America's Heartland on US 83 Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the beauty of America's Heartland with a road trip along US 83. Start in Bismarck, North Dakota and make your way south to South Padre Island, Texas, a distance of 2844 km (1771 miles). This road trip is best enjoyed in the summer months, when the weather is warm and the road conditions are at their best. Along the way, you will pass through Pierre, South Dakota, Garden City, Kansas, and Abilene, Texas, offering a range of attractions for all types of travelers. Whether you're looking for outdoor activities, shopping, or just a chance to relax, this road trip has something for everyone. With a moderate budget and 9 days, you can explore America's Heartland and create a memorable journey.
9
number of days
2,844 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Bismarck
Distance 2,844 km
Driving time 31.4 h
Pace: fast
853.3 kWh
Airports
BIS
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Bismarck, North Dakota is the perfect starting point for the “America’s Heartland on US 83 Road Trip”. It is the state capital, located at the intersection of the Heart and Missouri Rivers. The city is home to a number of cultural and historical attractions, including the North Dakota State Capitol and the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra. The Dakota Zoo, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and the Lewis and Clark Riverboat are also popular tourist attractions.
The Bismarck Airport (BIS) is the closest international airport, offering direct flights to major cities across the US. For those traveling by car, there are numerous car rental services available at the airport. The US 83 highway is just a short drive away, making it the perfect starting point for a road trip across America’s Heartland.
Bismarck offers a variety of experiences for travelers. From the natural beauty of the rivers and parks to the unique attractions, there is something for everyone. With its excellent transportation links, Bismarck is the perfect starting point for the “America’s Heartland on US 83 Road Trip”.
1
Bismarck
- Pierre
Distance 326 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: fast
97.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Bismarck, United States to Pierre! This 202mi journey will take you fewer than 4 hours and you will be able to explore the most interesting places in both cities.
In Bismarck, make sure to visit the North Dakota State Capitol, the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, and the Dakota Zoo. In Pierre, you can explore the South Dakota State Capitol, the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, and the Oahe Dam.
Make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Don't forget to take pictures!
If you want more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Pierre - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Pierre
- North Platte
Distance 420 km
Driving time 4.4 h
Pace: fast
126.0 kWh
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Welcome to the Pierre-North Platte Road Trip! This 261mi stretch of road will take you less than 5 hours to complete and will provide you with a unique opportunity to explore some of the best attractions of the Dakotas.
Start your journey in Pierre, the capital of South Dakota and the second-largest city in the state. Visit the State Capitol building, the Cultural Heritage Center, and the South Dakota State Historical Society.
Continue to Fort Pierre, a historic trading post located on the Missouri River. Here you can enjoy the views of the river and visit the Fort Pierre National Grassland.
The next stop is the town of Murdo, where you can explore the Pioneer Auto Museum and the Prehistoric Indian Village.
The final destination of your road trip is North Platte, a city located on the banks of the Platte River. Here you can visit the North Platte River Museum and the Lincoln County Historical Museum.
This is just one of the stages of your tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
North Platte - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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3
North Platte
- Garden City
Distance 385 km
Driving time 4.4 h
Pace: fast
115.4 kWh
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Welcome to the North Platte to Garden City road trip! This stage of your journey will take you on a 239-mile drive through the heart of the Midwest, and you'll get to experience some of the most beautiful roads and stunning views in the United States. The drive will take you less than 5 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore some of the amazing attractions along the way.
Start your trip in North Platte, where you can visit the Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center. From there, you'll travel on Highway 30, which offers some of the most scenic views in the region. You'll pass through the charming town of Ogallala, where you can explore the local history and culture. Make sure to take a break in the small town of Paxton, where you can visit the Paxton Windmill Museum and learn about the history of windmills in the area.
Continue on to the small town of Imperial, which is home to a variety of unique attractions. Visit the Imperial Irrigation District Museum to learn about the area's history, or take a tour of the Imperial Reservoir State Recreation Area to explore the stunning landscape.
Finally, you'll arrive in Garden City. Here, you can explore the Garden City Zoo and the Lee Richardson Zoo, both of which offer a variety of activities and attractions. You can also take a stroll through the Garden City Historical Museum to learn more about the area's past.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage of your journey. Enjoy your road trip!
Garden City - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipédia
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4
Garden City
- Shamrock
Distance 354 km
Driving time 3.8 h
Pace: fast
106.3 kWh
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Garden City and Shamrock are separated by 220mi and it takes less than 4 hours to reach from one to the other. Road-trippers, get ready for an amazing journey!
Starting in Garden City, you will find the Lee Richardson Zoo, where you can admire a wide variety of animals. There is also the Finney County Historical Museum, if you are interested in learning more about the history of Garden City.
Once you've visited Garden City, you can continue your journey to Shamrock. Here you can visit the Historic U-Drop Inn, a beautiful art deco building that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. You can also visit the Shamrock Historical Museum to learn more about the history of this small town.
This is one of the stages in a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, don't wait any longer and embark on this amazing journey!
Shamrock - United States - North America - Road Trip - flickr.com
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5
Shamrock
- Abilene
Distance 340 km
Driving time 3.6 h
Pace: fast
102.0 kWh
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Welcome to the Shamrock - Abilene road trip stage! This 211mi journey takes less than 4 hours and offers a great opportunity to explore some of the most interesting places in the United States.
Start your journey in Shamrock, where you can visit the historic U Drop Inn, a classic roadside diner and gas station from the 1930s. Make sure to also visit the Devil's Rope Museum, a unique museum dedicated to the history of barbed wire.
