Forum Discussion

musicmd's avatar
musicmd
Explorer
Jul 09, 2020

Madison, WI to Badlands and back - best route?

We are leaving Saturday in a rented 32' Thor Class A and I'm curious about best routes to consider. We will be leaving Madison, WI, and have reservations in the Badlands and close to Custer State Park.

My question relates to the best route to travel. On the way out, we are planning to take I-90. I'm curious if we should consider a different route on the way back to Madison. I'd enjoy seeing something different on the way back, if another route would be headache free for a Class A and would contain interesting sites and locations.

Are there good alternatives to the Interstate or should we plan on I-90 both directions?

Thanks, in advance,
Mark
Roads and Routes
  • lane_hog's avatar
    lane_hog
    Explorer II
    Jul 10, 2020
    I'd stick to I-90 as well. I-29 down to US-20 and US-151 is a nice alternative, but adds a bit of mileage and the scenery won't be that much different.
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2020
    I agree with the above posters that the OP should add Teddy Roosevelt NP in North Dakota to the travel agenda. Much more to see and do up there; I'm a native South Dakotan (Black Hills) and have been to both places, once was enough for the SD Badlands, but have been to the ND several times and really enjoy them. Camping is much better, the bison are great, and there's lots of history to enjoy while you're there.
  • BarabooBob's avatar
    BarabooBob
    Explorer III
    Jul 10, 2020
    We live just north of you in Baraboo, WI. We went to Theo Roosevelt NP last summer and had a good time. However, it does add almost 400 miles to your trip and 3 days minimum.
    If you don't have the time for that, you may want to take highway 14 either out or back. It is a good road with minimal traffic. The little towns are fun to stop at and the people are very nice.
    I do not enjoy driving on the interstate so US and state highways are my preferred routes. I am usually not in a hurry.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jul 09, 2020
    That’s my criteria, the route I haven’t taken previously.
  • dedmiston's avatar
    dedmiston
    Moderator
    Jul 09, 2020
    Dick_B wrote:
    Consider heading for Theodore Roosevelt NP, South Unit, in Medora North Dakota. Check for openings. Take a Ranger tour and find out why the Bison and Prairie Dogs get along so well.
    Stay at the Municipal Campground that has a pool.


    It's really nice there.

    Tank up before you get there. We had to drive almost all the way to Montana to find diesel last fall.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2020
    Consider heading for Theodore Roosevelt NP, South Unit, in Medora North Dakota. Check for openings. Take a Ranger tour and find out why the Bison and Prairie Dogs get along so well.
    Stay at the Municipal Campground that has a pool.

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