Roadtrip November 17th, Chicago to Colorado.. through WI, MN, SD, WY??

Hey guys! So I don't have any specifics yet, but I'm working on planning a roadtrip from Ohio to Colorado. We'd stay with friends in Chicago until Tuesday the 17th, then we'd have about 6 days to get to Colorado. Any suggestions? I've already been through Nebraska and Iowa so was thinking maybe just a bit north... hit up Madison then through southern MN, try to hit the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, etc. in SD, then probably head south in WY just across the border and down through Fort Collins and Boulder/Denver.

About us, it'll be me and my boyfriend. We're 22 and 21, enjoy hiking and picturesque scenery (but maybe not too much hiking considering it'll be the end of November?), smaller towns and cities, national parks, microbreweries, anything interesting. Neither of us has been to any of these states (besides Colorado). Any ideas on where to go and what to do, what the weather will be like, how long we should stay in certain places, etc. would be really helpful. Also, if anyone has ideas that I haven't thought of yet, go for it! Maybe we should rush through all those places and head to Montana as well? Or maybe we should forget everything in the north and head south through New Mexico?? I've done the trip through Oklahoma, northern Texas, and New Mexico, but wouldn't be against doing it again but slightly different. Any and all ideas would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!!!

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fmpden on Oct 31, 09 at 02:29 PM

You have three big issues - weather, weather, weather. It could be terrific and it could be very miserable. November and April are two of the most unpredictable weather months for that region. For the the past three days a big chunk of that area has been totally shut down to vehicle traffic due to a heavy snowstorm -- and it is only late October. I would consider a more southern route.
WhereAreWe on Oct 31, 09 at 04:33 PM

Weather could be an issue but as long as you're flexible you can work around it. If there's a winter storm in the Great Plains you absolutely cannot go that route. If the forecast is good, then the northerly route would be fun. Madison is always a good place to spend a day or two, and with the parks in SD you'll find plenty to do. Great scenery is going to be somewhat limited because the leaves will be off by then, but I suspect that will make little difference for the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower and the caves (Jewel and Wind) in SD.

That time of year you shouldn't need to make hotel reservations, so watch the forecast and make the final decision right before you leave Chicago.

csmochilera on Nov 11, 09 at 02:21 AM

thanks guys! i'll keep my eyes on the weather...

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Roadtrip November 17th, Chicago to Colorado.. through WI, MN, SD, WY??

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