The Great Northern Road Trip: Calgary to Burlington

Planning a road trip from Calgary, Alberta to Burlington, Iowa? There are a few different routes to choose from, each with its own scenic highlights and travel durations. Here are some options to consider.

Route 1: The Straight Shot

The most direct route from Calgary to Burlington is to take Interstate 15 south to Salt Lake City, then I-80 east to Lincoln, Nebraska, and finally I-29 north to Burlington. This route covers approximately 2250 miles and takes around 32 hours of driving time, including stops.

If you're looking to get the drive over with as quickly as possible, this might be your best bet. However, you'll be missing out on some of the stunning natural sights that the American West has to offer.

Route 2: The Rocky Mountains

A more scenic option is to take Highway 1 from Calgary to Banff National Park, then continue south on the Icefields Parkway and Highway 93 through some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America, including the Columbia Icefield and Jasper National Park. Once you cross into the US, take I-15 south to Butte, Montana, then I-90 east to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. From there, it's a straight shot down I-29 to Burlington.

This route covers around 2200 miles and takes about 40 hours of driving time, including stops. But with views like these, you won't be in a hurry to get there.

Route 3: The Small Towns

For a more leisurely pace and a chance to explore small towns and historic sites, take Highway 2 from Calgary to Lethbridge, then cut across the border into Montana and take Highway 87 south to Great Falls. From there, head southeast on I-15 to Helena and pick up Highway 12 east, which will take you through towns like Townsend, Harlowton, and Roundup before joining up with I-94 near Miles City. Continue east on I-94 until you reach Bismarck, North Dakota, then take Highway 83 south to Pierre, South Dakota.

From there, it's a straight shot south on I-29 to Burlington. This route covers around 2200 miles and takes about 45 hours of driving time, including plenty of pit stops at charming cafes, antique shops, and historic landmarks.

Recommendations and Final Thoughts

Whichever route you choose, there are plenty of fun stops along the way. Check out the World's Largest Truck Stop in Walcott, Iowa, hike to the top of the M on Mount Sentinel in Missoula, Montana, or chill out at the Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo outside of Rochester, Minnesota.

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for rest and relaxation, and don't hesitate to veer off the beaten path to discover hidden gems. Happy travels!