Road Trip Adventure: Chicago to Missoula I-90 Highlights & Dog-Friendly Stops
Looking to take a road trip on I-90? This summer I took a road trip on I-90 out west with my pup Smitty and we had a blast. We took our time and spent a week driving from Chicago to Missoula before heading up to Whitefish, Montana.
Don’t get me wrong, there is a whole lot of nothing to drive through on this route but it is a beautiful part of the country! Here are some of the highlights for each state we drove through and my favorite dog-friendly stops:
Need advice on what to do in Whitefish, Montana?
Illinois Highlights
Since I’m from Illinois, I didn’t make these stops on this trip. I have gone to all of these places in the past and definitely recommend it if you have never been or want to revisit.
- Tour Wrigley Field: Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs and the second oldest baseball field in the United States.
- Take a walk on Lakefront Trail and/or Belmont Harbor Dog Beach: A perfect start to a long day of driving with your pup!
- Grab a bite at Portillos: Portillos is a Chicagoland favorite for hot dogs and beef sandwiches. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to get a slice of the lemon cake!
Looking for the best dog-friendly hotel in Chicago?
They don’t have a pet fee and they have a doggy menu for in-room dining!!
Wisconsin Highlights
- Visit the National Mustard Museum: The museum opened in the 1990’s and is a must-see on your road trip. Their gift shop is amazing!
- Take a walk with your pup at Mirror Lake: This was a perfect rest stop for me and Smitty, we got to stretch our legs and enjoy a beautiful walk.
- Take a picture with the largest six pack: A fun little stop along the way, and very on brand for a Wisconsin attraction.
Looking for the best dog-friendly hotel in Northwest Wisconsin?
La Crosse has several options along the river that are perfect for morning and evening walks with your dog.
Minnesota Highlights
- Tour the SPAM Museum: A fun and free museum! You can also stock up on your favorite SPAM flavors for the road.
- Take a picture with the Jolly Green Giant Statue: The statue has been in Blue Earth, Minnesota since the 1970s. There’s a nice visitor center nearby as well as a walking path that is dog-friendly.
- Drive through Luverne and visit the Nutcracker Collection: Luverne is home to the largest known Nutcracker location in the United States with over 5,000. There are also live size Nutcrackers placed throughout town.
Looking for the best dog-friendly hotel in Southwest Minnesota?
I would recommend driving a bit further to Sioux Falls since it’s very close and there are more options, however if you can’t drive further I’d recommend the following.
South Dakota Highlights
- Explore Falls Park: Falls Park is the quintessential spot to say you’ve been to Sioux Falls. The park is dog-friendly as long as the dogs are leashed.
- Drive through the Badlands: The Badlands are the perfect park to drive through for a change of scenery. You can take your pup out for a quick walk or potty break in the designated parking lots, please abide by the National Park rules.
- Visit Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse: Two iconic landmarks worth a visit, be prepared to pay $10 for parking at Mount Rushmore even with a Park Pass. There is an entrance fee for Crazy Horse that is dependent on how many people are in the car.
Shan’s tip: Don’t forget to stop at the infamous Wall Drug and pick up a sweet treat and a free sticker!
Looking for the best dog-friendly hotel in Sioux Falls?
I found that most, if not all of the dog friendly hotels were near the highway. Not to worry, downtown Sioux Falls is less than 15 minutes from I-90!
Wyoming Highlights
- Visit Devil’s Tower National Park: The first National Monument in the United States, Devil’s Tower can be seen from miles away! Be sure to drive slowly as the Prairie Dogs can be found all throughout the park.
- Take a hike in Cloud Peak Wilderness Park: There are plenty of trails to explore in this park, dogs must be leashed at all times. I recommend the Lake Helen Trail.
- Visit Buffalo Bill’s Museum: The Museum isn’t near I-90 BUT it is an incredible space with exhibits about the Prairie Indians, Western art and of course Buffalo Bill.
Shan’s tip: If you end up driving to Cody, keep on driving west until you make it to Yellowstone, it is one of the prettiest drives you can take in Wyoming. Also if you need a break from driving, check out the 1880 town. Scenes from Dances with Wolves as well as other famous Western movies were filmed here.
Looking for the best dog-friendly hotel in Cody?
There are two fantastic off-leash dog parks in Cody, my favorite is Buffalo Bill park! Less than 20 minutes away from the Hampton Inn.
Montana Highlights
- Walk around Little Bighorn Battlefield: A pivotal piece of our country’s history, specifically with the Native American community. Be sure to check the visitor center hours, self guided tours are available all year.
- Take a hike in Pictograph Cave State Park near Billings: The caves have pictographs dating back over 2000 years! Dogs are welcome to walk with on the trails, they must be on a leash.
- Grab a bite and beer at Bunkhouse Brewery in Bozeman: A favorite amongst the locals, especially the folks at MSU. This brewery is dog friendly and runs specials for your four legged friends.
- Try all the sweets at Veera Donuts in Missoula: I am obsessed with this place. They have such a fun filled menu with sweet and savory treats AND homemade dog treats.
Looking for the best dog-friendly hotel in Bozeman?
Looking for the best dog-friendly hotel in Missoula?
I-90 Road Trip FAQs
After traveling solo with Smitty, I was glad I had these must-have dog-friendly items with me. Here are a few things I discovered during my road trip that I thought would be helpful for future roadtrippers:
Where does the I-90 Highway start?
I-90 Highway starts in Seattle and ends in Boston and is the longest interstate in the United States. To be expected, the heaviest traffic can be found near the bigger cities, especially Chicago.
When to take a road trip on I-90
The summer and fall months are perfect for a road trip on I-90 since most of the snow should be gone this time of year. I found that driving in late August and early September was perfect because all of the summer family travelers were off the road.
Are there a lot of gas stations on I-90?
There are gas stations every 100-200 miles right off the highway. I recommend keeping your gas tank at least half full at all times. There are a few patches where the stations aren’t as frequent.
How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Missoula?
If you are on a time constraint, you can get to Missoula within 4 days. It’s recommended to drive no more than 8 hours a day to make sure you are well rested. I made the trip within 6 days but I had time to explore certain places longer.
Final Thoughts
Here it is! I-90 has so much to offer, and I hope you’ll consider adding a few of my favorite dog-friendly stops and highlights to your next adventure. Now it’s time to start planning your own adventure, Cheers!
