Michigan to Wyoming Summer 2016
I'm planning a family trip mid summer 2016. Plan is to start in Michigan, head to Wyoming and back. Planning on taking I90 out and I80 back. We are in a 35' class A/V10. Will be an 11 or 12 day va...
Forum Discussion
We are planning on Rushmore, Yellowstone, Tetons, and more. We are only planning on making this particular trip once with the kids and want to make sure we hit the great sights.
If you're taking I-90 westward, figure on over 1600 miles to drive (and you have to get around Chicago somehow to get to I-90, presumably from I-94)
If you're taking I-80 return trip, figure on over 1500 miles to drive.
500+ miles a day roughly. While certainly doable, it could be hard on the kiddos, and not that much fun for the driver either.:D
While there are certainly sights along the way, stopping to see them will cut down on the amount of time you have for the places you want to see, specifically Yellowstone/Teton/Mt Rushmore.
Assuming you're going to be back home on the 15th day, realistically you have 8 days in which to see Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone, and Teton, and not counting anything else or down time.
Yellowstone NP is deceptively big. One looks at the map and it doesn't seem so, but it is. And there will be traffic, lots of tourists and the traffic will be slow in the park.
If you search prior posts here, there's frequently the suggestion to plan on at least 5 days just to see the sights at Yellowstone. (If you do a google search on "how much time to spend in Yellowstone", the frequent recommendation is at least 3 days, and that's for "car viewing", simply driving around and seeing the sights without getting out of the car much). That would leave you 3 days to see Teton and Mount Rushmore, which would likely bookend your visit to Yellowstone.
You may want to consider bypassing Mt Rushmore, which could be another trip (lots to see and do in the Black Hills - a fun destination trip unto itself), and focus just on Yellowstone/Teton. While it would be nice and relaxing to see sights on the way out and back, it also takes away the time you have for your destination.
Eight days in Yellowstone and Teton would certainly be a trip that the kiddos would enjoy, and the 'rents as well! ;) You'll also need reservations for wherever you want to stay. You can search here for either park and get a LOT of recommendations for where to stay, depending on whether you want to boondock or want FHU.
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a good safe trip!
If you're taking I-90 westward, figure on over 1600 miles to drive (and you have to get around Chicago somehow to get to I-90, presumably from I-94)
If you're taking I-80 return trip, figure on over 1500 miles to drive.
500+ miles a day roughly. While certainly doable, it could be hard on the kiddos, and not that much fun for the driver either.:D
While there are certainly sights along the way, stopping to see them will cut down on the amount of time you have for the places you want to see, specifically Yellowstone/Teton/Mt Rushmore.
Assuming you're going to be back home on the 15th day, realistically you have 8 days in which to see Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone, and Teton, and not counting anything else or down time.
Yellowstone NP is deceptively big. One looks at the map and it doesn't seem so, but it is. And there will be traffic, lots of tourists and the traffic will be slow in the park.
If you search prior posts here, there's frequently the suggestion to plan on at least 5 days just to see the sights at Yellowstone. (If you do a google search on "how much time to spend in Yellowstone", the frequent recommendation is at least 3 days, and that's for "car viewing", simply driving around and seeing the sights without getting out of the car much). That would leave you 3 days to see Teton and Mount Rushmore, which would likely bookend your visit to Yellowstone.
You may want to consider bypassing Mt Rushmore, which could be another trip (lots to see and do in the Black Hills - a fun destination trip unto itself), and focus just on Yellowstone/Teton. While it would be nice and relaxing to see sights on the way out and back, it also takes away the time you have for your destination.
Eight days in Yellowstone and Teton would certainly be a trip that the kiddos would enjoy, and the 'rents as well! ;) You'll also need reservations for wherever you want to stay. You can search here for either park and get a LOT of recommendations for where to stay, depending on whether you want to boondock or want FHU.
Whatever you decide, I hope you have a good safe trip!
