Bismarck to Billings: How to Get There and What to Do Along the Way

Thinking of taking a road trip through the Midwest? The drive from Bismarck, North Dakota to Billings, Montana will take you past some beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, and plenty of small towns that are well worth a stop. Here are a few different routes you can take and how long each one will take you.

Route 1: I-94 W and MT-3 S (343 miles, approximately 6 hours)

This route takes you through the heart of the northern United States, from the wide-open plains of North Dakota to the hills and mountains of Montana. You'll take I-94 west out of Bismarck, following it as it winds through small towns and rural countryside. Once you cross into Montana, you'll switch over to MT-3 S, passing by grassy plains and a few small mountain ranges before reaching Billings. Total driving time for this route is around six hours, depending on traffic.

If you're looking for places to stop along the way, there are a few great options. In North Dakota, you'll pass by the historic town of Medora, which is a gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This park is known for its stunning views of the Badlands as well as its abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, and coyotes. You can also check out the town of Dickinson, which has a fantastic dinosaur museum and some great restaurants.

Once you cross into Montana, make sure to check out the charming town of Miles City. This is a great place to do some antique shopping, eat at some local restaurants, and learn about the history of the area. You'll also pass by the Tongue River Reservoir, which is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and boating.

Route 2: US-83 N and MT-200 W (401 miles, approximately 8 hours)

If you're looking for a slightly longer but more scenic route, you can take US-83 north out of Bismarck and follow it all the way up to the Canadian border. From there, you'll turn west onto MT-200 and follow it through a stunning landscape of mountains, rivers, and forests. This route will take you approximately eight hours to complete.

While it's longer than Route 1, this route has plenty of great places to stop. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll definitely want to check out the Lewis and Clark National Forest, which has some beautiful hiking trails and camping sites. You can also stop by the town of Seeley Lake, which is known for its excellent fishing, boating, and ATV trails.

Once you reach the city of Missoula, you have a few options. You could stay in the city to grab a bite to eat, or you could head south to check out the lovely town of Hamilton. This place is known for its fantastic arts scene, as well as its proximity to the Bitterroot Mountains.

Route 3: ND-23 W and ND-68 W (275 miles, approximately 5 hours)

If you're looking for a shorter drive that still shows you some great views of the Midwest, you can take ND-23 west out of Bismarck and follow it through the rolling hills and prairies of central North Dakota. From there, you'll turn onto ND-68 and head west towards the Montana border. This route will take you approximately five hours to complete.

While this route doesn't have quite as many opportunities for sightseeing, there are still some great places to check out. Be sure to stop by the town of New Town, which is known for its Native American arts and culture. You can also see the impressive Four Bears Bridge, which spans the Missouri River.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of great places to stop, relax, and take in the scenery on the drive from Bismarck to Billings. So gas up your car, pack some snacks and your favorite playlist, and hit the road!