Miss Ziegfeld, I only mentioned the short commutes because I did not know if you have ever traveled in this neck of the woods. On the freeway you can really fly and when I'm on vacation I don't relax until I get to my destination. (yellowstone) I90 may be a better fit for your travels(Black Hills) than I94. Have fun planning, ziggpop

I second the recommendations not to miss GTNP. We spent time in both parks last summer and our the Tetons were our favorite (I know that makes us in the minority, but our family was unanimous!) Perhaps because we spent more time hiking in the Tetons. We loved the hike at the Rim of the Canyon in Yellowstone. We stayed at the Lake Hotel and thoroughly enjoyed it (be sure to make dinner reservations in advance). I thought about trying to change to Old Faithful and was so glad that we did not - we found Old Faithful area to be much more "busy" ... the one place in the whole park we found cell service, if that says anything. There is much to discover so try to get out of the car as much as you can!

If it were me, I would certainly follow ziggypop's suggested route, heading straight from Milwaukee to Badlands on I-90, and then proceeding west through the Black Hills. I.e. skipping Minneapolis and Fargo. However (1) I've never been to Minneapolis and Fargo, so I apologize to any fans out there, and (2) I think that's what MissZeigfeld was planning to do anyway, ever since I talked her into stopping at Badlands!

Just a quick update. I mapquested from my house(60 miles west of minneapolis) to Yellowstone. I90 and I94 routes were within 20 miles of each other and within 30 minutes of each other. The I94 route entered through the north entrance and the I90 entered through the east entrance. Hawksbill,I agree that the badlands are not to be missed if the opportunity presents itself where as cities are just cities......

I like your choice of lodging and your iten. I would add a day in for GTNP(even if it meant cutting one day from Yellowstone).

You will love GTNP -- and a day visit for views and a short boat ride/hike across Jenny Lake will work out fine. We saw a lot of Moose at GTNP, but not at Yellowstone. I'm told most headed south after the fires in '88. The Lamar Valley is the place for critters, so make sure to give yourself time there either at dawn or dusk for your best chances to spot some wolves. I actually really liked Mammoth (we rented a cabin about 15 minutes north of the the north park entrance, so it was kind of our base), so don't sell it too short, even if you decide not to stay there. A highlight near Mammoth for us was soaking in the hot currents where the boiling river sputters into the Gardner River. It's south of Mammoth at the 45th Parallel bridge. My two regrets were not booking some time at Old Faithful Lodge, and not driving the Beartooth (kids had had their fill in the car that day) -- so you're set there! Don't miss out on the milkshakes/ice cream cones at the soda fountain at the Old Faithful country store. Leaving a week earlier is a good idea because I hear the weather changes quickly in September. Have a wonderful trip, and safe driving!

A new dilemna--we have decided to camp for part of the trip. My partner has camped before (not in Yellowstone), but this will be my first time. I'm very excited!

I'm looking at this site:

http://www.yellowstonenationalpark.com/camping.htm

our original idea was to camp at Canyon and stay in a hotel at Old Faithful, but the Canyon campsite closes on 9/5. I'm thinking now maybe we'll stay at the Canyon Lodge and then camp at Grant Village, and skip staying at Old Faithful? How accessible is OF by drive from Grant Village? Of course we want to see it and spend time there! It appears to be about 20 miles away...

good idea or bad idea?

I wonder if the campground at Madison might not be closer to OF. Also, it's definitely closer to the Middle Basin and Grand Prismatic spring.

Probably a tossup.

Has your partner camped in bear territory before?

Try a practice camping trip at home before venturing to yellowstone for your vacation. You will learn a lot.

IMHO Yellowstone is just not that big (speaking from someone from the west). I would not change hotels that much. The Park constists of 2 large loops, so center yourselves near the center for some days and then either north or south depending on your interests. North is quieter and rugged and more of an opertunity to see bears and wolves. The south (GTNP) has incredible beautiful and rugged mountains (breathtaking) and Jackson is a commercial but cool western type town. September is a great month to go through the park. Beautiful weather and cooler so the animals will be out a little more.