It is at least 14 hours to the East entrance of Yellowstone National Park from Lincoln, NE. That is without stopping and without traffic. Most people that we know made it in about 18 hours. We chose to stop halfway.
I grew up in Northeastern Wyoming and we drive back at least twice a year. Growing up, I visited Western Wyoming countless times. Looking for good stopping points? We have them! These are great gems in Wyoming and Western South Dakota.
I prefer to drive through South Dakota on the way to Wyoming or to turn North halfway through Nebraksa at North Platte. Then we drive through the Big Horns and enter Yellowstone via the Eastern Entrance. Why? Because it is boring to drive through Nebraska and Southern Wyoming.
Gothenberg, NE.
They have a great city park! It is also home to a Pony Express Station. We either pack lunch or grab lunch on our way through town and spend an hour here, getting our wiggles out. It is about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Lincoln.
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Wall Drug, SD.
Wall Drug is 7 hours from Lincoln. This is always our first big stop. You cannot miss it. There are billboards every five miles for about 200 miles out! It is a kitchy, tourist trap and worth the visit. Get their donuts to go for another day.
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Spearfish, SD
There is so much to in this area. Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave (do not go to Mt.Rushmore Cave), Crazy Horse National Monument, Devil's Tower. If I could pick two-it would be Devil's Tower and Jewel Cave. If you are looking for another good city park, go to Spearfish SD city park. A river runs through it, tons of space to roam, a fish hatchery and a phenomenal playground. You can even tube down the river in the summer. It is about 9 hours from Lincoln.
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Buffalo, WY
Have you ever wanted to swim in a giant, unheated, public, free outdoor pool? Or play in a river that runs from the Big Horn Mountains that has several playgrounds within a few feet of it? If you stop in Buffalo (we always do) go to the Breadboard for lunch and take a break to walk through their downtown. It is 11 hours from Lincoln via the route above.
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Thermopolis, WY
We stay in Thermopolis on our way to Yellowstone, get up early and enter via the West Entrance. Thermopolis has one of the world's largest mineral hot springs. We like to go to Star Plunge to play in the water and relax in a mineral pool. Thermopolis is also home to one of the worlds best dinosaur museums. You can even go on a geology dig with real paleontologists and help on a dinosaur dig! It is 14.5 hours from Lincoln.
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Want to read more about planning your trip?
| Visiting Yellowstone: Our Guide to Going With Your Family | 10 Tips for a Successful Trip to Yellowstone | Our 3-4 Day Yellowstone Itinerary for Families |
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