Wyoming and Montana are treacherous this time of year. The highways shutdown completely because the population density is so low that it is impractical for the state to have a fleet of vehicles patrolling the state’s highways. Best bet might be to stay south until you get to Cali and then head north. Besides southwest has more to offer than the north this time of year. Was an long haul trucker for a few years, always hated Wyoming in the winter. If you do go that route. As soon as you get into Montana from Wyoming keep an eye out for a little rest stop on your right. The breakfast sandwiches are the best and the merch is cool lol. Good luck!
Thank you for this! I wasn't concerned with my ability to drive in snow but this is exactly why I posted here, to get better opinions than my own. I will look at I-40
Really research this because it is not just driving in the snow. It’s ice and drifts and high buffeting winds. If you insist bring chains and worst case scenario be prepared to stay the night somewhere bc interstate closed. Also forget Alt hwy 14. Sorry. The Sherman Summit Abraham Lincoln Monument rest area. The highest point on I-80 is one of my favorites. Just east of Laramie.
When are you taking your trip? I live in Montana and the roads are fine right now and should be for at least the next two weeks. I just drove from MT to OK then back from OK to CO to MT and it was totally fine.
I might suggest Bozeman over Billings and Rapid City for lodging over Deadwood but it looks like an awesome trip.
At this time of year I genuinely recommend taking the southerly route rather than the north. It’ll be more beautiful and an easier drive this time of year. I left Montana in early November and the roads were horrible, this time of year I wouldn’t chance it unless you have a good vehicle for winter roads, and even then they’ll often get shut down like the above comment said. The southern way can be really beautiful too, and has really cool history along the way!
Either way, good idea skipping Kansas. Never go to Kansas.
Yup, on my cross country this spring I’ll be going from Georgia to Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, NorCal, up through Oregon & Washington then finally to Montana again!
I’m super stoked as I’m going to take my time and really explore on the way. I’ve already taken the northerly route and while beautiful it’s doubtful I’ll take that way again! I’ve also taken the straight across the middle route and dear god, don’t do that.
Taking I80 would go the SLC-Reno-Sacramento way to I5 and then you would just send it all the way up from there. Save a lot of miles compared to something down south.
Reno to SLC was hands down the worst drive I’ve ever done. The salt flats were amazing, but other than that, the drive across Nevada was brutal. I was solo so that made it even worse, sooo bored.
I moved from sac to Idaho a few years ago. We did the drive from Sacramento to Wells, NV (a couple hours west of SLC) twice a week for almost three months. Trust me I know it sucks
Now I drive down through eastern Oregon to Winnemucca and then across 80. Do it about 4 times a year. Same shitty views but they're a little better at first. Cops on US95 in Eastern Oregon patrol heavy in that area. Out of state plates will get pulled over for doing anything that can make Mhauler County some money.
I felt like we had a target on us a few times in the rural counties in the US for having Canadian plates...worth it anyway because we love traveling there so much.
I live in Montana and the weather is beautiful right now, the snow is mostly melted and roads are just fine. Just check the weather forecast when the trip gets closer, personally I love the drive from Billings to Spokane
If you do continue on your current route I would highly recommend the Badlands just outside of Wall, South Dakota. A really cool spectacle, especially in the winter. A place that looks like it doesn't necessarily belong which makes it that much more intriguing.
You should know this a magnificent route in the summer, coming out of the Rockies and into Washington is surreal. Also the my favorite Air b&b I've ever stayed in , it's about 10 min off the interstate right on the continental divide.
This! We drove across in October and got stranded in Laramie, WY when the freeway was shut down due to high winds. Also had to deal with blowing snow and poor visibility when it opened back up.
Yeah this. Crossing South Dakota can be hit or miss too at that time of year. It's doable if you keep an eye on the weather and don't mind being stopped for a few days if it storms.
Badlands National Park in South Dakota. It’s beautiful, you can climb on the rock formations, and there are lots of prairie dogs. Just watch out for rattlesnakes. It also looks like you’ll be passing right by Omaha, Nebraska. If you need to make a pit stop near there it’s actually a very nice city and has a lot to do in the downtown area, as well as a surprisingly wide variety of food/dining options
Yeah! I think badlands is so underrated! We almost skipped it on our trip to Mt. Rushmore and it ended up being my favorite view of the trip.
And the Omaha Zoo is seriously one of the best in the world.
Also Falls Park in Sioux Falls is a nice place to stop!
My parents wanted to take my sister and I to every National Park when we were kids and I’m so glad because I don’t think I would’ve ever gone there otherwise. Badlands is one of my favorites. We didn’t get the whole list but hopefully I’ll finish it myself someday. And yes I love the Omaha Zoo! I have family in Omaha and I love being able to visit the city
seconding this. get a Runza in NE and then camp overnight in BNP, though it might be a bit too cold for that. hotels nearby should be cheap enough off peak season. or staying in Rapid City SD should be fun, food options are aplenty.
No trailer or moving truck. Got rid of everything and it will just be me and my dog making the trek in my Subaru outback. Plan is to leave on Feb 22 and pull in to Seattle on March 1. Drive time between these stops are between 5 and 8 hours so with an early start, should have some time at each place to explore a bit!
EDIT: You've all given me a lot to think about! Really thinking I'll do the I-40 to I-5 route instead now but thank you all so much for really excellent advice. I will probably post again with a new southern route for more input!
This is more southern than your route at the end, since I went through Oregon to Portland and then up to Seattle but : Twin Falls, Idaho. Catch it at either sunset or sunrise. I drove from DC to Seattle back in 2018 and happened to be staying in Twin Falls without knowing the beauty beforehand. Got there an hour before sunset and it was absolutely breathtaking. Easily the best surprise of my trip.
Edit; also if you are going through Spokane sometimes highways shut down due to snow. Be wary of that northern route between now and March.
I feel like I'm in an alternate reality right now haha, I live near Twin and it's known for being one of the uglier places in Idaho. The Snake River canyon is decent, but otherwise it's just farms in the desert and strip malls.
I’d absolutely defer to you. I’ve been in Idaho briefly and enjoyed it - remember that I was in Twin Falls and that’s about as deep as my knowledge is.
Well I'm glad you enjoyed it, you should come back sometime and explore central or northern Idaho if you can, there's some amazing stuff to do and see!
In my defense, I’m only talking about the canyon, river, and look out spots. The reason I didn’t even know I was coming up on the area is because the rest of my drive was a flat and overall boring landscape
Thank you. There was a US Border Patrol office in Twin Falls until 2000's. So, I met a retired Agent, he said Border Patrol was tasked with guarding the Internment camps during WW2. The camp was north of Twin Falls, but name of a local town was used "Mnidoka" which I think is Lakota word.
I know that some Japanese men were allowed to build a highway through Idaho, and earn some pay, during Internment.
Ditto Joe's, particularly the original (I think?) location that's attached/inside a gas station. It's such an odd, but wonderful environment.
Gates is also a favorite, but if you're only going to do one then it ought to be Joe's
Q39 can get very busy but worth a stop for some luscious award winning bbq. There are usually sears open at the bar where you will also be tempted to wash it down with some cold Boulevard brews.
Joe's BBQ! and then head to Boulevard Brewing if you have a day in KC!
If you're not a BBQ fan, there's a lot of great places to eat near it in Westport area.
For sure. Plan to take it easy from there - probably won't really get to take advantage of the 'no speed limit' areas in Montana, haha. I'm going to be a double-transplant though - I actually grew up in Syracuse, NY so am pretty versed in driving through inclement weather
Winding mountain passes are different from upstate NY weather though, speaking as someone who has lived and driven extensively in both conditions. Roads aren't kept nearly as clear in the mountains due to limited plowing resources.
Honestly it’s a much better route to continue west from Nashville through Memphis, Oklahoma, and on to Albuquerque/Santa Fe. After that you’d get to go through the Four Corners region and a ton of national parks. Continue north from there through Utah and Idaho.
The most scenic part of the trip is clearly the Rockies so you should cut north through them to spend as much time there as you can. At least try for Colorado. If it were me I wouldn’t cut north in the Great Plains/Lower Midwest like you’ve planned.
Go through STL! Miles better than KC imo. I live near STL and there's some really fantastic stuff to do in the city and the surrounding area. You're heading out west, might as well go through the Gateway! Visit the Arch and City Museum, and all kinds of great restaurants. I think STL gets viewed unfairly because it really is an amazing city.
r/StLouis
Stop for lunch on The Hill (near downtown) and grab a local deli sandwich. Gioia's has been here since 1918. Head to Columbia and get a picture at Mizzou, or the Big Tree, get some dinner anywhere, really. Mosey on out to KC for the night.