On your way to Abilene, make sure to stop at the historic Fort Griffin State Historic Site, where you can learn more about the Texas Frontier. In Abilene, don't miss the Abilene Zoo and the Frontier Texas! interactive museum.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Abilene - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Abilene
- Laredo
Distance 638 km
Driving time 6.7 h
Pace: fast
191.4 kWh
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If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip, then look no further than the Abilene to Laredo route! This 396 mile journey takes less than 7 hours, and is packed with interesting sights and attractions.
Start off in Abilene and explore the Abilene Zoo, the Grace Museum, and the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature. From there, you’ll make your way to San Angelo, home of the San Angelo State Park, the San Angelo Nature Center, and the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.
After San Angelo, you’ll drive through Sonora and Brady, before arriving in Junction, where you can check out the South Llano River State Park and the Kimble County Historical Museum. Next, you’ll make your way to Uvalde, where you can explore the Uvalde County Historical Museum.
From Uvalde, you’ll drive to Eagle Pass, where you can take in the beauty of Maverick County Lake Park. Then, you’ll head to Carrizo Springs, home of the Carrizo Springs City Park. Finally, you’ll arrive in Laredo, where you can explore the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, the Laredo Center for the Arts, and the San Agustin Historical District.
Along the way, be sure to keep an eye out for the scenic roads, and don’t forget to check out the “Itinerary” section of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. Enjoy the ride!
Laredo - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Laredo
- South Padre Island
Distance 381 km
Driving time 4.7 h
Pace: fast
114.3 kWh
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Welcome to the Laredo to South Padre Island road trip! This beautiful 237 mile journey takes you from the bustling city of Laredo to the stunning beaches of South Padre Island. This drive is filled with plenty of attractions to keep you entertained for the 5 hour drive.
In Laredo, you'll find the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and the San Agustin Cathedral, both of which offer a glimpse into the city's history. As you make your way south, you'll pass through several small towns and cities, each with its own unique attractions.
Once you reach South Padre Island, you'll be able to explore the island's many beaches, as well as its unique wildlife. You can also take a boat tour to see dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life.
As you drive, be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast. From the rolling hills of the Rio Grande Valley to the stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, this drive will be one you won't soon forget.
For more information about attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and camping spots along the route, be sure to check the itinerary for this stage of your road trip. Enjoy your journey!
South Padre Island - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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South Padre Island
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South Padre Island is the perfect end to the "America's Heartland on US 83 Road Trip"! Situated on the Gulf Coast of Texas, South Padre Island offers a plethora of activities, attractions and experiences. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun on the pristine beaches, explore the natural wonders of the Laguna Madre Bay and Gulf of Mexico, or take part in the many outdoor activities, South Padre Island has something for everyone.
Enjoy the serenity of the island by relaxing on the beach and taking in the stunning views of the Gulf, or head to the bay side for some of the best windsurfing, kite-boarding, and fishing experiences in the region. Looking for something more adventurous? South Padre Island is home to a variety of water sports, including kayaking, parasailing and jet skiing. There's also plenty of opportunity for bird watching, dolphin watching, and shelling.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of unique restaurants and bars, as well as a variety of shops and art galleries. South Padre Island also offers some of the best nightlife in the region, with live music, dancing and entertainment.
The closest international airport to South Padre Island is Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO), located just 40 miles away. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and plethora of activities, South Padre Island is the perfect end to the "America's Heartland on US 83 Road Trip".
South Padre Island - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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America's Heartland on US 83 Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Bismarck
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End:
South Padre Island
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Distance:
2,844 km
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Stay:
9 days
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Getting there:
Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a picturesque odyssey through the central United States as you traverse US Route 83, a highway that spans from the chilly prairies of Bismarck, North Dakota, to the balmy shores of South Padre Island, Texas. This 2,844 km (1,771 miles) voyage reveals the rich tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and attractions that define America's Heartland.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Bismarck, ND: Start your expedition in Bismarck, where you can explore the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum and stroll along the scenic Missouri River.
- Pierre, SD: Visit South Dakota's state capital, Pierre, to witness the majestic State Capitol building and enjoy the trails along the Missouri River.
- Garden City, KS: Immerse yourself in local culture at the Lee Richardson Zoo and Finney County Historical Museum in Garden City.
- Abilene, TX: Step into the past in Abilene with a visit to the Frontier Texas! museum and the historic downtown area, rich in Texan heritage.
Best Time to Go:
Embark on this Road Trip during the summer months for warm weather and longer daylight hours, which enhance the sightseeing experience and promote safer driving conditions.
Potential Risks:
Roadtrippers should be cognizant of the potential for inclement weather, particularly in the Great Plains, where sudden thunderstorms and tornadoes can occur. Regularly consult weather forecasts and Road conditions to stay safe.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Plan a moderate budget for expenses such as dining, accommodations, and entry fees to attractions.
- Allocate at least 9 days to journey through US 83, affording you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique charm of each stop.
- Maintain your vehicle in good condition and carry an emergency kit, as the route includes long rural stretches where services may be sparse.
Interesting Facts:
- US 83 is one of the longest north-south highways in the United States and is sometimes referred to as the `Road to Nowhere` because it passes through many sparsely populated areas.
- In Texas, US 83 is part of the historic Texas Forts Trail, which connects a series of forts that were important in the state's frontier defense.
- The route intersects with the geographical center of the continental United States near Lebanon, Kansas, adding a unique geographical highlight to the journey.
A good choice for:
The US 83 Road Trip captures the quintessential American spirit, offering a mosaic of cultural, historical, and natural marvels. This journey promises an eclectic mix of experiences, from vibrant city life to serene natural settings, culminating in an epic narrative of the heartland's soul.
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