The Great American West
Discover the Great American West on this 23-day self-drive from Seattle to Minneapolis, taking in some of America’s most spectacular scenery. Explore Idaho’s mountain lakes, marvel at the Teton peaks and Yellowstone’s geysers, then see Mount Rushmore and the Badlands of the Dakotas, all at your own pace. Stay in charming Wild West towns such as Cody, Sheridan and Medora, and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10-11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15-16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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Day 21
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Day 22
Day 1 : Seattle
Arrive in Seattle and make your way to your hotel. Nestled between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, the “Emerald City” has a lively waterfront, great coffee and a skyline crowned by the Space Needle. Take a stroll to stretch your legs after the flight.
Day 2 : Seattle
A free day to explore. Ride to the top of the Space Needle, browse the stalls and fish-throwing traders at Pike Place Market, or take a ferry across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. The Museum of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass are also worth a visit.
Day 3 : Coeur d’Alene
Collect your car this morning and head east over Snoqualmie Pass and across the Columbia River into the wide-open scenery of eastern Washington. Pass through Spokane before reaching Coeur d’Alene in Idaho’s panhandle, set on the shores of a sparkling lake.
Day 4 : McCall
Drive south through the rolling farmland of the Palouse and the Nez Perce country around Lewiston, then climb through dramatic river canyons into Idaho’s high country. Your destination is the mountain town of McCall, on the edge of Payette Lake.
Day 5 : Boise
A shorter drive today along the Payette River Scenic Byway, with time to explore McCall’s lakefront before leaving. Boise, Idaho’s state capital, is a relaxed city with a riverside Greenbelt, a lively downtown and a Basque Block serving authentic food.
Day 6 : Sun Valley
Cross the Snake River Plain and climb into the Wood River Valley, home to the resort towns of Ketchum and Sun Valley. This was America’s first destination ski resort and a favourite of Ernest Hemingway, who is buried in Ketchum.
Day 7 : Sun Valley
A day to relax or be active. Hike, mountain bike or ride the chairlift at Bald Mountain, browse the galleries and boutiques of Ketchum, or drive over Galena Summit into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area for lakes and jagged peaks.
Day 8 : Jackson Hole
Head east across the volcanic landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument, where lava fields stretch to the horizon. Continue through Idaho Falls and over the state line into Wyoming, where the Teton Range rises dramatically ahead as you approach Jackson Hole.
Day 9 : Jackson Hole & Grand Teton National Park
Spend the day in Grand Teton National Park. Drive the scenic loop, stop at Jenny Lake and keep an eye out for moose, elk and bison. In the evening, stroll around Jackson’s Town Square, with its famous elk antler arches and Western-style saloons.
Day 10-11 : Yellowstone National Park
Take the scenic route north through Grand Teton and into Yellowstone, America’s first national park. Stop at West Thumb and Yellowstone Lake before reaching the Old Faithful area, ideally in time to see the geyser erupt.
Day 12 : Cody
Leave via the East Entrance along one of America’s most scenic highways and descend into Cody, the town founded by Buffalo Bill. Visit the Buffalo Bill Centre of the West, a five-museum complex. In summer, the nightly Cody Nite Rodeo is a must-see.
Day 13 : Sheridan
Cross the Bighorn Mountains on a high, winding road with spectacular views over canyons and meadows. Arrive in Sheridan, a classic Wyoming cowboy town with a historic Main Street and western shops.
Day 14 : Rapid City
Drive north-east to Devils Tower, the striking rock formation that was America’s first national monument. Continue into South Dakota and the Black Hills, arriving in Rapid City, the “City of Presidents”.
Day 15-16 : Rapid City – Mount Rushmore – Badlands
Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Then loop through Custer State Park along the Needles Highway and Wildlife Loop, where you may see bison herds, pronghorn and wild burros. On your next day here, explore the otherworldly landscape of Badlands National Park, with its jagged spires, deep canyons and colourful rock layers. Stop in the town of Wall on the way back, famous for Wall Drug.
Day 17 : Medora
Drive north into North Dakota to the Old West town of Medora, gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Stroll the western-style main street and soak up the frontier atmosphere.
Day 18 : Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Spend the day in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, driving the scenic loop through the painted canyons and rolling Badlands. Look out for prairie dogs, wild horses, bison and pronghorn. In summer, the Medora Musical takes place in an open-air amphitheatre in the evening.
Day 19 : Bismarck
Continue east to Bismarck, the state capital on the banks of the Missouri River. Discover Lewis and Clark’s history at the North Dakota Heritage Center, or visit Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.
Day 20 : Fargo
Cross the prairies of central North Dakota to Fargo, the state’s largest city. Browse its vibrant downtown, with independent shops, breweries and the historic Fargo Theatre.
Day 21 : Sioux Falls
Take the final leg south into South Dakota. Stop at Falls Park in Sioux Falls to see the cascades that gave the city its name, then explore the downtown Sculpture Walk.
Day 22 : Minneapolis departure
Drive east into Minnesota and return your car at Minneapolis-St Paul airport, ready for your flight home.
