I am moving to Portland from Chicago in about a week. I haven't been that far west driving so I was really hoping to stop and see some stuff along the way. I only have 3-4 days because I need to get out here and adjust before my school starts. I have been looking at several different attractions along the way including: Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Devils Tower and Craters of the Moon National Park. I really would love to do Yellowstone and Glacier but that seems unrealistic unless I wanted to go way out of my way. Can anyone give me an idea of what would be best to stop and see? I was thinking Glacier or Yellowstone for sure, but the routes taken seem like it needs to be one or the other. Are any of the other ones good options? Like I said I haven't driven that far West before so I am extremely excited but also want to take advantage of this great opportunity I have to drive out West. Please let me know what your favorite options are ! Thanks in advance.

That's a long drive and if you only have 3-4 days max you won't have time to see much. Are you driving alone and what's your driving stamina per day (e.g. are you the type of person that can drive a 13+ hour day or not)? I ask because as you know, it's over 2000 miles and if you are the type that won't want to drive more than 8 hours per day you will need the 4 full days just to get to Oregon on any route (I'd take I-90 through SD but you could take I-94 through ND as well).

However, if you don't mind long days, you could probably have time to stop briefly at 1-2 places you list so what's your priority for sightseeing vs long days/early mornings?

For example, I'll just throw out what I would do if I were in your shoes (with the caveat that I grew up in Montana and commonly did very long driving days including to the West Coast just for fun)... Also that I am personally biased to Yellowstone/Glacier vs sights in ND/SD.

Day 1 - Leave Chicago super early and drive all the way to Rapid City, SD on I 90 - its just over 900 miles so we're talking about a 13-14 hours of driving. Sleep in Rapid City (or even Keystone if you want to stop at Mt Rushmore).

Day 2 - If you are really motivated, you could get up early and stop at Mt Rushmore as it opens around 5am. Then back on the road and drive to Livingston, Mt or better yet get to Gardiner, MT (500 miles and 8hrs).

Day 3 - Day trip to Yellowstone national park using Gardiner as entrance. Up early again and drive loop and make a few stops to see Upper/Lower Falls/Old Faithful and exit through West Yellowstone and drive H191 to Bozeman, MT. This is a beautiful drive and although you won't have much time to spend within the park, it's at least a nice intro and you can take a few quick walks to see sights and still be in Bozeman by evening.

Day 4 - Leave Bozeman (which is a nice college town btw) and make it to Portland via I90 and I84 (750 miles - 11+ hours).

Maybe that at least gives you something to play with based on your priorities but the key is to map out how many hours per day you are willing to drive vs making time for sightseeing.... Good luck!