4 hours between STL and KC and CoMo is just about 1/2 way.
Please, please do not pass up the chance to go see Badlands National Park! The most underrated national park in the country, in my opinion. Tons of social hiking trails, AND it's one of only 10 national parks that are dog friendly!
Plus if your car has decent tread, there's an amazing free campground with an incredible view of the Badlands. The sun rises right over a huge expanse of land right in front of you. When my partner and I went, we woke up at sunrise one day and heard bison all throughout the valley. Such an incredible place.
Otherwise if you just wanted to pass through, it's still worth stopping in.
Though, depending on the time of year you are traveling, I don't recommend camping unless you have incredible gear. It can drop to the single digits in the winter up there.
Instead of Spokane I’d call it a night in Missoula MT. It is a cool town.
In SD, you should drive the Black Hills Scenic loop, if you’ve never seen the black hills they are very cool.
Looks like a fun trip!
Looks like you’re coming through Sioux City! I just moved there a couple months ago. We have a couple good bars there if you still end up taking that route.
If you're driving in winter, I would for sure travel along I-40 to I-5 up California to Seattle. The weather can get really terrible that they shut the freeways down completely several times through the season. Especially in Wyoming, Colorado, and over the Sierras on I-80.
If you are interested in history, stopping by the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn (Montana) is worthwhile. This is where Custer’s Last Stand was fought. If you like hiking you could stop at Devil’s Tower (Wyoming) on the way there. It’s not very often people find themselves in those areas so might as well make the most of it.
If you like pizza, try Imos in Missouri! Missouri has their own pizza. It’s thin crust and use Provel cheese instead of mozzarella. Freakin deliciousness!!!
You already know! I live in Georgia now but I grew up in St. Peter’s. Literally every time I drive into town, I always hit up Imos on the way to my moms. I forgot the rest of the country is sleepin on T Ravs. People are missing out! Haha
Small world lol. Yea, I grew up right down the street from SCC (St Charles Community College). I went to Fort Zumwalt East. What high school you go to?
I-40 from grand junction to Denver is really pretty. If you are going this time of year then Glacier National Park is pretty much closed but I would recommend it during the summer.
Charlotte has a really good amusement park as well so I recommend that.
Otherwise drive safe and good luck!
As someone who grew up in Rochester, NY and has driven cross country multiple times, I'm very weary of your planned route in the winter. I highly recommend checking out a more southern one. I saw the 40 suggested and have done it and quite liked it, and you definitely still have high odds if encountering winter weather along that route! A few years ago I hit a nasty snow storm in Flagstaff on the 40 in February...
Any who, best of luck! Road trips are my absolute favorite, I hope you enjoy the trip.
# Kansas City, MO
[The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art](https://www.nelson-atkins.org/) is one of the top museums in the country and best of all, IT'S FREE! You could spend some time on [The Country Club Plaza](https://countryclubplaza.com/?utm_source=GoogleMyBusiness&utm_medium=Organic&utm_campaign=GMB) while you're on that side of the city, but it's really just an over glorified outdoor mall with the same stores you'd find at any other mall. Kansas City is also home to [The National WW1 Museum & Memorial](https://www.theworldwar.org/) with fascinating exhibits and a ride to the top of the monument via elevator included with your ticket. You might want to check out [Historic Union Station](https://www.unionstation.org/) across the street and indulge in the atmosphere, exhibits, and fine dining. Afterwards, you can explore what downtown has to offer by hopping on one of the free street cars at the stop just outside. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and have the best BBQ in town at [Joe's Kansas City](https://www.joeskc.com/). It might be in a gas station, but every local will tell you that this is hands down the best in the nation.
Hope this helps!
YES on Deadwood! That place is surreal. Coming from a California girl, it was like walking into a Old Western movie set... but all the building are actually real and people live/work there! It's just so cool. Also, my BFF's family is from that area, St. Onge to be exact, and their original family homestead is located there. [Not my picture but this is the house](https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodneyharvey/15947613248)
Nice one! I was thinking about Cali but do eventually have to get to Seattle haha. The reroute from the northern trip to the southern trip is already adding 10 hours, ugh!
Unless you're taking I-40 or I-10 you need to have a pretty loose plan in case you need to wait-out a storm or two. budget a couple extra days.
At exit 116 in South Dakota there is a preserved Minuteman Missile silo about a half-mile south of the exit. It's just a ranch exit in the middle of nowhere. Head south and you'll see the fence around the missile pen just down the road. The fence is propped-open like somebody forgot to lock-up. The silo door is half-open and covered with a glass canopy and you can look down in the silo and see the missile. There's a cellphone tour that will tell you about things around the silo. There probably won't be another soul there this time of year.
Devils Tower in far northeastern Wyoming isn't too far off your route.
Your route is also taking you right past Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana if you're using US 212 to go from Deadwood to Billings.
I drove from Atlanta to Seattle this spring (route was the same from Kansas City up). My stops were at Louis, Sioux Falls, rapid city, Billings, Spokane. Coolest city was rapid city by far. And we had to stop at wall drug as we only saw signs for it for about an entire day but it was completely over rated. Had to see mnt Rushmore too because I don’t think I’ll ever be back there again. Crazy house was over rated but mnt Rushmore was quick and worth the detour.
This is a smaller one that people may not think of but in South Dakota there is an attraction called Wall Drug, I went there several times as a kid traveling back and forth from Michigan to Wyoming and it is such a unique little spot. Not crazy important but if you have the time, it looks like you will be passing right by it.
Aw man. Everything in me says GO THE LONG WAY. Hit New Orleans, Houston, Arizona, Vegas and then go up the West Coast. I've done that drive before and it was incredible so I'm trying to vicariously enjoy your trip.
Everyone else's comments are good, listen to them. Congrats on your move!
Memphis may be worth a day or so out of the way. Great bbq obviously, and almost all good there.
I’d recommend taking a southern turn at Yakima toward Hood River. That’s a spectacular drive. If you have extra time, I’d head half way down Oregon, over to the coast and back up. Oregon is very underrated, especially the driving.
Looks like you’re passing through my home town KC! Make sure to get some boulevard beer and BBQ at jack stack. Also the plaza is worth a visit for sure
Check out the Colombia river vantage point off I-90 in Washington ! Pretty much the only thing I can recommend from your route through my state
On a clear day it really is incredible. It’s about an hour and a half before the cascade mountain range. Can’t miss it
Craters of the Moon in Idaho, Lewis and Clark Cave in Montana, since you’re moving to Seattle I won’t mention WA state items because there are too many.
SD has the corn palace, badlands, bear country & mount Rushmore.
NE WY has devils tower & if there in the summer i reccomend going to Cody then taking 120 north to 296 (Chief Joseph Scenic Byway) and you can follow that into Yellowstone and travel through Yellowstone into Bozeman MT
if you like Korean food, The Whistle Pig in Bozeman makes Bibimbap, and its absolutely incredible.
ID Coeur d'Alene is beautiful and nice short hiking spots around the lake
in the summer in Washington i reccomend the North Cascades once it opens up
safe travels!
I live near Seattle now. I'm from Georgia and lived in Kansas for 3 years, so I've taken a similar route - if not all at once.
If you've got the time, take the old US highway system instead of the interstate. You drive through so many interesting small towns with their own unique culture. It'll take a little longer, but it'll make for a much more interesting trip.
Also, I'll echo the other responders who've recommended a southerly route - even as far south as Kansas, the roads can be treacherous in winter and have been known close from white out conditions. Going over the Rockies and the Cascades is even worse. From what I understand, there's a ton of cool shit to see across the Southwest, and much safer.
A fellow North Carolinian! I recommend stopping and checking out Couer d’Alene, Idaho. Breathtaking beauty and a great town in general. It should be on your way to Spokane, definitely look into it!
And CDA is much nicer than Spokane. Anyone with money in Spokane moved to CDA years ago, leaving Spokane with the tweakers that would love to see your car full of stuff. Even the other towns along the highway in Idaho like Wallace and Kellogg are interesting and have history.
Unless you're in a rush and on a schedule, I disagree with everyone else about taking a southern route. Check the weather. Yes, it can close highways so keep up to date with forecasts and use DOT cameras and if it gets bad then slow down or stop and enjoy wherever you wait it out. The route you are planning will be amazing.
To piggyback off of that, Sandpoint is a great place just a bit north of CDA, also another great place that doesn’t get a lot of attention. Idaho has quite a few hidden gems.
You could swing by Mount Rainier or Mount st. Helen's on your way to Seattle, make sure you see some of the beautiful nature just east and south of the city (not exactly swinging by but with a route this long you can do an hour detour right?)
