Chicago to Yellowstone Sept 1, 2009
 

My wife and I (65) are driving to Yellowstone and back starting Sept 1, 2009. We plan on being on the road about three weeks. We like history, civil war, sightseeing and fun things to see and do. We are not into camping or hiking. Don't mind getting off the interstates but don't want to spend the majority of time on a two lane. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

If you are planning on going in the south entrance, you will go through Jackson and Grand Teton National Park--very beautiful. If you go in the east entrance, people enjoy Cody and the museum there (can't remember the name). I haven't been to the museum but everyone I know says they could a lot of time there. Outside the northeast entrance of Yellowstone to Red Lodge, MT is the Beartooth Hwy. This is a very scenic drive--more mountain scenery than you will find IN Yellowstone.

I don't know your planned route, but unless you go a northerly route, you should be close to a lot of Oregon Trail sites. There are books that describe places you can drive to and visit along the trail.

If you love history, go north into Montana to Little Big Horn. It's a few hours out of the way but very interesting. I wish we could have spent more time there.

Mount Rushmore is easily worth the stop either going or coming as are Badlands area of South Dakota.

I hope you see this before you leave so you'll be aware and can adjust your plans accordingly.

There is a section of road closed in Yellowstone, between Norris and Madison.

It could slow your drive times downs significantly if you are staying in or visiting the West Yellowstone and Old Faithful areas since you will have to route all the way around to get to other areas of YNP.

Sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. Looking forward to reading your trip report.

Just east of Billings on I-94 is Pompey's Pillar.

http://www.pompeyspillar.org/

http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel...dclark/pom.htm