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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesNorth USANorth DakotaDakotas Classic
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Dakotas Classic Road Trip

Chamberlain - Pierre - Eagle Butte - Fort Yates - Bismarck

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Wildlife Wildlife
Dakotas Classic Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km599 h/stage2.3

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Dakotas Classic Road Trip in North Dakota?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 135EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 533EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 668EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 113EUR sleep & more 352EUR eat & more 324EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 789EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 951EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 270EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 594EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,176EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,446EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 163EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 544EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,219EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Dakotas Classic Road Trip Itinerary

Experience the beauty of the Great Plains and the rich history of the Native American culture on this road trip from Chamberlain to Bismarck. Along the way, you will pass through Pierre, Eagle Butte, and Fort Yates. This trip of approximately 599 kilometers can be completed in 3 days and is best taken during the summer months when you can enjoy the stunning prairie landscapes. The roads are in good condition, so even novice drivers can easily manage the route. This road trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating history of the Native American culture while still being able to do so on a moderate budget. You are sure to leave with unforgettable memories and a high level of experience.
number of days 3 number of days
route length 599 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Chamberlain

Distance 599 km Driving time 9.1 h Pace: fast 179.7 kWh Airports FSD , PIR
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Chamberlain in the United States is an ideal starting point for a road trip, especially for the “Native American Road Trip”. Located on the banks of the Missouri River, Chamberlain offers plenty of attractions and activities for travelers. The Chamberlain museum is a great place to visit to get an insight on the local culture and history. The Chamberlain Fish Hatchery is another popular attraction and is a great place to learn about the local wildlife. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD). This airport offers car rentals, making it easy to start your road trip in Chamberlain. For those looking to explore the local area, there are plenty of places to visit. The Chamberlain Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a great place to learn more about the history of Lewis and Clark’s journey. For those looking for outdoor activities, the Niobrara National Scenic River is a great place to go kayaking or canoeing. The Chamberlain Marina is also a popular spot for fishing. In addition to the great attractions in the local area, Chamberlain also offers plenty of shopping and dining options. The Chamberlain Mall is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area for all types of tastes. Chamberlain is a great starting point for the “Native American Road Trip”. With plenty of attractions and activities in the area, it is sure to be an unforgettable journey.

1 Chamberlain - Pierre

Distance 158 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: fast 47.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Embark on a journey from Chamberlain to Pierre, a 98mi drive that will take you less than 3 hours. Start your journey in Chamberlain, a city situated on the Missouri River, and explore its historic downtown area and the nearby Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center. Then, drive to Pierre, the capital of South Dakota, and take in the sights of the Capitol Lake and the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center. You can also take a boat ride on the Missouri River or visit the nearby Oahe Dam and Recreation Area. Don't forget to stop at the Farm Island Recreation Area, where you can enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll. As you continue your journey, make sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Bad River and the Missouri River. Finally, arrive in Pierre and explore the city's many attractions, including the South Dakota State Capitol, the South Dakota State Historical Society Museum, and the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage.

2 Pierre - Eagle Butte

Distance 141 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: fast 42.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing 87mi journey from Pierre to Eagle Butte, in the beautiful state of South Dakota. The drive will take you less than two hours, so you will have plenty of time to explore the attractions this route has to offer. In Pierre, you can visit the South Dakota State Capitol and the Oahe Dam. The Capitol is an impressive building that is home to the state legislature and the governor's office. The Oahe Dam is an impressive engineering feat, providing hydroelectric power to the region. In Eagle Butte, you can visit the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Museum. The Reservation is home to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and the museum showcases the tribe's culture, history, and artifacts. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Happy travels!