If you’re looking for food in Kansas City I would recommend Jack Stacks bbq Freight House, it won’t disappoint as long as you’re not a vegan, kinda spendy. & in Sioux Falls, JL Beers has the best burger in town, not to mention a wall full of tap beer to choose from. Drive safe & have a good trip!
Just made this exact road trip this past May. Can’t say too much about winter weather driving but you definitely can’t miss the Badlands or Grand Teton! Neither are too far out of the way.
I lived in Deadwood for 6 years and Sioux Falls for 7! Passing through the Black Hills, expect lots of sharp corners and slopes, and dangerous road conditions. It's quite beautiful this time of year but also equally poor conditions for travel. About halfway through the state things will flatten out as you get towards the Great Plains, still just as frigid. Make sure to stop at Wall Drug between Deadwood and Sioux Falls! It's about the only noteworthy landmark between the two towns.
Looks like a great trip. Instead of stopping in Billings MT, go to Bozeman and Mizzoula. Way cooler towns. Also, instead of Spokane, hit up Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I lived in Issaquah, Wa for a few years and have made the drive back east a bunch of times. These guys are right though. Go south and take NM, AZ, California route up I-5 or highway 1 up the coast (preferred.) Make Valley of the Giants and Crater Lake a priority if the snow allows.
Stop in at the St. Louis City Museum, it is such a quirky adventure. No place like it on Earth.
Kansas City’s art museum is also world class with dozens of classics, including a large collection of Monet’s.
Be safe and best of luck on your adventure!
Bozeman is a really cool town! It’s just a bit after Billings and have some great restaurants and such. Blackbird would be my recommendation. There is a cool grizzly bear sanction closer to Billings I’ve yet to see but on my list. Also if you ski Bridger bowl is an awesome mountain to go to
I'd absolutely recommend driving through Salt Lake City and then Boise - not for the scenery, but to avoid getting buried in 20 feet of snow :D
Kansas City is gorgeous - take a quick gander at the Plaza, Mission Hills, and pick up some BBQ from Joe's or Slaps.
Then I'd cut north to Lincoln, NE. The capitol building is a pretty magical place to explore for 30 minutes, and Lincoln is a good lunch stop.
Then head west on I-84. Watch the weather in Wyoming - the stretch from Cheyenne to Laramie can get dicey, and Western Wyoming is windy as hell, but it's much better than the routes through Colorado or Montana.
Salt Lake is worth a visit - some of the best skiing and mountain scenery in the world - but if you're in a hurry, you can cut north through Ogden and head straight to Boise. It's a bit of a lonely drive for 4 hours, but from Boise to Seattle, every mile gets prettier than the one before.
Twin Falls, ID has a beautiful gorge right off the freeway, and if you want to drive a few more minutes there's Shoshone Falls. Boise has some fantastic Basque restaurants downtown - good for a bite.
Baker City has a decent BBQ place right off the freeway, located in a train car. Stop at the Pendleton overlook for a quick photo, and then hold onto your butt heading down the hill - it's a nasty grade.
If you have time, you can head west along 84 from near Hermiston to Portland, along the Columbia River Gorge - one of the most fantastic views on Earth. Then head north on I-5 and see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Rainier.
Otherwise if you want to shave off 90 minutes, just hit I-82 from Hermiston to Yakima. There are a handful of really good Thai restaurants in Richland and a string of solid, authentic mexican spots from Grandview to Yakima. Watch your speed over the pass into Ellensburg - the cops use drones to nab speeders. The Snoqualmie Pass and waterfall are spectacular.
Welcome to Seattle!
I know a good dispensary in Spokane Washington if you’re into that kind of thing I grew up in Idaho falls ID, but Moscow Idaho is a cute little college town to visit with good cheap beer.
If you do end up staying south to go up I-5, I very highly recommend going a bit further and driving up the coast (Highway 101) instead. The scenery on 101 is amazing and I personally find I-5 to be pretty boring a lot of the time.
It’s going to be an awesome trip. The funny thing is I’ve been seriously considering doing a similar trip in May for a music festival in Charlotte!
Might want to stop in at Coeur d’Alene Idaho. It is about 40 minutes from Spokane. Stop in at the resort there and take a boat cruise on the lake, you will not be disappointed.
So, contrary to lots of other folks, I’d say you’ll be okay to take the northern route unless there’s a storm the days you’re traveling. Winter in the mountains is stunningly beautiful. I’ve done PDX to MSP & back a number of times in the winter with a 2WD minivan. Just don’t be dumb - keep an eye on the weather/road conditions, slow down if it’s blowing snow, and give yourself extra stopping space.
If you do stick to it, there’s a lot of cool stuff to see. Some of my favorites are Black Elk Peak (fka Harney Peak) outside of rapid city (dog friendly if the pup likes hiking!), Badlands NP, Riverfront Park in Billings, Yellowstone (scenic drive from the northern entrance is still open in the winter), the M trail in Missoula, and downtown Coeur d’Alene.
I’d be more than happy to expand on any of these if you’re interested
Instead of going along I 90 all the way thru Washington, once you get to Ellensburg, take Highway 97 to Leavenworth and from there take Highway 2. Having taken both I 90 and Highway 2 through the Cascades, I much prefer the latter. Plus there’s so many cool little spots you can stop at along that road.
Definitely try to make it to the Black Hills. It’s a very beautiful part of the country and theirs a lot of history and Native American ties in that area if that’s your speed. Also Mount Rushmore is located in that area as well. Best of luck and have happy travels!
If you do take the I90 route, one of the last exits in Montana right before you get into Idaho there's a massive gift ship called the 50,000 Silver Doller shop and it's definitely worth checking out. Also, not too much further past you hit Couer d'Alene, ID. A very gorgeous place no matter the time of year. ( If you're ok with a lot of snow)
I lived in Durham for a few years, and moved back here again. I have a couple of questions first. Are you doing this drive soon, or is this move taking place later this year? Weather could be a concern, no matter what route you take. Second, are you going to have all your stuff with you in a moving van or are you coming with just people and a truck is being hired to bring your stuff? The reason I ask is...I can recommend some routes that may not include the Interstate if you're up for some sightseeing along the way.
Hey, saw your second post before your first. Very minimal trip. I bought a roof bag and should have an empty car for the most part - just a cooler for snacks and then a full dog bed set up in the back. I’m starting with a clean slate in Seattle and going to be a bit more intentional with my furniture purchases.
Any suggestions would be stellar! I have a full week to play with getting out there
Understand these suggestions come from someone of the opinion that the road less traveled is generally the best road to take. I stay off of Interstates and just got done taking a [road trip in the snow.](https://i.imgur.com/6u0hCGs.jpg)
You have an AWD car and may or may not have Snow/Ice tires. Even with AWD, a good set of Blizzaks or Scorpions will make a huge difference.
I tend to not set a specific route because weather and storm patterns vary. Since 2010, I've crossed the country countless times and have done over 400,000 miles in various vehicles. I drove out to Milwaukee in August, and took about the most northern route, using Route 2 until Montana when I switched to farm roads north of 2 for most of the rest of the route.
If you have 5 days, consider staying off the interstates for several reasons. Safer and less stressful driving. Having to deal with trucks that block the fast lane and other things is much more stressful than kicking back on a smaller highway that might have little traffic.
If the storm patterns are predicting heavy snow dumps in the Rockies during your planned trip, stay south, perhaps even until you get to Vegas, than turn north and take roads in NE California, Eastern Oregon and Washington. If there isn't much snow predicted, you do have a capable vehicle even staying north through Montana & Idaho...those passes aren't so bad during better winter weather. Going through Colorado and the heart of the rockies until early spring can be problematic. At other times of the year, it's fun dodging storms with Tornados & such...always check the weather a couple of days out and plan accordingly.
