Top Five Popular Attractions on a Road Trip from Chatfield, Minnesota to Gardiner, Montana

Looking to hit the road and explore the great American West? Then you'll want to embark on a road trip from Chatfield, Minnesota to Gardiner, Montana. Along the way, you'll discover some of the best attractions the Midwest and Western United States have to offer. From awe-inspiring natural landmarks to living history museums, here are the top five places you absolutely have to visit on your road trip.

Halfway Point: Wall, South Dakota

Before we dive into the top five attractions, let's talk about the halfway point on your road trip: Wall, South Dakota. A small town with a lot of character, Wall is home to two iconic destinations. The first is Wall Drug, a family-owned store that has grown into a kitschy shopping and dining hotspot. Make sure to visit the Western Art Gallery, the T. Rex Cafe, and the giant jackalope statue while you're there. Second, Wall is the gateway to Badlands National Park. The rugged rock formations, winding trails, and stunning views of the Badlands make for an unforgettable stop on your journey.

Top Five Places to See List

1. Mount Rushmore - One of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States, Mount Rushmore is a must-see stop on your road trip. Marvel at the massive sculptures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt carved into the Black Hills granite. Learn about the monument's history and significance at the Visitor Center, and be sure to stick around for the evening lighting ceremony.

2. Yellowstone National Park - If you're a nature lover, you won't want to miss the opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. Home to geothermal wonders like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, as well as abundant wildlife such as bears, wolves, and elk, Yellowstone is a true bucket-list destination. Go hiking, camping, or fishing, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park.

3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Another iconic monument to American leaders, the Crazy Horse Memorial is a work in progress that honors the memory of Native American warrior Crazy Horse. The massive sculpture, which will be the largest in the world when completed, depicts Crazy Horse riding his horse and pointing into the distance. Learn about the artist Korczak Ziolkowski's vision for the project by visiting the Indian Museum of North America on site.

4. Custer State Park - If you're hoping to get up close and personal with the native wildlife of the West, look no further than Custer State Park. The park is home to herds of bison, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep, as well as plentiful hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives. Don't miss the chance to take the Needles Highway, a winding road that offers breathtaking views of the park's towering rock formations.

5. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument - A somber reminder of a pivotal moment in American history, the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is a worth exploration for history buffs. It commemorates the Battle of Little Bighorn, fought in 1876 between the U.S. Army and the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. See the white grave markers where soldiers fell, the surviving Indian Memorial, and the visitor center exhibits.

Conclusion

Now that you have your top five destinations to see, you can plan the perfect route for your road trip from Chatfield, Minnesota to Gardiner, Montana. Start out by heading west on I-90 until you reach Wall, South Dakota, where you can take the time to visit Wall Drug and Badlands National Park. Then, make your way to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. Finally, head north to Yellowstone National Park and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument before reaching your final destination of Gardiner, Montana. Happy travels!