorado, and the historical Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site in Colorado. However, it's the longest route, covering about 1,580 miles total driving distance and taking roughly 25 hours and 30 minutes.
No matter which route you choose, there are some amazing places to stop along the way. Make sure to check out the unique roadside attractions, small-town diners, and quirky stores you come across.
Safe travels and bon voyage!