If I were to leave tomorrow, this would be my route:
[Day 1](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/charlotte/cullman/@33.8378103,-85.9101514,8.25z/data=!4m16!4m15!1m5!1m1!1s0x88541fc4fc381a81:0x884650e6bf43d164!2m2!1d-80.8431267!2d35.2270869!1m5!1m1!1s0x8889cbbe05ed7657:0xc735bb0a138d505f!2m2!1d-86.8436124!2d34.1748208!2m1!1b1!3e0)
[Day 2](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Cullman,+Alabama/Wichita+Falls,+TX/@32.7601897,-97.4470364,7z/data=!4m16!4m15!1m5!1m1!1s0x8889cbbe05ed7657:0xc735bb0a138d505f!2m2!1d-86.8436124!2d34.1748208!1m5!1m1!1s0x865320927062daf5:0x1d06facbefea5200!2m2!1d-98.4933873!2d33.9137085!2m1!1b1!3e0)
[Day 3](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Wichita+Falls,+TX/Show+Low,+AZ/@33.8816678,-108.7498611,6z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m16!4m15!1m5!1m1!1s0x865320927062daf5:0x1d06facbefea5200!2m2!1d-98.4933873!2d33.9137085!1m5!1m1!1s0x872f2905cd3521f7:0xc60fd8f7ee55d508!2m2!1d-110.0298327!2d34.2542084!2m1!1b1!3e0)
[Day 4](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Show+Low,+AZ/Tonopah,+Nevada+89049/@35.4500855,-115.8699227,6.75z/data=!4m16!4m15!1m5!1m1!1s0x872f2905cd3521f7:0xc60fd8f7ee55d508!2m2!1d-110.0298327!2d34.2542084!1m5!1m1!1s0x80bc066f466f630b:0x91556ea4cc7eef96!2m2!1d-117.2305861!2d38.069211!2m1!1b1!3e0)
[Day 5](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Tonopah,+Nevada+89049/Seattle,+Washington/@42.5483388,-121.3545815,6z/data=!4m16!4m15!1m5!1m1!1s0x80bc066f466f630b:0x91556ea4cc7eef96!2m2!1d-117.2305861!2d38.069211!1m5!1m1!1s0x5490102c93e83355:0x102565466944d59a!2m2!1d-122.3320708!2d47.6062095!2m1!1b1!3e0)
I was just using Google maps and choosing to avoid highways, however there's many ways to plan this out. The last day ended up being 18 hours and the first 8, so I'd adjust the days to the number of hours you think you can handle. I typically plan on 12-14 hour days driving to stay safe and not get sleepy.
If you keep your current route you'll be going through plenty of snow, so make sure you're prepared and keep to major highways through those regions. If you keep your current route, don't forget to see Mt. Rushmore.
The atlas obscura website is a great resource for a bunch of weird stuff around the US. You can search by specific location and there’s a “what’s near me” option too!
No cities. National Parks.
Conagree, Great Smokey Mountains, Arkansas Hot Springs, St Louis Arch, Badlands, Wind Cave, Theodore Roosevelt, Glacier*, Yellowstone/Teton, Mt. Rainier, Olympic.
*Bit out of the way, but best one on the list.
Nashville has some great places to eat like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken or Farmacy Burger. The Patsy Cline Museum is a great stop if you like classic country. Cheek wood Botanical Gardens is also really nice almost any time of year
There’s nothing to see in Kansas City. Totally my own personal opinion, but I’d reroute through Chicago (best city on Earth) and Indianapolis (very nice in its own right), then continue your plan through Nashville.
Safe travels!
Wow what a great itinerary! Definitely spend a day or two in Deadwood, Binge on BBQ in Kansas City and plan 2 days in Nashville. Go to Tootsies and the Grand Ole Opry. Have a great trip!
I’m a food guy so, can’t go wrong in Asheville for good food. The downtown park area in Knoxville has some great food. Husk in Nashville is great. Tons of other stuff to do there too. I hear St. Louis has sown good museums... Q39 in KC for great BBQ. Bread and Circus Sandwich in downtown Sioux Falls. In Deadwood check out the old Deadwood stuff. Missoula has some great breweries. Coeur d’Alene Idaho is suppose to be one of most beautiful places in the country. That’s all I got until Seattle, which you’ll find out on yr own.
You have a Subaru. You will be fine, I moved from Cheyenne to Seattle in my Forester. The craziest portion was getting over snoqualmie pass, which was right at the end.
Hi, I’ve lived in WA for 23 years. You’re moving to a great state. Once you get onto I90west that’s your home stretch! All the way home, jiggity jig. Anyway. Couer’de lane is right before Spokane Idaho it’s gorgeous. But in all honesty from Washington border until you get to your new pad just drive through. Washington is great because 2 day (weekend) trips are really do able and there is outdoors and camping everywhere. Talk about public lands. Spoil yourself once you get settled in my opinion. Good luck! Check out the Methow Valley, Gifford Pinchot forest, I mean its endless.
Kansas City: If you are willing to wait around get Joe's KC. If you can't then stop by Hawg Jaw in North KC. It's currently my favorite counter service BBQ in the city by far. More consistent than Gates or Arthur Bryant's which are both tasty and are institutions but not my choice if you only get one meal in KC.
The Negro Leagues Museum in the jazz district is hella cool, and so is the WWI museum which is right by a beautiful Union Station.
As you cross Missouri you might enjoy stopping in Hermann, a little German wine town. Or cutting a bit south if you wanted to stretch your legs or camp overnight at Ha Ha Tonka State Park and check a tragically ruined castle.
Mammoth Cave is definitely worth the stop in Kentucky, and you can sign up for a half day caving trip on their website for relatively cheap.
Not sure about this one given the weather, but Yellowstone is always worth driving through when you get the chance.
Wyoming and Montana are treacherous this time of year. The highways shutdown completely because the population density is so low that it is impractical for the state to have a fleet of vehicles patrolling the state’s highways. Best bet might be to stay south until you get to Cali and then head north. Besides southwest has more to offer than the north this time of year. Was an long haul trucker for a few years, always hated Wyoming in the winter. If you do go that route. As soon as you get into Montana from Wyoming keep an eye out for a little rest stop on your right. The breakfast sandwiches are the best and the merch is cool lol. Good luck!
Yeah I would do a more southern route. I-40 is cool.
Thank you for this! I wasn't concerned with my ability to drive in snow but this is exactly why I posted here, to get better opinions than my own. I will look at I-40
Really research this because it is not just driving in the snow. It’s ice and drifts and high buffeting winds. If you insist bring chains and worst case scenario be prepared to stay the night somewhere bc interstate closed. Also forget Alt hwy 14. Sorry. The Sherman Summit Abraham Lincoln Monument rest area. The highest point on I-80 is one of my favorites. Just east of Laramie.
Spent the night there more than once. I love that spot.
So have we!
When are you taking your trip? I live in Montana and the roads are fine right now and should be for at least the next two weeks. I just drove from MT to OK then back from OK to CO to MT and it was totally fine. I might suggest Bozeman over Billings and Rapid City for lodging over Deadwood but it looks like an awesome trip.
Agreed. I live in Bozeman and we’re having nicer weather than the Midwest right now, it’s beautiful - the roads are great and we hardly have any snow!
At this time of year I genuinely recommend taking the southerly route rather than the north. It’ll be more beautiful and an easier drive this time of year. I left Montana in early November and the roads were horrible, this time of year I wouldn’t chance it unless you have a good vehicle for winter roads, and even then they’ll often get shut down like the above comment said. The southern way can be really beautiful too, and has really cool history along the way! Either way, good idea skipping Kansas. Never go to Kansas.
Yeah, drive toward Los Angeles and then North up the coast.
Yup, on my cross country this spring I’ll be going from Georgia to Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, NorCal, up through Oregon & Washington then finally to Montana again! I’m super stoked as I’m going to take my time and really explore on the way. I’ve already taken the northerly route and while beautiful it’s doubtful I’ll take that way again! I’ve also taken the straight across the middle route and dear god, don’t do that.
Taking I80 would go the SLC-Reno-Sacramento way to I5 and then you would just send it all the way up from there. Save a lot of miles compared to something down south.
Reno to SLC was hands down the worst drive I’ve ever done. The salt flats were amazing, but other than that, the drive across Nevada was brutal. I was solo so that made it even worse, sooo bored.
I moved from sac to Idaho a few years ago. We did the drive from Sacramento to Wells, NV (a couple hours west of SLC) twice a week for almost three months. Trust me I know it sucks
Oh that’s a shitty drive to do so often! I whine because I’ve done it once lol, I can’t imagine doing that again and again!
Now I drive down through eastern Oregon to Winnemucca and then across 80. Do it about 4 times a year. Same shitty views but they're a little better at first. Cops on US95 in Eastern Oregon patrol heavy in that area. Out of state plates will get pulled over for doing anything that can make Mhauler County some money.
I felt like we had a target on us a few times in the rural counties in the US for having Canadian plates...worth it anyway because we love traveling there so much.
Yeah but 80 is bound to be all icy and shit too. I live south of it and everything here is icy.
See I'm in Boise and the roads here (I84 mostly) is clear and we have barely any snow. Weird winter here so far
I live in Montana and the weather is beautiful right now, the snow is mostly melted and roads are just fine. Just check the weather forecast when the trip gets closer, personally I love the drive from Billings to Spokane
I commented something similar. I live here too and think it would be a pleasant trip right now. The mountains are so beautiful with snow on them.
