July Trip

I need some help. This may sound nuts, but it is something I have always wanted to do. I live in Michigan and have always wanted to travel out west. However, I prefer to drive than fly. I want to experience what our beautiful country has to offer. I will be traveling with my wife and 2 kids ages 9 and 10. I have set out to only go as far as Colorado and Wyoming. My initial plan is to first hit Denver, then hit Yellowstone. I plan on making this a 2 week trip.

I see a lot on time being spent in the car. I would like to break the drive up a bit for the kids sake (and mine). Anything worth while on the way to Denver?

Once in Denver, how much time should I stay there? Anything for the kids?

How much time in Yellowstone? Enough stuff to keep kids entertained? (I don%26#39;t know how much sight seeing they can handle). Anything else in Wyoming to see or do?

Any other suggestions?

July Trip

I%26#39;m assuming from your post you are going to drive from Michigan. If that is the case, why are you going to Denver? Is there something in particular you want to see there?

The kids will love Yellowstone. It will be perfect for them.

My son%26#39;s first trip was when he was 10. I%26#39;ll have some suggestions, once I know a little more about your driving plans.

July Trip

No, there is nothing particular in Denver. Thought since I%26#39;m out that way, see what is there. I am open to any suggestions.

Thanks

I would spend my time especially with kids going to Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse, then head to Cody for the rodeo, tour Yellowstone, and then hit Jackson Hole before you head back home. Lots of wildlife that the kids will love. Take a raft trip down Snake River in Jackson Hole. They will love that too!!

I second the recommendation by CeCe that you go by way of the Black Hills and Cody on the way to Yellowstone. (This is not to say that Denver is not a good choice-- great zoo, Rocky Mountain National Park nearby-- but I think you can get a lot more with your two weeks going by that more northern route.)

You can visit the Badlands before seeing Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, the Needles Highway, etc., and on your way to Cody, a short detour will take you to Devil%26#39;s Tower. I think the kids will enjoy the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, and there%26#39;s also the rodeo there.

I think you should plan a minimum of five days for Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and Jackson. Besides seeing the wildlife, the mountains, the lakes, and the thermal features, Jackson does have a western shootout reenactment and stagecoach rides that the kids should enjoy.

You don%26#39;t mention when you plan to take this trip. If it%26#39;s for this summer, you%26#39;ll probably have a hard time getting in-park lodging. Check with Xanterra (www.travelyellowstone.com) for in-park lodging. You might have some luck by calling even if the web page reservations indicates that they are full.

If you choose to go through South Dakota, the early part of your drive will be the hardest. You have to get almost all the way across the state before you get to ';the West';. Once you reach the Badlands, the scenery really begins to change. Check the web pages of the state tourist agencies for South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and/or Colorado. They will send you bundles of material to help make choosing activities easy. I think it will be a trip the kids will always remember. Good luck.

W. A. Robison

Hi there-

We did this trip last summer with a 9 and 13 year old, drove from Cleveland Ohio to Yellowstone. I second the idea to focus on South Dakota/Wyoming. If you find yourself with more time, hit the dinosaur areas in North Dakota. Plan on having your kids do the Junior Ranger program in all the National Parks- even Mt Rushmore has one. It occupies their time, and teaches them something (you will learn a few things too) Our kids had a blast competing to see who could get the answers faster! We did Rapid City area/Badlands/Cody(should have spent more time there)/Yellowstone/Jackson Hole/Tetons. Although my 13 year old was dead set against the trip, she can%26#39;t wait to get back to Yellowstone and neither can I. We stayed in the park, and I made our reservations about this time last year. Plan on attending ranger programs during the day/night. They are great. The National Park website is a wealth of information, and I agree with the others, get on-line and get the tourist info. You can wade through it to see what you want to see. We just went straight out I-90, with stop in Minnesota to see family. Long first day or two, but well worth the end result/ Have a great time, you won%26#39;t regret it. Check out the National Park webcams too- they helped get our kids a little interested.