Minnesota to Montana

Way south through Wyoming? But doesn't I90 go straight across Minnesota? and on through SD and WY? Admittedly the only big town that far south in Minnesota is Rochester. I94 on the other hand goes 'way' north to Fargo, and south west along the Yellowstone to Billings.

When I last looked, Chicago to Billings was slightly shorter via I94. It's a bit closer to the Great Circle route. But the distance difference isn't much.

Then there's that US212 cutoff across the SE corner of Montana, which may shave an hour off the Buffalo Sheridan route.

Last time I drove cross country (in a car, not RV) I left I90 after Livington, took US212 over Beartooth Pass and Chief Joseph to Cody. Then US14 over the Big Horn Mtns and I90 across SD.

The return drive was from mid Wisconsin, so I took I94 to Montana, and angled up to Glacier at Billings.

Come to think of it, the first time I drove through Livingston, I was pulling a small boat nonstop Chicago to Seattle. I too US14 over the Big Horns, and gave myself half a day to see the sights of Yellowstone before going north to Livingston and the freeway.

I'm going to just say "ditto" on taking I-94.

Going to Livingston as you are, I-90's gonna run you way south through Wyoming and then back up to Billings.

Also, been camping a lot this year in the Bismarck area. Unless you're going through on a week end, General Sibley Park, Ft. Lincoln State Park both are wide open on say Monday through Thursday.

I think I-94 is a prettier drive than I-90, but North Dakota has changed a lot over the past several years. We went through ND on US2 last month, and discovered it is very difficult to find overnight parking. If I were you, I would call ahead to make sure there is space available for your rig wherever you decide to stay. Many oil field workers have rvs and stay in the different campgrounds on a seasonal basis. We spent one night just east of the ND border in Minnesota,, and the next night in eastern Montana.

You shouldn't have any problems finding space after Labor Day along I-94. There's a KOA along the interstate in Jamestown. A KOA in northeast Bismarck that's decent but will still be quite busy. General Sibley Campground (County Park) in south Bismarck with lots of room and lots of shade. Ft. Lincoln State park south of Mandan which is peaceful and excellent and won't be busy after Labor Day. Then Medora and Theodore Roosevelt Natl Park in western ND - primitive campground in the park, 2 ok campgrounds in Medora (may want to call to make sure they're still open depending on how long after Labor Day).

Just came across 94. Was real smooth. Pleasant drive. Stayed in miles city, and Bismark.in Detroit lakes now, headed for duluth in the am.

US2 is out of the way for Livinston. Plus the campground issue in western ND would be worse than on 94.

I don't think it matters whether you take 90 or 94. I've done both.

Via 90 I've camped at the Missouri River crossing and in the Black Hills. Southern Minnesota is least scenic part of the state. The N bound leg of 90 in WY has the Big Horn Mtns on the west (better yet, cross them!).

With 94 you've got to skirt the Twin Cities. There isn't a lot to see across ND until you get to the NP.

If you have lots of time, I'd take Hwy 2. Its a lovely drive

I prefer I-90. Have a safe trip, and enjoy my beloved Montana.

You are going to stop at Theodore Roosevelt NP aren't you? There are two campgrounds in that area.