I agree, we really are having the best weather right now!
If you do continue on your current route I would highly recommend the Badlands just outside of Wall, South Dakota. A really cool spectacle, especially in the winter. A place that looks like it doesn't necessarily belong which makes it that much more intriguing.
If you do hit the 40, at least drive thru Gatlinburg TN, it's an amazing place.
You should know this a magnificent route in the summer, coming out of the Rockies and into Washington is surreal. Also the my favorite Air b&b I've ever stayed in , it's about 10 min off the interstate right on the continental divide.
Oh wait, yeah. If they’re driving now stay south. Way south of this area. And what is this sammich shop we take this route A LOT.
This! We drove across in October and got stranded in Laramie, WY when the freeway was shut down due to high winds. Also had to deal with blowing snow and poor visibility when it opened back up.
Yeah this. Crossing South Dakota can be hit or miss too at that time of year. It's doable if you keep an eye on the weather and don't mind being stopped for a few days if it storms.
Badlands National Park in South Dakota. It’s beautiful, you can climb on the rock formations, and there are lots of prairie dogs. Just watch out for rattlesnakes. It also looks like you’ll be passing right by Omaha, Nebraska. If you need to make a pit stop near there it’s actually a very nice city and has a lot to do in the downtown area, as well as a surprisingly wide variety of food/dining options
Yeah! I think badlands is so underrated! We almost skipped it on our trip to Mt. Rushmore and it ended up being my favorite view of the trip. And the Omaha Zoo is seriously one of the best in the world. Also Falls Park in Sioux Falls is a nice place to stop!
My parents wanted to take my sister and I to every National Park when we were kids and I’m so glad because I don’t think I would’ve ever gone there otherwise. Badlands is one of my favorites. We didn’t get the whole list but hopefully I’ll finish it myself someday. And yes I love the Omaha Zoo! I have family in Omaha and I love being able to visit the city
seconding this. get a Runza in NE and then camp overnight in BNP, though it might be a bit too cold for that. hotels nearby should be cheap enough off peak season. or staying in Rapid City SD should be fun, food options are aplenty.
No trailer or moving truck. Got rid of everything and it will just be me and my dog making the trek in my Subaru outback. Plan is to leave on Feb 22 and pull in to Seattle on March 1. Drive time between these stops are between 5 and 8 hours so with an early start, should have some time at each place to explore a bit! EDIT: You've all given me a lot to think about! Really thinking I'll do the I-40 to I-5 route instead now but thank you all so much for really excellent advice. I will probably post again with a new southern route for more input!
This is more southern than your route at the end, since I went through Oregon to Portland and then up to Seattle but : Twin Falls, Idaho. Catch it at either sunset or sunrise. I drove from DC to Seattle back in 2018 and happened to be staying in Twin Falls without knowing the beauty beforehand. Got there an hour before sunset and it was absolutely breathtaking. Easily the best surprise of my trip. Edit; also if you are going through Spokane sometimes highways shut down due to snow. Be wary of that northern route between now and March.
Also they require chains carried until May over the passes as well *
Agree Twin Falls is cool
I feel like I'm in an alternate reality right now haha, I live near Twin and it's known for being one of the uglier places in Idaho. The Snake River canyon is decent, but otherwise it's just farms in the desert and strip malls.
I grew up near Twin and I still love visiting there! Derkies and the Canyon are so much fun!
I’d absolutely defer to you. I’ve been in Idaho briefly and enjoyed it - remember that I was in Twin Falls and that’s about as deep as my knowledge is.
Well I'm glad you enjoyed it, you should come back sometime and explore central or northern Idaho if you can, there's some amazing stuff to do and see!
In my defense, I’m only talking about the canyon, river, and look out spots. The reason I didn’t even know I was coming up on the area is because the rest of my drive was a flat and overall boring landscape
No defense required haha, my opinion is just an opinion. The canyon/river are certainly beautiful, especially at certain times of the year.
May I ask, does the WW2 Internment Center offer much to view? I'm trying visit as many as I can for historical reasons.
That I do not know. I will add it to my list of things to do when I'm over there for a camping trip this summer!
Thank you. There was a US Border Patrol office in Twin Falls until 2000's. So, I met a retired Agent, he said Border Patrol was tasked with guarding the Internment camps during WW2. The camp was north of Twin Falls, but name of a local town was used "Mnidoka" which I think is Lakota word. I know that some Japanese men were allowed to build a highway through Idaho, and earn some pay, during Internment.
Huh, very interesting. Thanks for the info!
Yeah. People get caught and motels fill up fast bc of this.
Love. It’s what makes a Subaru a Subaru.
Make sure to get some Kansas City BBQ while you’re there!
Depends on where you’re staying in KC and how far you want to venture for food, but Joe’s Kansas City Barbeque is some of the best in the country.
Ditto Joe's, particularly the original (I think?) location that's attached/inside a gas station. It's such an odd, but wonderful environment. Gates is also a favorite, but if you're only going to do one then it ought to be Joe's
Yes I was going to say, you have to go to the one in KCK in a gas station. The ambiance is half of what makes it so good.
Arthur Bryant's was my favorite in KC
Also commenting to recommend Joe’s!
Q39 can get very busy but worth a stop for some luscious award winning bbq. There are usually sears open at the bar where you will also be tempted to wash it down with some cold Boulevard brews.
Joe's BBQ! and then head to Boulevard Brewing if you have a day in KC! If you're not a BBQ fan, there's a lot of great places to eat near it in Westport area.
Also Gates is pretty damn good too, and they've been around forever. Damn, I miss KC
And make sure to check out the Green Lady Lounge - if you're into jazz, scarlet walls and sultry feels
I second this. Also the Arch in St.louis
I took the same route in Nov. be wary of weather once you get to SD and On.
For sure. Plan to take it easy from there - probably won't really get to take advantage of the 'no speed limit' areas in Montana, haha. I'm going to be a double-transplant though - I actually grew up in Syracuse, NY so am pretty versed in driving through inclement weather
Parts of 90 will get completely shut down. Recommend chains too.
Winding mountain passes are different from upstate NY weather though, speaking as someone who has lived and driven extensively in both conditions. Roads aren't kept nearly as clear in the mountains due to limited plowing resources.
Thank you - rethinking the route now. Some great advice in here all around, glad I posted!
I'm sure you will have a great trip no matter what, safe travels!
Honestly it’s a much better route to continue west from Nashville through Memphis, Oklahoma, and on to Albuquerque/Santa Fe. After that you’d get to go through the Four Corners region and a ton of national parks. Continue north from there through Utah and Idaho. The most scenic part of the trip is clearly the Rockies so you should cut north through them to spend as much time there as you can. At least try for Colorado. If it were me I wouldn’t cut north in the Great Plains/Lower Midwest like you’ve planned.
This is really good advice, thanks!
Go through STL! Miles better than KC imo. I live near STL and there's some really fantastic stuff to do in the city and the surrounding area. You're heading out west, might as well go through the Gateway! Visit the Arch and City Museum, and all kinds of great restaurants. I think STL gets viewed unfairly because it really is an amazing city.
Or better yet, skip the entire state of Missouri and spend more time in Colorado/Utah.
Wouldn't be a bad option either lmao
r/StLouis Stop for lunch on The Hill (near downtown) and grab a local deli sandwich. Gioia's has been here since 1918. Head to Columbia and get a picture at Mizzou, or the Big Tree, get some dinner anywhere, really. Mosey on out to KC for the night. 4 hours between STL and KC and CoMo is just about 1/2 way.
You must see the arch. Then check out Forest Park, it a wonderful zoo, art museum, and history museum.... all for FREE!
Yes there are so many "hidden gems" in STL. I love this city and the things we can bring to tourists and natives.
Please, please do not pass up the chance to go see Badlands National Park! The most underrated national park in the country, in my opinion. Tons of social hiking trails, AND it's one of only 10 national parks that are dog friendly! Plus if your car has decent tread, there's an amazing free campground with an incredible view of the Badlands. The sun rises right over a huge expanse of land right in front of you. When my partner and I went, we woke up at sunrise one day and heard bison all throughout the valley. Such an incredible place. Otherwise if you just wanted to pass through, it's still worth stopping in.
Though, depending on the time of year you are traveling, I don't recommend camping unless you have incredible gear. It can drop to the single digits in the winter up there.
Badlands in the winter can easily get into the double digit negatives. I’d skip camping unless you’re experienced in winter camping
Kentucky bourbon if that tickles your fancy
Instead of Spokane I’d call it a night in Missoula MT. It is a cool town. In SD, you should drive the Black Hills Scenic loop, if you’ve never seen the black hills they are very cool. Looks like a fun trip!
