Which Dakota?

I agree with Islandman. I grew up in central North Dakota along the Missouri River and now live in the NE corner of South Dakota. I have traveled to the western part of SD several times and would much prefer the drive across ND. More scenery and towns for stopping conveniences. My wife and I are now moving to Oregon and I will be going through Yellowstone on the way but plan on driving I-94 through ND and stop at the beautiful Medora, ND and the Theodore Roosevelt NP. The route is easy driving with a fifth wheel, as well.

One thing to watch out for around Livingston are the little BREEZES that could blow through there.....It can be pretty amazing. I lived in Livingston from 70-82 and it got pretty old.

I've see pros and cons on using US212. Some say it can save an hour. Some say it is too remote.

we have driven 212 in the past, 2-lane but not a bad road.If you like antique shopping, Belle Fourche, SD has quite a few shops. Next stop Alzada,MT, if you need fuel. Next Broadus, MT,there is cafe used to be called the homestead had good food and there was an antique shop there with plenty of room to park on the street. Then on thru the reservation and to the Bighorn Battlefield, a must see sight. And there you will pick up I90. Happy travels.

Hwy 212 is a good road. Only one diesel stop, midway to Montana interstate.

Thanks for the feedback, GM has a route of I90 but uses 212 to cut out WY. Any concerns on using 212? I'm a Class C 33' plus toad on a dolly.

We have used every road at one time or the other in the last 16 years going to and fro to Great Falls,Mt. My vote is to use I-90. Have a great trip.

paulj wrote:
From other threads it sounds as though the oil field congestion affects US2 in the western half of the state, but not I94 so much. Medora is still open to tourists.

I'll personally vouch for that. Took both routes (US 2 one trip, I-94 via Fargo from Grand Forks second trip) going from Grand Forks to Washington state last year.

I-94 was what I considered normal traffic, even in Dickinson area, which is also heavily invested in the oil boom.

US 2 was normal until one gets west from Minot, then it gets busy.

I-94 good road, and others have described sites to see along that route. I much prefer I-94 over I-90, but to be clear, it is I-90 in Wyoming I dislike.

I-90 Wyoming is a nice road, but wow. It is rural empty nothing out there until one gets to Buffalo (I-90 and I-25 split there) and moves north. Between the South Dakota border and Buffalo there is really only Gilette WY, and further west almost nothing.

At least on the I-94 route there is good scenery, and to me, especially following the Yellowstone River once one hits Glendive MT.

From other threads it sounds as though the oil field congestion affects US2 in the western half of the state, but not I94 so much. Medora is still open to tourists.

Go thru South Dakota, no question about it.