As you traverse the scenic highways of Idaho through Montana and the Midwest, you'll have plenty of chances to get outdoorsy at a couple of spectacular national parks that include Yellowstone National Park and Voyageurs National Park on your exciting Idaho Falls to Duluth RV road trip. The cities of Bozeman, Bismarck, and Fargo treat you to some good times as you enjoy the vibes and unique culture of each area. Cool points of interest along the way have you exploring engineering wonders at the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center and checking out prehistoric dinosaur bones at the Dickinson Museum Center & Badlands Dinosaur Museum.
Explore a few of America's most majestic and historic national parks on your road trip from Idaho Falls to Duluth.
Yellowstone National Park
A visit to Yellowstone National Park should definitely make it onto your bucket list of amazing places to explore on your Idaho Falls to Duluth road trip. At this iconic park, you'll see famous geological wonders such as Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring while hiking the park's vast trail system. Experience the beauty of Yellowstone on a guided horseback ride or biking adventure before settling in for a night of s'more making and stargazing at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park has three visitor centers located at the North Unit, South Unit, and Painted Canyon area, where you can learn about the park's history, grab trail info, snacks, and souvenirs and view historic sites such as Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin. Hiking trails throughout the park offer easy to strenuous ventures into the surrounding wilderness with chances to see wildlife that includes bison, beavers, porcupines, longhorns, and bobcats. Head to the Little Missouri River for a day of fishing, kayaking, or floating, and then enjoy a scenic, sunset drive through the Badlands on the North or South Units.
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is just two hours and 30 minutes north of Duluth near the border of Canada. Here, you can set off from any one of the three visitor centers on exciting, guided day trips that take you to various locations within the park on foot, by boat, or canoe. Many scenic hiking trails can be accessed on land, while trails leading to certain lakes and historic areas such as Little American Gold Mine Island can only be reached by boat. Voyageurs also features 161 campsites that are only accessible by watercraft, in addition to fantastic birdwatching areas and some of the best locations for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights. Sights you won't want to miss include Kettle Falls, Grassy Bay Cliffs, and the Ellsworth Rock Garden on Lake Kabetogama.
Pack more of the outdoors into your road trip itinerary from Idaho Falls to Duluth with visits to a few beautiful and historic state parks.
Pictograph Cave State Park
Pictograph Cave State Park offers explorers a unique opportunity to view 2,000-year-old cave paintings in three of the park's main caves: Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost Cave. In the Visitor Center, you'll see a variety of exhibits and displays filled with artifacts and information about the historic site. Outside, you can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing throughout the 23-acre park.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is another historic park that features must-explore areas at the On-A-Slant Village and military fort. The Commissary Store, located in Calvary Square, is a great place to grab a few snacks and souvenirs before hiking, biking, or horseback riding through the 19-mile trail system that overlooks the Heart and Missouri river bottoms. Camping and fishing are more fun ways to experience this park.
Maplewood State Park
Maplewood State Park is nestled in the Leaf Hills Landscape Region near the Red River Valley in Minnesota. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of the lush maple forest on relaxing hiking and horseback riding excursions to some of the park's picturesque lakes and ponds, where you can also swim, boat and fish. Camping is also available.
Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center
The Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center is a National Historic Site that's just 50 minutes away from Yellowstone National Park. Here, visitors can get a birds-eye view of the Shoshone River and the Buffalo Bill Reservoir from 280 feet above on the dam's enclosed walkway, and enjoy complimentary golf cart rides from the parking lot to the visitor center that allow you to relax before exploring exhibits teaching about the dam's construction, local wildlife, and geography. Stop by the mini-theater to learn more about the building of the dam, and then hit the gift shop to do some "dam shopping."
Dickinson Museum Center & Badlands Dinosaur Museum
The Dickinson Museum Center & Badlands Dinosaur Museum houses North Dakota's largest dinosaur exhibits and fascinating displays that feature two huge Triceratops skulls named "Bill" and "Larry," tyrannosaur fossils, and the bones of several other dinosaur species. Newer exhibits highlight the evolution of dinosaur eggs and early dinosaur development. Geological artifacts such as crystals, minerals, and precious stones are also on display. Pop by the Dickinson Museum Center Gift Shop to pick up a few keepsakes before you hit the road.
Paul Bunyan Historical Museum
The Paul Bunyan Historical Museum is a hidden Minnesota gem that features artifacts and an extensive collection of photos that highlight the area's lumberjacking roots. In front of the museum, you'll be greeted by a huge statue of Paul Bunyan himself, complete with a classic Buffalo checkered shirt and ax. This is the perfect place to snap a few pics before heading inside to check out the history of Akeley, a small town that used to be the site of the largest sawmill in the state.
Bozeman, Montana
As you drive through Bozeman, make sure to stop to enjoy some of the city's best eateries and boutiques on Main Street at breakfast hotspots like the Nova Café and the Montana Honey Bee Company, a sweet shop that offers locally sourced products and beekeeping supplies, and then head to the Museum of the Rockies to view the most complete skeleton of a T-Rex called "Big Al" in the Hall of Giants. You'll also want to experience the Montana Grizzly Encounter, the Gallatin History Museum, and Bozeman Hot Springs while you're here.
Sunrise Campground is a great place to set up camp as you explore downtown Bozeman. Convenient amenities at this park include laundry facilities, a dump station, complimentary Wi-Fi, clean restrooms and showers, and a TV room.
Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck offers a variety of fascinating places to discover and explore on your Idaho Falls to Duluth road trip. In this culturally rich city, you'll learn about the history of the area at the North Dakota Heritage Center and enjoy guided tours of the Art Deco-style North Dakota Capitol Building. Keep your historical journey going on a Lewis and Clark Riverboat Cruise followed by a visit to the former Governor's Mansion.
Bismarck KOA Journey invites you to explore some early American history at a few locations near the property while enjoying amenities such as a snack bar, heated pool, propane exchange, free Wi-Fi, and a dump station.
Fargo, North Dakota
In Fargo, you'll do more than you ever thought you could in this small yet happening city. Start your time here at the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center for some city info and a photo-op with the iconic woodchipper prop from the movie Fargo, and then venture out into downtown Fargo for a delectable piece of pie at Sons of Norway. At the famous Fargo Theatre, you can catch an independent or foreign flick before viewing a few masterpieces at the Plains Art Museum.
Lindenwood Campground lies on the banks of the Red River in a lovely wooded area that's perfect for picnicking and hiking. Featured amenities include hot showers, fire pits, 47 spacious campsites with electric and water hookups, a dump station, and bike and kayak rentals.
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Idaho Falls to Duluth, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Idaho Falls or Duluth.
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