Wasta Rest Area (Westbound)
0 mi from route
Trip from Mitchell, SD to Belle Fourche, SD
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 23m
Distance
328.1 mi
528 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$55
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 10m
★
6 AM
5h 23m
8 AM
5h 50m
10 AM
5h 33m
12 PM
5h 30m
3 PM
5h 34m
5 PM
5h 49m
8 PM
5h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Mitchell, SD
Wikimedia Commons
Belle Fourche, SD
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Mitchell, SD to Belle Fourche, SD is 328.1 miles and takes about 5h 23m via South Sanborn Boulevard, West Havens Avenue, and South Ohlman Street, with a fuel budget near $51 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Great Plains region, offering a consistent landscape as you travel across South Dakota. The route primarily uses surface roads, so expect a more relaxed pace than a highway drive. It's a straightforward, single-day option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently without the complexities of interstate travel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
164.1 miles from Mitchell, SD
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 38m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 90 Business | 273 mi | 4h 18m |
| I 90 | 33.8 mi | 34m |
| SD Highway 34 | 17.4 mi | 20m |
| 5th Avenue | 1.7 mi | 3m |
| West Havens Avenue | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| South Ohlman Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| South Sanborn Boulevard | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| SD 34 | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 90 Business
— 273 mi, about 4h 18m
Traffic on I-90
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 70 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~644 veh/hr typical · worst 998
Quietest
2 AM
~27 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
23.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 103 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Mitchell, SD and Belle Fourche, SD.
1
Start on West 1st Avenue
34 ft
·
5 sec
·
West 1st Avenue
2
Turn right onto South Sanborn Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Sanborn Boulevard
3
Turn right onto I 90 Business
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
West Havens Avenue
4
Turn left onto I 90 Business; SD 37
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Ohlman Street
5
Take the exit onto I 90 Business
273 mi
·
4 hr 18 min
·
I 90 Business
6
Continue on I 90; US 14; SD 79
31 mi
·
31 min
·
I 90; US 14; SD 79
7
Continue on I 90; US 14; SD 34
2.9 mi
·
2 min
·
I 90; US 14; SD 34
8
Take the exit onto SD 34
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
SD 34
Toward SD 34 West: Whitewood, Belle Fourche
9
Turn right onto SD 34
17 mi
·
20 min
·
SD Highway 34
10
Turn right onto US 85
1.7 mi
·
3 min
·
5th Avenue
11
Turn right onto US 212 Business
384 ft
·
15 sec
·
State Street
12
Turn right onto 6th Avenue
27 ft
·
1 sec
·
6th Avenue
13
Arrive at destination
6th Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour, 23-minute estimated drive time, starting your trip in Mitchell, SD, shortly after sunrise is advisable to ensure ample daylight for arrival in Belle Fourche. With no extended highway sections, you'll have frequent opportunities for brief stops in small towns along the way. Plan for your single recommended stop to be around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel. The estimated fuel cost is $51, so ensure your tank is full before departing Mitchell, as services might be more spread out on these local roads compared to major interstates.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 164.1 miles from Mitchell, SD, or about 2h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 273 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 72 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 164.1 miles or 2h 38m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belle Fourche, SD than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Mitchell, SD so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Mitchell, SD
This is one driving day of about 328.1 miles and 5h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 miles from Mitchell, SD.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 90 Business for about 273 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
164 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 72 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 164.1 miles from Mitchell, SD, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 90 Business if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 273 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Pilot Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Wasta Rest Area (Eastbound)
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Vivian Rest Area Westbound
0.1 mi from route
I-90 Belvidere Rest Area (eastbound)
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
I-90 Black Hillls Welcome Center
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Coffee Cup Fuel Stop
0.3 mi from route
I-90 Belvidere Rest Area (westbound)
0.3 mi from route
Rest Area
0.4 mi from route
Rest Area
0.4 mi from route
Rest Area
0.5 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.9 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 85 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 328.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
South Sanborn Boulevard
Turn right onto South Sanborn Boulevard
Navigation decision point
4
1.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 90 Business; SD 37 / South Ohlman Street
Turn left onto I 90 Business; SD 37 / South Ohlman Street
Navigation decision point
5
308.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 57m in
|
SD 34
Take the exit onto SD 34 toward SD 34 West: Whitewood, Belle Fourche
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward SD 34 West: Whitewood, Belle Fourche
4
328.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 23m in
|
US 212 Business / State Street
Turn right onto US 212 Business / State Street
Navigation decision point
5
328.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 23m in
|
6th Avenue
Turn right onto 6th Avenue
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$54.73 one way
$109.46 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
115 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $59.48 | $118.97 |
| premium | $5.26 | $67.93 | $135.86 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $79.82 | $159.63 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$55
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 114.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 98.4 | 1 | $34.45 | $15.75 |
| Efficient EV | 82 | 0 | $28.71 | $13.12 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 131.2 | 1 | $45.93 | $21.00 |
Gas CO2
115 kg
EV CO2
38 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Mitchell, SD
Late night in Mitchell on Sunday
Local time
5:22 AM
CDT
Current temp
68°F
Sunny
S 20 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Destination
Belle Fourche, SD
Late night in Belle Fourche on Sunday
Local time
4:22 AM
MDT
Current temp
78°F
Sunny
S 6 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
10 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 23m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
National Memorial
Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, devel...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 271.6
View on nps.gov
Badlands National Park
National Park
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The...
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
$30
near mile 215
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is entirely on surface roads, meaning you won't encounter any highway driving for the full 328.1 miles. The drive begins on South Sanborn Boulevard and West Havens Avenue in Mitchell before transitioning to South Ohlman Street and continuing on similar local roads. Since there's no highway component, anticipate a steady pace with regular intersections and potential for local traffic. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is not specified, but the profile indicates a consistent surface road experience throughout.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
13 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 273 mi on I 90 Business.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 90 Business and I 90. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near South Sanborn Boulevard.
Driving Effort
3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 5h 23m drive. You will face about 8 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (South Sanborn Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (I 90 Business; SD 37 / South Ohlman Street): Navigation decision point; at 308.8 miles (SD 34): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
3,634 ft
1,315 ft
Total Climb
2,875 ft
Total Descent
1,169 ft
Highest Point
3,634 ft
~304.4 mi in
Elevation Range
2,318 ft
About the Cities
Starting in Mitchell, SD
Full guide →Mitchell is a city in Southeast South Dakota on Interstate 90 about 75 miles (121 km) west of Sioux Falls. Mitchell is located in the heart of South Dakota, with rich rolling farmland leading into wide open prairies.
Top landmarks
- • Koch Apartments — apartment building in Mitchell, United States of America
Arriving in Belle Fourche, SD
Full guide →Belle Fourche (pronounced behl FOOSH) is a city in the Badlands and Black Hills region of South Dakota. It is the closest settlement to the geographic center of all 50 states of the United States (the geographic center of the 48 contiguous states is in Lebanon, Kansas).
Top landmarks
- • Butte County Courthouse and Historic Jail Building — historic site in Belle Fourche, South Dakota
- • First Congregational United Church of Christ — church building in Belle Fourche, South Dakota
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 23m. Total distance: 328.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Straightforward navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 273 miles on I 90 Business. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 21 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through SD can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (South Sanborn Boulevard): Navigation decision point; at 1.4 miles (I 90 Business; SD 37 / South Ohlman Street): Navigation decision point; at 308.8 miles (SD 34): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Belle Fourche, SD before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Belle Fourche, SD
More trips to Belle Fourche, SD
Explore more options from Mitchell, SD or browse trips ending in Belle Fourche, SD.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse SD road trips.