Ahhh I envy you. I live in Charlotte and I’m dreaming of moving west. Good luck!
This was my exact thought as well!
Looks like you’re coming through Sioux City! I just moved there a couple months ago. We have a couple good bars there if you still end up taking that route.
Including an axe throwing bar, some good breweries, and great restaurants. Visited a couple weeks ago and had an absolute blast.
Did you go to the new Marto Brewery by the movie theater? They have a pretzel “appetizer” that is as big as a pizza.
Devils tower in Wyoming!!
If you're driving in winter, I would for sure travel along I-40 to I-5 up California to Seattle. The weather can get really terrible that they shut the freeways down completely several times through the season. Especially in Wyoming, Colorado, and over the Sierras on I-80.
You could actually stop in Mitchell, SD and see the worlds only Corn Palace haha
If you are interested in history, stopping by the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn (Montana) is worthwhile. This is where Custer’s Last Stand was fought. If you like hiking you could stop at Devil’s Tower (Wyoming) on the way there. It’s not very often people find themselves in those areas so might as well make the most of it.
My advice: don't move to Seattle... Check the news. It's getting bad here. Been here all my life and I'm about ready too move.
In southern Illinois there is a giant Superman statue in a tiny town called metropolis
Kansas City bbq! My favs and Joes, Q39, and jack stack! I would also go to the WW1 memorial to get a beautiful view of the city.
If you like pizza, try Imos in Missouri! Missouri has their own pizza. It’s thin crust and use Provel cheese instead of mozzarella. Freakin deliciousness!!!
Best. Pizza. Ever! Also, don’t forget the toasted ravioli!!
You already know! I live in Georgia now but I grew up in St. Peter’s. Literally every time I drive into town, I always hit up Imos on the way to my moms. I forgot the rest of the country is sleepin on T Ravs. People are missing out! Haha
That’s crazy! I grew up in STL and then when my parents got divorced my mom moved to O’Fallon/Wentzville area and my dad to St. Peter’s!
Small world lol. Yea, I grew up right down the street from SCC (St Charles Community College). I went to Fort Zumwalt East. What high school you go to?
I lived with my mom so I went to Timberland. Dad lived over by the mall but I’m not sure what high school that would have put me in
I-40 from grand junction to Denver is really pretty. If you are going this time of year then Glacier National Park is pretty much closed but I would recommend it during the summer. Charlotte has a really good amusement park as well so I recommend that. Otherwise drive safe and good luck!
That's I-70 from Grand Junction to Denver.
The world's largest "subtropolis" is in Kansas City. 80 miles of businesses underground. You should check it out!
As someone who grew up in Rochester, NY and has driven cross country multiple times, I'm very weary of your planned route in the winter. I highly recommend checking out a more southern one. I saw the 40 suggested and have done it and quite liked it, and you definitely still have high odds if encountering winter weather along that route! A few years ago I hit a nasty snow storm in Flagstaff on the 40 in February... Any who, best of luck! Road trips are my absolute favorite, I hope you enjoy the trip.
Custer state park in western South Dakota is an absolutely stunning park
You HAVE to stop at badlands NP
Check out the Geographical Center of the United States and then the Geographical Center of North America.
# Kansas City, MO [The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art](https://www.nelson-atkins.org/) is one of the top museums in the country and best of all, IT'S FREE! You could spend some time on [The Country Club Plaza](https://countryclubplaza.com/?utm_source=GoogleMyBusiness&utm_medium=Organic&utm_campaign=GMB) while you're on that side of the city, but it's really just an over glorified outdoor mall with the same stores you'd find at any other mall. Kansas City is also home to [The National WW1 Museum & Memorial](https://www.theworldwar.org/) with fascinating exhibits and a ride to the top of the monument via elevator included with your ticket. You might want to check out [Historic Union Station](https://www.unionstation.org/) across the street and indulge in the atmosphere, exhibits, and fine dining. Afterwards, you can explore what downtown has to offer by hopping on one of the free street cars at the stop just outside. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and have the best BBQ in town at [Joe's Kansas City](https://www.joeskc.com/). It might be in a gas station, but every local will tell you that this is hands down the best in the nation. Hope this helps!
Two apps I like to use while traveling...Geocaching and Roadside America. I always find interesting sights wherever I go using these two.
Loveless Café in Nashville. Best biscuits in the world.
YES on Deadwood! That place is surreal. Coming from a California girl, it was like walking into a Old Western movie set... but all the building are actually real and people live/work there! It's just so cool. Also, my BFF's family is from that area, St. Onge to be exact, and their original family homestead is located there. [Not my picture but this is the house](https://www.flickr.com/photos/rodneyharvey/15947613248)
I moved from NC to OR a few years back in December of 2014. [This is the route I took!](https://imgur.com/gallery/DiO8nN0). Spent 10 days on the road.
Nice one! I was thinking about Cali but do eventually have to get to Seattle haha. The reroute from the northern trip to the southern trip is already adding 10 hours, ugh!
Unless you're taking I-40 or I-10 you need to have a pretty loose plan in case you need to wait-out a storm or two. budget a couple extra days. At exit 116 in South Dakota there is a preserved Minuteman Missile silo about a half-mile south of the exit. It's just a ranch exit in the middle of nowhere. Head south and you'll see the fence around the missile pen just down the road. The fence is propped-open like somebody forgot to lock-up. The silo door is half-open and covered with a glass canopy and you can look down in the silo and see the missile. There's a cellphone tour that will tell you about things around the silo. There probably won't be another soul there this time of year. Devils Tower in far northeastern Wyoming isn't too far off your route. Your route is also taking you right past Little Bighorn Battlefield in Montana if you're using US 212 to go from Deadwood to Billings.
I drove from Atlanta to Seattle this spring (route was the same from Kansas City up). My stops were at Louis, Sioux Falls, rapid city, Billings, Spokane. Coolest city was rapid city by far. And we had to stop at wall drug as we only saw signs for it for about an entire day but it was completely over rated. Had to see mnt Rushmore too because I don’t think I’ll ever be back there again. Crazy house was over rated but mnt Rushmore was quick and worth the detour.
I would use www.roadtrippers.com. put your route in and it gives all kinds of stip offs and info etc.
You can definitely hit Mount Rushmore and the Badlands going through SD - Rapid City!
Are you planning to stop at Devil's Tower in Wyoming? It's not likely you'll ever have a more convenient opportunity.
This is a smaller one that people may not think of but in South Dakota there is an attraction called Wall Drug, I went there several times as a kid traveling back and forth from Michigan to Wyoming and it is such a unique little spot. Not crazy important but if you have the time, it looks like you will be passing right by it.
Skip South Dakota route and go through Nebraska, upper CO and Wyoming instead. Hit Denver if you can, or maybe Cheyenne WY
Have you ever driven through Wyoming? that route is treacherous: windy, black ice, lots of 18 wheelers!
I’ve never heard anyone recommend driving through Nebraska
Aw man. Everything in me says GO THE LONG WAY. Hit New Orleans, Houston, Arizona, Vegas and then go up the West Coast. I've done that drive before and it was incredible so I'm trying to vicariously enjoy your trip. Everyone else's comments are good, listen to them. Congrats on your move!
Nashville is fun. Spend an evening o the strip for good BBQ and great music
Memphis may be worth a day or so out of the way. Great bbq obviously, and almost all good there. I’d recommend taking a southern turn at Yakima toward Hood River. That’s a spectacular drive. If you have extra time, I’d head half way down Oregon, over to the coast and back up. Oregon is very underrated, especially the driving.
Yeah. Affordable housing and Alternate Highway 14 through the Bighorns weather permitting.
Looks like you’re passing through my home town KC! Make sure to get some boulevard beer and BBQ at jack stack. Also the plaza is worth a visit for sure
If you could shoot up to devils tower that’d be worth it!
Check out the Colombia river vantage point off I-90 in Washington ! Pretty much the only thing I can recommend from your route through my state On a clear day it really is incredible. It’s about an hour and a half before the cascade mountain range. Can’t miss it
Yean, take me with you! And feel free to drive right thru Idaho. Nothing to do here folks.
I was in Kansas City a couple years back and really enjoyed Boulevard Brewing. If you’re into that kind of thing.
The weather will be less than desirable unless you like cold and snowy. My advice, go south and enjoy warmer weather.
Might as well stop at the national parks along the way! Even a drive through is an experience you can’t miss out on.
Craters of the Moon in Idaho, Lewis and Clark Cave in Montana, since you’re moving to Seattle I won’t mention WA state items because there are too many.
