Points of Interest between Ankeny, Iowa to Billings, Montana

picture of Ankeny, Iowa

Road Tripping from Ankeny, Iowa to Billings, Montana

Are you looking for an adventurous road trip from Ankeny, Iowa to Billings, Montana? Look no further! This journey is full of museums, parks, and landmarks to explore.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that the cross-country route 1-90 takes you through a dozen states including South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming, and more?

Halfway Point: Presho, SD

As you make your way from Ankeny, Iowa to Billings, Montana, you'll reach Presho, SD which is the halfway point of your journey. Here, you can find a few small historical sites to check out, like the Lyman County Museum.

Journey Description

The drive from Ankeny, Iowa to Billings, Montana is approximately 1,000 miles. The route takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the country, with rolling hills, dramatic mountains, and vast prairies. It takes around 14-16 hours to drive this route, depending on the number of stops you make. But with so many places to visit and explore, you might want to take a little extra time for your journey.

Top 5 Places to Visit

  1. Badlands National Park: This park showcases some of the most stunning geological features such as peaks, canyons, spires, and cliffs. It's a great place for hiking, camping, and sightseeing.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Hike the Castle Trail to see some of the best views of the park's impressive formations.

  1. Mount Rushmore National Memorial: One of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, Mount Rushmore features the giant sculpted faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Take a guided tour or attend a ranger program to learn more about the history and creation of this impressive site.

  1. Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone is the world's first national park and features mesmerizing geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls. It's a beautiful place to explore, relax, and take in natural beauty.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Visit the Old Faithful geyser and watch it erupt with hot water and steam shooting up to 100 feet in the air.

  1. Crazy Horse Memorial: The Crazy Horse Memorial is a giant sculpture that's still under construction. The monument represents the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse who fought against the US government.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Attend a laser light show that tells the full story of Crazy Horse and his life in vivid detail.

  1. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: Little Bighorn Battlefield is the site of the famous battle between General George Custer and the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne nations. It's a landmark of American history and an important remembrance of the past.

Point of Interest Recommendation: Stop by the Indian Memorial to view the artwork and read about the Native American perspective of the battle.

Conclusion

This road trip through some of the country's most iconic landscapes is full of history, landmarks, parks, and natural beauty. The approximately 14-16 hour drive from Ankeny, Iowa to Billings, Montana is completely worth it for the experience of seeing so many stunning national parks and historic landmarks. So pack your bags, gas up the car, and embark on an unforgettable journey.