Minneapolis, MN → Jackson Hole, WY

The journey from Minneapolis to Jackson Hole spans nearly 1,133 miles of quintessential American heartland and mountain scenery, primarily following Interstate 90 west through South Dakota before turning southwest toward Wyoming. You'll begin by heading west on I-90 out of the Twin Cities, passing through southern Minnesota before crossing into South Dakota near the Iowa border. The route continues through central South Dakota, where you'll skirt around or pass through communities like Mitchell and Sioux Falls, then transitions onto I-29 briefly before returning to I-90 as you approach the Black Hills near Rapid City. From there, the highways blend as you venture deeper into Wyoming, eventually connecting to US-16 and US-287 before reaching Jackson Hole's dramatic mountain valleys.

The landscape transforms dramatically as you progress westward, beginning with the flat agricultural plains of Minnesota and South Dakota before encountering the striking Black Hills—those ancient, forested mountains rising unexpectedly from the prairie. As you continue into Wyoming, the terrain becomes progressively more dramatic, with rolling grasslands giving way to increasingly rugged country as the Rocky Mountains approach. You'll gain significant elevation gradually but notably, particularly once you're within a couple hours of Jackson Hole, where the Teton Range dominates the horizon with peaks exceeding 13,000 feet. This elevation climb means you'll experience noticeable changes in vegetation and temperature, especially as you transition from semi-arid plains to alpine terrain.

Driving this route offers a mix of urban stretches and remote rural sections. You'll navigate through or near Sioux Falls and Rapid City, both providing services and potential break opportunities, but expect long stretches of wide-open country between major towns once you're in Wyoming. The drive is most enjoyable from late spring through early fall, when weather conditions are stable and mountain passes are reliably clear; attempting this route in winter requires careful planning due to potential snow and ice in higher elevations near Jackson Hole. Summer offers the best conditions for enjoying the scenery, though fall presents stunning landscape colors and fewer crowds.

The 1132-mile drive from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Jackson Hole, Wyoming 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 Minneapolis to Jackson Hole

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 Minneapolis to Jackson Hole 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