17 days in Western US & Midwest Itinerary

An exceptionally diverse landscape and varied wildlife have made Yellowstone National Park one of America's most popular parks.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Mon): make a trip to Artist Point and then take in breathtaking views at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. On the next day, take in the natural beauty of Upper Geyser Basin, witness a stunning natural landmark at Old Faithful, then take in the natural beauty of Grand Prismatic Spring, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at Gibbon Falls.

For other places to visit, photos, maps, and other tourist information, use the Yellowstone National Park trip itinerary maker tool .

Knoxville to Yellowstone National Park is an approximately 8-hour combination of flight and car. You can also do a combination of flight, shuttle, and bus; or drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Knoxville to Yellowstone National Park is minus 2 hours. Traveling from Knoxville in July, expect nights in Yellowstone National Park to be much colder, around 39°F, while days are slightly colder, around 73°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can travel to Grand Canyon National Park.

The size, shape, and color of Grand Canyon National Park combine to leave an impression on visitors as deep as the canyon itself.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Thu): stroll through South Kaibab Trail, then explore the stunning scenery at Grand Canyon South Rim, and then see the interesting displays at Kolb Studio. Keep things going the next day: steep yourself in history at Hermit's Rest and then trek along Rim Trail.

To find photos and tourist information, use the Grand Canyon National Park trip builder app .

Traveling by combination of car, flight, and bus from Yellowstone National Park to Grand Canyon National Park takes 10.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, flight, and bus; or take a bus. Traveling from Yellowstone National Park in July, expect Grand Canyon National Park to be somewhat warmer, temps between 84°F and 52°F. On the 20th (Sat), you'll travel to Glacier National Park.

The glaciers from which Glacier National Park takes its name mostly dissipated eons ago, but they left behind a scoured landscape of high and steep mountain peaks, sparkling lakes, lush alpine meadows, and thick forests.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sun): take in the dramatic natural features at Grinnell Glacier, appreciate the extensive heritage of Garden Wall, and then explore and take pictures at Going-to-the-Sun Road. On the next day, explore the striking landscape of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

To see photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Glacier National Park travel route builder website .

Drive from Grand Canyon National Park to Glacier National Park in 18.5 hours. July in Glacier National Park sees daily highs of 85°F and lows of 49°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Tue) early enough to travel to Custer.

Generally considered to be the oldest town established by European Americans in the Black Hills, Custer began as a mining town.

On the 24th (Wed), cruise along Wildlife Loop Road, immerse yourself in nature at Custer State Park, then explore the activities along Sylvan Lake, and finally explore the striking landscape of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 25th (Thu): take in the dramatic natural features at Needles Eye Tunnel, then explore the fascinating underground world of Wind Cave National Park, and then learn more about the world around you at Mammoth Site of Hot Springs.

For maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Custer road trip planning site .

Getting from Glacier National Park to Custer by combination of taxi and flight takes about 7.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of taxi, train, and bus. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Glacier National Park in July: highs in Custer hover around 80°F, while lows dip to 53°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Badlands National Park.

Although Badlands National Park's name might not be the most inviting, its landscape of pinnacles, eroded buttes, spires, and an expansive, pristine mixed-grass prairie remain enticing.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Fri): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, take in the dramatic natural features at Badlands Wall, then admire all the interesting features of Loop Road, and finally take in the dramatic natural features at Panorama Point Overlook. On your second day here, take some stellar pictures from Pinnacles Overlook and then look for all kinds of wild species at Roberts Prairie Dog Town.

To see other places to visit, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read Badlands National Park driving holiday website .

Drive from Custer to Badlands National Park in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Custer in July, with highs in Badlands National Park at 91°F and lows at 60°F. On the 27th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Fargo.

Fargo is the most populous city in the state of North Dakota, accounting for over 15% of the state population. Kick off your visit on the 28th (Sun): examine the collection at Fargo Air Museum, steep yourself in history at Bonanzaville USA, and then admire nature's wide array of creatures at Red River Zoo. Keep things going the next day: see the interesting displays at Roger Maris Museum, take in the views from Veterans memorial bridge, and then take an in-depth tour of Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center.

To see more things to do, photos, reviews, and tourist information, read our Fargo road trip planning app .

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Badlands National Park to Fargo takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Badlands National Park to Fargo. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Badlands National Park in July: highs in Fargo hover around 83°F, while lows dip to 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.