Road Report - Medora, ND to Columbus, MT via Custer Battlefield.

[Scubadude62-WO]

Edit: I learned today that when driving through eastern Montana, happiness and comfort consist of having a full tank of fuel. I'll just leave at that.

Edit 2: Crosswinds suck. While there were moderate crosswinds most of the day, I would term the day more very annoying rather than concerning, at least in my DP. Had I been pulling a lightweight travel trailer, I would probably say something different.

This route was driven on a Tuesday. In Montana, we exited from I-94 onto SR47 to the Custer Battlefield, then I-90 through Billings to Columbus, MT.

The highway in ND continued to be excellent, and once in Montana, I-94 went from excellent to just very good. It was a little bit rougher overall than the ND portion, and some portions were just OK.

Only one construction area of note on I-94. Around MP 194, the eastbound lanes cross over for roadway replacement, until MP 186.

There are several moderate hills on the route, and the only one I'm noting is the one around MP 152, that slowed me down to about 45mph. It, and its partner a few miles further on, are deceptively steep.

SR 47 for the half-hour we were on it was a wonderful road. No comments, just a nice, smooth, 65mph drive.

I-90 was very nice for the time we were on it. Around MP 428, the right lane is closed and speed limit lowered to 45mph, then at MP 426 the westbound lane crossed over, the speed limit increases to 65mph, then stays a single lane in each direction until MP 416.

We had no issues maintaining our desired speed in any of the construction areas, nor did we feel like we were impeding traffic behind us - traffic was fairly light.

 

[dave541]

Ditto on having a full tank in eastern Montana.

When route planning our trip from Medora to Great Falls a few years ago I was worried. Many of those towns had one and only one station. Internet comments referenced irregular hours they were open. We made it without mishap (some careful maneuvering in the station), except for about 40 miles of road construction.
The Rotary public campground in Lewistown was perfect for an overnight stop.

We thoroughly enjoyed Little Bighorn Battlefield. I had read a lot about the battle, but the driving tour and walking around the sites helped clarify what happened and put it into perspective from both sides.