The Great Road Trip: Driving from Bloomington, Minnesota to Gillette, Wyoming
If you're looking for a road trip adventure from the Land of 10,000 Lakes to the Cowboy State, driving from Bloomington, Minnesota to Gillette, Wyoming is the perfect route to take. This article will highlight the different routes one can take, the distance and driving time of each route, and some must-see pit stops along the way.
Route 1: Through North Dakota
Heading west on I-94, the first route takes you through North Dakota. This route covers a total distance of approximately 950 miles, and it can be completed in around 14 hours of driving time. The drive through North Dakota offers beautiful sceneries such as badlands and grasslands. Some of the must-see stops include Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Knife River Indian Villages, and Fargo.
Route 2: Through South Dakota
Another option is to head south on I-35 and I-90 towards South Dakota. This route covers a total distance of approximately 1,050 miles, and it can be completed in around 15 hours of driving time. The drive through South Dakota offers iconic landmarks such as the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Deadwood, and the Badlands National Park.
Route 3: Through Minnesota and South Dakota
If you want to cover both Minnesota and South Dakota while on your way to Gillette, take US-59 S and US-212 W. This route covers a total distance of approximately 1,200 miles, and it can be completed in around 18 hours of driving time. The drive through Minnesota and South Dakota offers must-see pit stops such as the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Darwin, Minnesota, and the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Route 4: Through Nebraska
Heading southwest on I-29 and I-90 towards Nebraska is another option to take. This route is the shortest of them all, covering a distance of approximately 900 miles, and can be completed in around 13 hours of driving time. The drive through Nebraska offers iconic stops such as the Chimney Rock National Historic Site and the Carhenge in Alliance.
Must-See Pit Stops
No matter which route you take, there are plenty of must-see places to visit on your way. In North Dakota, visit the historic town of Medora or take a hike in the Badlands. South Dakota offers the iconic Mt. Rushmore National Memorial and the historic town of Deadwood. In Minnesota, stop by the Spam Museum in Austin or the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona. Nebraska offers the fascinating Carhenge in Alliance, and Gillette, Wyoming is home to the Campbell County Rockpile Museum.
Conclusion
No matter which route you choose, driving from Bloomington, Minnesota to Gillette, Wyoming can be an adventurous and enjoyable experience for anyone looking for a road trip. With multiple routes to take and plenty of must-see pit stops along the way, this road trip is sure to be a memorable one.