On the way to the Tetons

[PNW Judy]

I could use some help. Before meeting some friends in the Tetons this summer, I'm planning on going to Glacier, then to South Dakota, then back through Cody to the meet-up.

My current plan is to go from Billings to Belle Fourche via 212. On the way, I'll be stopping at Little Big Horn. I'm not seeing much else on this route all the rest of the way. For almost 300 miles. Yes, I know there are no boring roads but, at the same time, it seems there must be something to look for on that route. Any ideas?

Or any ideas for a better route to get me into South Dakota?

I'm planning on seeing Devils Tower on the way back. But should I should see it on the way there instead?

I'm sure I'll have more questions later as my planning progresses. Thanks in advance!

[Mark Sedenquist]

I'm planning on going to Glacier, then to South Dakota, then back through Cody to the meet-up.

Judy, how long do you have for this portion of the trip? It is a long ways from the coast to Glacier to South Dakota and back.

I'm not seeing much else on this route all the rest of the way. For almost 300 miles.

What route are you traveling on between Glacier and Billings? I'm just not getting the scope of this route. But as for the route between Billings & Belle Fourche via 212, the first thing to remember is that you will be traveling through the Crow nation, a region steeped in western history and lore. Just to the west of Billings is Pompey's Pillar, in town, you might find the world's largest collection of steam tractors interesting. After you pass the Little Bighorn Battlefield monument, keep an eye out for some of the 130 head of wild mustangs that still roam this area of Montana. As you head to the SE -- you will be passing through the Badlands of Eastern Montana. When you are in Broadus (on US-212) be sure to stop and see the famous arches made of petrified wood. There are several several state and regional parks and beautiful scenery along 212 -- actually photographers and hunters come from all over the world because of the plentiful wildlife in this area.

Mark

Update September 2023: Here is another site about Broadus. And a brief description of the arches.

[PNW Judy]

We're actually leaving the coast either Tuesday, 6/10, or Wednesday, 6/11. We're taking 2-3 days to get to Spokane even though it's only a 1-day drive so we can swing up to Grand Coulee as we haven't been there in awhile and also take that little teeny car ferry that I've been dying to do. We then have a conference for a few days in Spokane and will leave there the morning of Monday, 6/16. This gives us 11 days for the Spokane-Glacier-South Dakota-Devil's Tower/Cody portion of the trip. Considering my marathon "whistle-stop" tours of the past, this is going to be downright leisurely.

I'm still working out our route from Glacier to Billings. I'm thinking of taking US-89 from the eastern edge of Glacier (after going over Going to the Sun Road) to Great Falls so we can stop at Timescale Adventures in Bynum, MT. This is a tour of a active dinosaur dig site where you can also do some digging for fossils. Sounds pretty cool. The Old Trail Museum in Choteau sounds kind of interesting as well. And I'm sure the scenic views will be awesome. If anybody has any hints on this stretch, I'm all ears.

However, I'm also torn about seeing the TTT in Cut Bank, MT (talking giant penguin statue) and I wouldn't want to backtrack the 30 miles back to 89 so, if we did this, we would be taking I-15. But then we'd miss the cool dinosaur dig. Choices. Choices.

So I'm learning toward 89 but if there are other cool things along that stretch of I-15, I might reconsider. Any comments are appreciated.

From Great Falls, I'm thinking US-87 & MT-3 into Billings. Any comments on this route?

Thanks, Mark, for all the great info about what to see on 212. I figured I was missing something. That area seemed like it had the potential for great scenery. If anybody has more suggestions, please share.

[Mark Sedenquist]

However, I'm also torn about seeing the TTT in Cut Bank, MT (talking giant penguin statue) and I wouldn't want to backtrack the 30 miles back to 89 so, if we did this, we would be taking I-15. But then we'd miss the cool dinosaur dig.

I don't remember it "talking" when I was there -- given the choice between those two -- dinosaur dig would "win" hands-down for me! Flathead Lake is pretty darn nice and on that approach to Glacier -- I would URGE you to take this side trip and loop road to see the Buffalo -- National Bison Range near Dixon, Montana!

Mark

[PNW Judy]

I tweaked our route to West Glacier so we can see the bison. Thanks for the reminder on that, Mark.

After Glacier, we're probably spending the night in Great Falls, and then going down through Big Timber so we can stop and see Prairie Dog Town, then onto Pictograph Cave south of Billings, then Pompey's Pillar. We'll probalby stop for the night in Hardin.

Anybody have any comments or suggestions? I'm sure I'll be back with more questions as the planning continues.

ETA: Oh, according to some folks it talks. You have to push a button, I guess. And I guess it is pretty incomprehensible. So we decided to pass it up. Darn. But there will be plenty of other TTT to visit, right? ;)