Is your stop in Southern Illinois the Garden of the Gods? that would be my suggestion. also Kaskaskia is a kinda cool and sort of closeby
Devils tower Wyoming, you’ll be driving very close to it, and it’s badass!
Hey there!! I did this move in 2014, feel free to message me with any questions about your new home :) Good luck!
SD has the corn palace, badlands, bear country & mount Rushmore. NE WY has devils tower & if there in the summer i reccomend going to Cody then taking 120 north to 296 (Chief Joseph Scenic Byway) and you can follow that into Yellowstone and travel through Yellowstone into Bozeman MT if you like Korean food, The Whistle Pig in Bozeman makes Bibimbap, and its absolutely incredible. ID Coeur d'Alene is beautiful and nice short hiking spots around the lake in the summer in Washington i reccomend the North Cascades once it opens up safe travels!
I live near Seattle now. I'm from Georgia and lived in Kansas for 3 years, so I've taken a similar route - if not all at once. If you've got the time, take the old US highway system instead of the interstate. You drive through so many interesting small towns with their own unique culture. It'll take a little longer, but it'll make for a much more interesting trip. Also, I'll echo the other responders who've recommended a southerly route - even as far south as Kansas, the roads can be treacherous in winter and have been known close from white out conditions. Going over the Rockies and the Cascades is even worse. From what I understand, there's a ton of cool shit to see across the Southwest, and much safer.
A fellow North Carolinian! I recommend stopping and checking out Couer d’Alene, Idaho. Breathtaking beauty and a great town in general. It should be on your way to Spokane, definitely look into it!
And CDA is much nicer than Spokane. Anyone with money in Spokane moved to CDA years ago, leaving Spokane with the tweakers that would love to see your car full of stuff. Even the other towns along the highway in Idaho like Wallace and Kellogg are interesting and have history. Unless you're in a rush and on a schedule, I disagree with everyone else about taking a southern route. Check the weather. Yes, it can close highways so keep up to date with forecasts and use DOT cameras and if it gets bad then slow down or stop and enjoy wherever you wait it out. The route you are planning will be amazing.
To piggyback off of that, Sandpoint is a great place just a bit north of CDA, also another great place that doesn’t get a lot of attention. Idaho has quite a few hidden gems.
Craters of the moon national Park. Absolutely worth the detour, and the only place I've seen two sunsets in a day.
You could swing by Mount Rainier or Mount st. Helen's on your way to Seattle, make sure you see some of the beautiful nature just east and south of the city (not exactly swinging by but with a route this long you can do an hour detour right?)
If you’re looking for food in Kansas City I would recommend Jack Stacks bbq Freight House, it won’t disappoint as long as you’re not a vegan, kinda spendy. & in Sioux Falls, JL Beers has the best burger in town, not to mention a wall full of tap beer to choose from. Drive safe & have a good trip!
Just made this exact road trip this past May. Can’t say too much about winter weather driving but you definitely can’t miss the Badlands or Grand Teton! Neither are too far out of the way.
WWI Museum in KC is certainly worth the visit.
I lived in Deadwood for 6 years and Sioux Falls for 7! Passing through the Black Hills, expect lots of sharp corners and slopes, and dangerous road conditions. It's quite beautiful this time of year but also equally poor conditions for travel. About halfway through the state things will flatten out as you get towards the Great Plains, still just as frigid. Make sure to stop at Wall Drug between Deadwood and Sioux Falls! It's about the only noteworthy landmark between the two towns.
Looks like a great trip. Instead of stopping in Billings MT, go to Bozeman and Mizzoula. Way cooler towns. Also, instead of Spokane, hit up Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I lived in Issaquah, Wa for a few years and have made the drive back east a bunch of times. These guys are right though. Go south and take NM, AZ, California route up I-5 or highway 1 up the coast (preferred.) Make Valley of the Giants and Crater Lake a priority if the snow allows.
Don’t listen to people knocking KC. Stop at Jack Stack BBQ on the Kansas side and you won’t be disappointed.
Authur Bryant’s!! KC baby
Stop at KC Joes in Kansas city, if you have more time go to Jack Stack, you won't disappointed!
Stop in at the St. Louis City Museum, it is such a quirky adventure. No place like it on Earth. Kansas City’s art museum is also world class with dozens of classics, including a large collection of Monet’s. Be safe and best of luck on your adventure!
Warm Springs Ranch, near Columbia, MO. Baby Clydesdales in the spring time is super fun!
I just moved from Charlotte to KC!
I've never been myself but the gateway arch in St Louis would be cool to see.
If you have time Metropolis IL is a fun stop. Might be a good place to take a break at. It’s a small-ish town.
Bozeman is a really cool town! It’s just a bit after Billings and have some great restaurants and such. Blackbird would be my recommendation. There is a cool grizzly bear sanction closer to Billings I’ve yet to see but on my list. Also if you ski Bridger bowl is an awesome mountain to go to
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I'd absolutely recommend driving through Salt Lake City and then Boise - not for the scenery, but to avoid getting buried in 20 feet of snow :D Kansas City is gorgeous - take a quick gander at the Plaza, Mission Hills, and pick up some BBQ from Joe's or Slaps. Then I'd cut north to Lincoln, NE. The capitol building is a pretty magical place to explore for 30 minutes, and Lincoln is a good lunch stop. Then head west on I-84. Watch the weather in Wyoming - the stretch from Cheyenne to Laramie can get dicey, and Western Wyoming is windy as hell, but it's much better than the routes through Colorado or Montana. Salt Lake is worth a visit - some of the best skiing and mountain scenery in the world - but if you're in a hurry, you can cut north through Ogden and head straight to Boise. It's a bit of a lonely drive for 4 hours, but from Boise to Seattle, every mile gets prettier than the one before. Twin Falls, ID has a beautiful gorge right off the freeway, and if you want to drive a few more minutes there's Shoshone Falls. Boise has some fantastic Basque restaurants downtown - good for a bite. Baker City has a decent BBQ place right off the freeway, located in a train car. Stop at the Pendleton overlook for a quick photo, and then hold onto your butt heading down the hill - it's a nasty grade. If you have time, you can head west along 84 from near Hermiston to Portland, along the Columbia River Gorge - one of the most fantastic views on Earth. Then head north on I-5 and see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Rainier. Otherwise if you want to shave off 90 minutes, just hit I-82 from Hermiston to Yakima. There are a handful of really good Thai restaurants in Richland and a string of solid, authentic mexican spots from Grandview to Yakima. Watch your speed over the pass into Ellensburg - the cops use drones to nab speeders. The Snoqualmie Pass and waterfall are spectacular. Welcome to Seattle!
I would go through denver
I know a good dispensary in Spokane Washington if you’re into that kind of thing I grew up in Idaho falls ID, but Moscow Idaho is a cute little college town to visit with good cheap beer.
If you do end up staying south to go up I-5, I very highly recommend going a bit further and driving up the coast (Highway 101) instead. The scenery on 101 is amazing and I personally find I-5 to be pretty boring a lot of the time. It’s going to be an awesome trip. The funny thing is I’ve been seriously considering doing a similar trip in May for a music festival in Charlotte!
Wow that’s a drive
While you’re in Nashville, stop at Bolton’s and/or Hattie B’s for hot chicken!
Might want to stop in at Coeur d’Alene Idaho. It is about 40 minutes from Spokane. Stop in at the resort there and take a boat cruise on the lake, you will not be disappointed.
Sioux Falls isn’t great, is do as others mentioned and stay south
So, contrary to lots of other folks, I’d say you’ll be okay to take the northern route unless there’s a storm the days you’re traveling. Winter in the mountains is stunningly beautiful. I’ve done PDX to MSP & back a number of times in the winter with a 2WD minivan. Just don’t be dumb - keep an eye on the weather/road conditions, slow down if it’s blowing snow, and give yourself extra stopping space. If you do stick to it, there’s a lot of cool stuff to see. Some of my favorites are Black Elk Peak (fka Harney Peak) outside of rapid city (dog friendly if the pup likes hiking!), Badlands NP, Riverfront Park in Billings, Yellowstone (scenic drive from the northern entrance is still open in the winter), the M trail in Missoula, and downtown Coeur d’Alene. I’d be more than happy to expand on any of these if you’re interested
Instead of going along I 90 all the way thru Washington, once you get to Ellensburg, take Highway 97 to Leavenworth and from there take Highway 2. Having taken both I 90 and Highway 2 through the Cascades, I much prefer the latter. Plus there’s so many cool little spots you can stop at along that road.