3 Eagle Butte - Fort Yates

Distance 190 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: modest 49.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips
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Welcome to the Eagle Butte to Fort Yates road trip stage! This stage of your larger tour covers a distance of 118 miles and should take you no more than 4 hours. Your journey starts in Eagle Butte, a small city in western South Dakota. Here you can visit the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Museum and Cultural Center, where you can learn about the history of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. You can also visit the Cheyenne River Youth Project, dedicated to providing educational and recreational activities to the local youth. Continue your journey to Fort Yates, the capital of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Here, you can visit the Sitting Bull Monument, a memorial to the famous Lakota leader. You can also explore the Standing Rock Cultural Arts Center, where you can learn about the history and culture of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

4 Fort Yates - Bismarck

Distance 110 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: fast 33.0 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Fort Yates to Bismarck? This 68mi drive will take you less than 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore some of the most interesting places along the way. Start your journey in Fort Yates, home to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Visit the Sitting Bull Monument and the Sitting Bull College, located on the Standing Rock Reservation. Next, take the scenic route to Bismarck, the capital of North Dakota. Visit the North Dakota State Capitol and the State Hermitage Museum. Spend some time in the historic downtown area, exploring the many shops and restaurants. This is just one of the stages of your road trip, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

  Bismarck

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Bismarck is the capital of North Dakota and the perfect end to an exciting Native American Road Trip. This iconic city is filled with a variety of attractions, including the North Dakota State Capitol Building and the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum. The Capitol Building is a great place to explore and learn more about the history of the area, while the Heritage Center is full of interesting artifacts and exhibits. For nature lovers, Bismarck offers a number of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The nearby Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is home to a variety of trails and activities, while the Missouri River provides plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and more. The Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is also nearby, providing a chance to spot some of the area's native wildlife. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS), located just 15 minutes from downtown. After a day of sightseeing, Bismarck's variety of restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a casual dinner or a night out on the town, Bismarck has something to offer. With a variety of attractions and activities, Bismarck is the perfect ending point for a Native American Road Trip. From the Capitol Building to the Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, there are plenty of things to explore and enjoy in this iconic city.

Dakotas Classic Road Trip at a glance

No doubt our Dakotas Classic Road Trip will become an ideal inspiration for your future travels.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a template that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original beauty spots of your choice.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a bunch of elements to remember to turn your adventure into pure pleasure. These tips will also become useful for holidaymakers who opt for vehicle hire or camper hire in North Dakota.
When driving around North Dakota, there are a number of road rules to be followed. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any price while moving in a car around North Dakota. Holidayers ought to remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is low and equals only 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum allowed speed in urban areas. Around non-build-up-areas, you can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h. When driving along motorways, you cannot exceed the permissible speed of 129km/h. Having a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in your car and driving with your headlights on at daytime increase the safety.
The majority of travellers are also interested in the travel expenses of the whole road trip. Of course, depending on the needs of the tourists, the money that you have to pay will vary. A wide range of budget options is showed below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 599km while travelling around North Dakota will cost roughly 75 EUR. You should take into consideration that economy accommodation options will cost roughly 242 EUR. Tourists should also take into consideration the fact that they will spend more or less 216 EUR for restaurants and food in this option. If you also choose the cheapest rental car option, you will pay approximately 135 EUR. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from roughly 533 EUR to about 668 EUR.
Holidayers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 113 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the road trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses can amount up to approximately 352 EUR. Holidaymakers can expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost roughly 324 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental vehicle can expect a cost of around 162 EUR. The whole estimated cost of the road trip is 951 EUR with a rental car and 789 EUR without a hire vehicle.
Tourists who seek the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 1,446 EUR for travellers who are considering vehicle rental and 789 EUR for those who do not need a hire car. Travellers who would like to cover the trip in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of more or less 270 EUR. When it comes to the top standard option of the road trip, the gasoline cost will be up to around 150 EUR. Tourists who will go for top services in all aspects of their tour should expect to pay around 594 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 432 EUR for restaurants and food.
Dakotas Classic Road Trip is also an excellent opportunity for all camper lovers. When it comes to this travel means, you will pay up to approximately 675 EUR. Holidayers will spend around 163 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the trip. Holidaymakers who choose camper rental should expect to pay approximately 165 EUR for accommodation and about 216 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the mentioned details in an easy to follow manner.
The part of North Dakota presented in our Dakotas Classic Road Trip is great to be explored between May and October. There are numerous thrilling adventures that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip opportunities. Hopefully, the great diversity of travel opportunities will definitely come up to the expectations of the most demanding travellers.

Facts for safer driving in North Dakota

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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