Jackson Hole, WY → Minneapolis, MN

The nearly 1,200-mile journey from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Minneapolis, Minnesota is a quintessential cross-country drive that takes you from the dramatic peaks of the Teton Range across the heartland of America. You'll begin by heading north on US-26 and US-287 out of Jackson, climbing through high-elevation terrain before descending onto the expansive plains of central Wyoming. From there, you'll merge onto I-90 near Buffalo, which becomes your primary corridor for most of the eastern portion of your drive. This interstate carries you straight through South Dakota and into Minnesota, passing through several notable cities including Sheridan, Wyoming; Buffalo, Wyoming; and eventually Sioux Falls, South Dakota before your final push into the Twin Cities.

As you leave Jackson Hole's elevation of roughly 6,000 feet, you'll experience one of this route's most dramatic transitions in landscape. The first few hours take you through mountainous terrain with scenic vistas, but once you hit the Wyoming plains around Sheridan, the landscape transforms into rolling grasslands and wide-open sky. By the time you reach South Dakota on I-90, you've fully transitioned into the Great Plains, where you'll encounter long stretches of relatively flat terrain that make for steady, rhythm-driving conditions. The landscape here is hypnotic in its own right—endless horizons, amber grasslands, and occasional buttes breaking the monotony.

Notable stops along I-90 include the Badlands of South Dakota, which you'll skirt near Wall, and you have the option to detour slightly to explore these otherworldly rock formations if time permits. Sioux Falls offers a good stopping point roughly two-thirds of the way through, where you can refuel and stretch before the final five-hour push into Minneapolis. For the most pleasant driving experience, plan this route during late spring through early autumn when mountain passes are clear and the Great Plains aren't affected by winter storms. Late fall through early spring can present significant challenges, particularly across Wyoming and the northern plains, where snow and ice are genuine hazards that can dramatically extend your travel time.

The 1132-mile drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Minneapolis, Minnesota takes approximately 18h 58m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.

Common Weather Hazards on This Route

• Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
• Black ice on mountain passes and bridges

Seasonal Driving Considerations

Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.

Best Time to Drive Jackson Hole to Minneapolis

For long drives like this 1132-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.

Driving Strategy

Covering 1132 miles from Jackson Hole to Minneapolis is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.

Frequently Asked Questions