- Holidays to North & South Dakota with Bon Voyage (2024)

The scenery on this two-week fly-drive through the incredible Rocky Mountain region of America will blow your mind. Journey through North & South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming and discover jaw-dropping scenery and sights. From iconic Mount Rushmore to mighty Yellowstone National Park; the otherworldly Badlands National Park to the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park. If you are looking for a fly-drive adventure with the WOW - factor, you've found it!

Price per person includes:

• Return flights from the UK to Rapid City/home from Jackson Hole
• Mid-size SUV car hire for the duration*
• 14 nights of accommodation in sought-after National Park locations

*One-way drop-off fee to be paid locally

Days 1 - 2 : Rapid City, South Dakota

Day 3 : Deadwood, South Dakota

Distance: 45 miles

An hour east of Rapid City is eerie Badlands National Park. The hauntingly beautiful landscape rises mysteriously from the surrounding prairie and is a geological wonder featuring a maze of buttes, canyons and gullies formed by millions of years of erosion. The strikingly hued spires and pinnacles provide a colourful backdrop for the diverse wildlife that call the park home.

Head west again to the famous Old West town of Deadwood where the legends of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane live on. Spend the rest of the day walking the downtown area, visiting the Days of 76 Museum or exploring Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Head to Diamond Lil's Restaurant in the evening in the Midnight Star Saloon on the historic Main Street. Here you can dine amongst the fascinating film props from the movie 'Dances with Wolves' which was filmed nearby.

Day 4 : Medora, North Dakota

Distance: 218 miles

Day 5 : Billings, Montana

Distance: 281 miles

Spend the morning exploring pristine Theodore Roosevelt National Park and North Dakota’s Badlands, named after Theodore Roosevelt, the US President notorious for his enduring contributions to the conservation of the national resources. Here the Badlands have been shaped by millions of years of wind, rain, erosion, fire and the meandering Little Missouri River. The area was described in 1864 by Gen. Alfred Sully as “hell with the fires out.”

When you’ve absorbed the stunning scenery, head east through Montana, affectionately known as Big Sky Country to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

Day 6 : Helena, Montana

Distance: 237 miles

Before you depart, explore the bustling downtown of Billings with a number of delicious eateries and microbreweries all within walking distance. Explore nearby Pompey’s Pillar, which contains the only physical evidence of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, or check out Pictograph State Park which features pre-historic cave drawings.

When you head west through the Gallatin National Forest be sure to stop at the incredible Museum of the Rockies. Home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in the world, the Museum of the Rockies houses the world's largest T-Rex skull and one of the first identified female dinosaurs in the world, an ovulating T-Rex.

On arrival in Helena, stroll around the pleasant blocks of Last Chance Gulch decorated with mining-themed sculptures and fountains, and enlivened by bars, side walk cafes and restaurants. Pop into the impressive State Capitol Building or view the fine collection of art and crafts in the Holter Museum of Art.

Day 7 - 8 : Glacier National Park, Montana

Distance: 245 miles

Just 16 miles north of Helena, take a boat tour through the Gates of the Mountains. Named by Meriwether Lewis during the Lewis and Clarke expedition, this is a dramatic stretch of the Missouri River, with 1,200ft cliffs on either side.

Next you'll journey through jaw-dropping scenery en route to spectacular Glacier National Park, in the northwest corner of Montana. Known as the 'Crown of the Continent', Glacier National Park is the largest concentration of glaciers in the lower 48 states.

Spend the next couple of days exploring this expansive area of glacial-scoured valleys, towering peaks, tumbling waterfalls, verdant forests and wildflower-strewn meadows. The breathtaking scenery creates a picture-perfect backdrop for the park’s resident wildlife: From grizzly bears and imposing elk to snow-white mountain goats and bighorn sheep. A must is a drive along the magnificent 85km Going-To-The-Sun-Road and over 1,126km of trails to explore on foot or horseback.

Quaint Whitefish is your base for the next two nights. Here you can enjoy unique restaurants and friendly western-style bars.

Day 9 : Butte, Montana

Distance: 253 miles

Begin your journey south, first stopping to admire the crystal clear waters of Flathead Lake where you can hit the water or relax on the shores. A must-do stop on Flathead Lake is pretty Big Fork named by National Geographic as one of the Best Small Towns in America.

As you make your way through the Mission Mountains of the Northern Rockies of Montana, you will come to the artsy town of Missoula situated on the confluence of three rivers. An outdoor enthusiast’s dream, Missoula also offers the opportunity to visit the Smoke Jumper Visitor Center which tells the story of how highly trained firefighters fight forest fires in remote areas throughout the country.

You'll take the scenic drive to the delightful western town of Philipsburg next, one of the ‘Prettiest Painted Places in America’, where you can mine for authentic Montana sapphires or enjoy a frosty treat in the old-time Ice Cream Parlour, before heading to your overnight stop in Butte. Fancy a walk on the wild side in Butte? Visit the historic Dumas Brothel Museum, home to what was once America's longest running brothel.

Day 10 : West Yellowstone, Montana

Distance: 162 miles

Located on the Continental Divide, Butte was once one of the most thriving cities in the west due to the highly prosperous deposits of copper that reside in the surrounding mountains. Before you continue your journey south, explore the historical downtown area which includes the Copper King Mansion, the former residence of copper tycoon William Andrews Clark.

Days 11 - 12 : Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Distance: 54 miles

Get an early start for the nation’s first national park, Yellowstone. Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty – lakes, waterfalls and scenic mountain vistas to name just a few – Yellowstone is best known for the geysers, hot springs and mud pots that make the park one of the most active geothermal areas on the planet. This awe-inspiring landscape covers an expansive 2,000,000 acres with over 10,000 thermal features and hundreds of animal species running wild.

Popular sites in Yellowstone include Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, Lamar and Hayden Valleys and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its inspirational view of Lower Falls.

Spend the next two days exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife here, especially the bears who do like to stroll near the road.

Days 13 - 14 : Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Distance: 79 miles

Get your last fill of Yellowstone as you head south to Grand Teton National Park, just over an hours drive from the park.

Grand Teton National Park is dominated by the Tetons, a 40-mile mountain range that is part of the famed Rocky Mountains. Spend the day exploring the park - popular activities and sites include the 42-mile Scenic Loop Drive,Grand Teton National Park Visitors Center, and the Aerial Tram. Grand Teton is also an outdoor adventurers paradise with endless hiking and climbing opportunities as well as water sports activities on the park’s lakes and rivers. Try a scenic float trip down the Snake River, or enjoy a breakfast or dinner cruise on picturesque Jackson Lake.

The pretty western town of Jackson on the southern tip of the National Park features wooden sidewalks, elk antler arches and shops that range from the chic to the traditional. Enjoy a Wildlife Safari or visit the National Elk Refuge to view some majestic Rocky Mountain wildlife; saddle up at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar or visit the world-famous Silver Dollar Bar located in the historic Wort Hotel.

Day 15 : Jackson Hole, Wyoming