kencolian

Wow- this is an old post. I thought I had done a trip report. We changed up the trip from this initial plan. We ended up flying into Billings and driving to Cody that day. Made for a long day. We spent 2 nights in Cody. Enjoyed the Museum, I could have passed on the rodeo although my husband and son enjoyed it somewhat. The museum there is fabulous. We then drove into Yellowstone. Stopping at the Dam on the way in. Interesting drive. We spent the at at the Old Faithful Inn, which was gorgeous. Spent the next several nights in Gardiner at the Best Western, which was a good choice for us. (TV,Internet, and AC) Went white water rafting and horseback riding in addition to the park. My favorite part of the park was the grand canyon and seeing bears.
From Gardiner we drove to Little Bighorn. We saw the battlefield, took a tour run through the local community college and Crow tribe. The guide was a descendant of one of Custers Indian scouts. Highly recommend this tour. You can sign up right at the desk in the main building.
We arranged our travels this way even though it was backtracking somewhat so we could go to the Crow Fair. This was fabulous. Just seeing the regalia of the dancers was worth it. My son bought a t shirt he still wears there. It said peace, love and fry bread grease. We stayed at a KOA here. It was a good choice for use again. Kids to play with. Do Not eat at the Purple Cow!

kencolian

Continued- sorry did not mean to hit submit, I'm still getting used to this format.

We then drove to Glacier. Stopped at Pompeis Pillar on the way. Interesting stop. Nice little museum. Deerskin clothing is heavy. Stayed in Many Glacier area for 3 nights. Bad storm one night, lost power, a little scary. Gorgeous area. Good hiking. Spent our last 2 nights in Columbia Falls in a condo resort which was a good way to end our vacation. Than drove back to Billings in one long day.

This was a jam packed vacation for us. It was good but way too much driving, but I don't know how we could have done it much differently. I am very glad we dropped the idea of Mt Rushmore also. I hope this helps someone in the future

sludick

Thanks for the trip report, kencolian. We'll be in the general area this September.

Travelkitty

Glad you had a wonderful time, you stayed at some of my favorite places in the whole US. I think you were right to cut out SD on this trip and concentrate on Yellowstone/Grand Teton/Glacier, but if you can make it to SD on a separate trip, there is some lovely scenery in that area as well and the wildlife loop at Custer State Park is a real treat.

jere1mt

Your trip is very full but if at all possable take in the Beartooth Hwy between Red Lodge, MT and the NE park entrance the pass goes over 11,000 feet and is described as one of the most senic drive in the country, you could do the pass and still end up in Cody a little longer trip but well worth it. I am in Billings if you need more info contact me [email protected]