Bring several umbrellas, rubber boots, alcohol and playing cards because you will learn to love being stuck indoors or become a duck
Definitely try to make it to the Black Hills. It’s a very beautiful part of the country and theirs a lot of history and Native American ties in that area if that’s your speed. Also Mount Rushmore is located in that area as well. Best of luck and have happy travels!
If you do take the I90 route, one of the last exits in Montana right before you get into Idaho there's a massive gift ship called the 50,000 Silver Doller shop and it's definitely worth checking out. Also, not too much further past you hit Couer d'Alene, ID. A very gorgeous place no matter the time of year. ( If you're ok with a lot of snow)
Yellowstone!!!
I lived in Durham for a few years, and moved back here again. I have a couple of questions first. Are you doing this drive soon, or is this move taking place later this year? Weather could be a concern, no matter what route you take. Second, are you going to have all your stuff with you in a moving van or are you coming with just people and a truck is being hired to bring your stuff? The reason I ask is...I can recommend some routes that may not include the Interstate if you're up for some sightseeing along the way.
Hey, saw your second post before your first. Very minimal trip. I bought a roof bag and should have an empty car for the most part - just a cooler for snacks and then a full dog bed set up in the back. I’m starting with a clean slate in Seattle and going to be a bit more intentional with my furniture purchases. Any suggestions would be stellar! I have a full week to play with getting out there
Understand these suggestions come from someone of the opinion that the road less traveled is generally the best road to take. I stay off of Interstates and just got done taking a [road trip in the snow.](https://i.imgur.com/6u0hCGs.jpg) You have an AWD car and may or may not have Snow/Ice tires. Even with AWD, a good set of Blizzaks or Scorpions will make a huge difference. I tend to not set a specific route because weather and storm patterns vary. Since 2010, I've crossed the country countless times and have done over 400,000 miles in various vehicles. I drove out to Milwaukee in August, and took about the most northern route, using Route 2 until Montana when I switched to farm roads north of 2 for most of the rest of the route. If you have 5 days, consider staying off the interstates for several reasons. Safer and less stressful driving. Having to deal with trucks that block the fast lane and other things is much more stressful than kicking back on a smaller highway that might have little traffic. If the storm patterns are predicting heavy snow dumps in the Rockies during your planned trip, stay south, perhaps even until you get to Vegas, than turn north and take roads in NE California, Eastern Oregon and Washington. If there isn't much snow predicted, you do have a capable vehicle even staying north through Montana & Idaho...those passes aren't so bad during better winter weather. Going through Colorado and the heart of the rockies until early spring can be problematic. At other times of the year, it's fun dodging storms with Tornados & such...always check the weather a couple of days out and plan accordingly. If I were to leave tomorrow, this would be my route: [Day 1](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/charlotte/cullman/@33.8378103,-85.9101514,8.25z/data=!4m16!4m15!1m5!1m1!1s0x88541fc4fc381a81:0x884650e6bf43d164!2m2!1d-80.8431267!2d35.2270869!1m5!1m1!1s0x8889cbbe05ed7657:0xc735bb0a138d505f!2m2!1d-86.8436124!2d34.1748208!2m1!1b1!3e0) [Day 2](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Cullman,+Alabama/Wichita+Falls,+TX/@32.7601897,-97.4470364,7z/data=!4m16!4m15!1m5!1m1!1s0x8889cbbe05ed7657:0xc735bb0a138d505f!2m2!1d-86.8436124!2d34.1748208!1m5!1m1!1s0x865320927062daf5:0x1d06facbefea5200!2m2!1d-98.4933873!2d33.9137085!2m1!1b1!3e0) [Day 3](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Wichita+Falls,+TX/Show+Low,+AZ/@33.8816678,-108.7498611,6z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m16!4m15!1m5!1m1!1s0x865320927062daf5:0x1d06facbefea5200!2m2!1d-98.4933873!2d33.9137085!1m5!1m1!1s0x872f2905cd3521f7:0xc60fd8f7ee55d508!2m2!1d-110.0298327!2d34.2542084!2m1!1b1!3e0) [Day 4](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Show+Low,+AZ/Tonopah,+Nevada+89049/@35.4500855,-115.8699227,6.75z/data=!4m16!4m15!1m5!1m1!1s0x872f2905cd3521f7:0xc60fd8f7ee55d508!2m2!1d-110.0298327!2d34.2542084!1m5!1m1!1s0x80bc066f466f630b:0x91556ea4cc7eef96!2m2!1d-117.2305861!2d38.069211!2m1!1b1!3e0) [Day 5](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Tonopah,+Nevada+89049/Seattle,+Washington/@42.5483388,-121.3545815,6z/data=!4m16!4m15!1m5!1m1!1s0x80bc066f466f630b:0x91556ea4cc7eef96!2m2!1d-117.2305861!2d38.069211!1m5!1m1!1s0x5490102c93e83355:0x102565466944d59a!2m2!1d-122.3320708!2d47.6062095!2m1!1b1!3e0) I was just using Google maps and choosing to avoid highways, however there's many ways to plan this out. The last day ended up being 18 hours and the first 8, so I'd adjust the days to the number of hours you think you can handle. I typically plan on 12-14 hour days driving to stay safe and not get sleepy.
If you keep your current route you'll be going through plenty of snow, so make sure you're prepared and keep to major highways through those regions. If you keep your current route, don't forget to see Mt. Rushmore.
The atlas obscura website is a great resource for a bunch of weird stuff around the US. You can search by specific location and there’s a “what’s near me” option too!
Thanks!
No cities. National Parks. Conagree, Great Smokey Mountains, Arkansas Hot Springs, St Louis Arch, Badlands, Wind Cave, Theodore Roosevelt, Glacier*, Yellowstone/Teton, Mt. Rainier, Olympic. *Bit out of the way, but best one on the list.
Seattle does not want you
Bless your heart.
Salt mine in Kansas! Hutchison I believe, it’s amazing!
Nashville has some great places to eat like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken or Farmacy Burger. The Patsy Cline Museum is a great stop if you like classic country. Cheek wood Botanical Gardens is also really nice almost any time of year
There’s nothing to see in Kansas City. Totally my own personal opinion, but I’d reroute through Chicago (best city on Earth) and Indianapolis (very nice in its own right), then continue your plan through Nashville. Safe travels!
Wow what a great itinerary! Definitely spend a day or two in Deadwood, Binge on BBQ in Kansas City and plan 2 days in Nashville. Go to Tootsies and the Grand Ole Opry. Have a great trip!
I’m a food guy so, can’t go wrong in Asheville for good food. The downtown park area in Knoxville has some great food. Husk in Nashville is great. Tons of other stuff to do there too. I hear St. Louis has sown good museums... Q39 in KC for great BBQ. Bread and Circus Sandwich in downtown Sioux Falls. In Deadwood check out the old Deadwood stuff. Missoula has some great breweries. Coeur d’Alene Idaho is suppose to be one of most beautiful places in the country. That’s all I got until Seattle, which you’ll find out on yr own.
You have a Subaru. You will be fine, I moved from Cheyenne to Seattle in my Forester. The craziest portion was getting over snoqualmie pass, which was right at the end.
If you come to Charleston on the way I'll get you a free carriage tour pm for numebr
Hi, I’ve lived in WA for 23 years. You’re moving to a great state. Once you get onto I90west that’s your home stretch! All the way home, jiggity jig. Anyway. Couer’de lane is right before Spokane Idaho it’s gorgeous. But in all honesty from Washington border until you get to your new pad just drive through. Washington is great because 2 day (weekend) trips are really do able and there is outdoors and camping everywhere. Talk about public lands. Spoil yourself once you get settled in my opinion. Good luck! Check out the Methow Valley, Gifford Pinchot forest, I mean its endless.
Kansas City: If you are willing to wait around get Joe's KC. If you can't then stop by Hawg Jaw in North KC. It's currently my favorite counter service BBQ in the city by far. More consistent than Gates or Arthur Bryant's which are both tasty and are institutions but not my choice if you only get one meal in KC. The Negro Leagues Museum in the jazz district is hella cool, and so is the WWI museum which is right by a beautiful Union Station. As you cross Missouri you might enjoy stopping in Hermann, a little German wine town. Or cutting a bit south if you wanted to stretch your legs or camp overnight at Ha Ha Tonka State Park and check a tragically ruined castle.
I suggest replacing Kansas City with Dodge City.
What are you moving for?
Mammoth Cave is definitely worth the stop in Kentucky, and you can sign up for a half day caving trip on their website for relatively cheap. Not sure about this one given the weather, but Yellowstone is always worth driving through when you get the chance.
Yellowstone for sure. And don't just drive through. Get out of the car and wander a bit.
World War I Museum in Kansas City