Great American West

Contact with nature and cowboy culture are the two main characteristics of this region (which someone also calls “Real America“), a region where the traditions of the Old West are still alive, where you will meet real cowboys, go to rodeos and, above all, come into contact with some of the most splendid natural wonders of all the States. Recently, the region was designated the Great American West, which includes Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, North and South Dakota.

Contents

Great American West and Real America: what are they?

mappa real america great american west
Map of the Great American West States

The brand Real America was born in the early ’90s to promote a group of states that, in some way, share an imaginary linked to the American West, characterized by vast unspoiled territories, typical wildlife, distinctive Western traditions, and Native American cultures. In 2018, this brand transformed into the consortium “Great American West,” which, starting in July of the same year, reintroduced Idaho into the offering, after it had previously been a part of the Real America brand.

In promoting this vast region, a brand was created to convey the feelings experienced during a visit to these states: “From Western and Native American cultures to the breathtaking landscapes of our region, we will show the world why it’s worth embarking on a journey to our five states.” These are the words of James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism.

Airports available: the gateways to the region

As you may have understood, we are talking about an immense territory that is challenging to thoroughly explore in all its wonders with just one trip. To organize a visit to Real America, it’s good to know the most useful airports, ideal starting points to plan your itinerary (for selecting various stops, you can refer to the itineraries found in this section). Here are the main airports:

  • Salt Lake City International Airport, a good starting point to explore Western Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park, as well as Idaho and its magnificent waterfalls (Shoshone Falls e Mesa Falls).
  • Denver International Airport, Colorado, closer to Eastern Wyoming and the major attractions of South Dakota (Mount Rushmore, Badlands e Black Hills).
  • Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, Minnesota, further from the major attractions compared to the other two, but it can still be used as a starting point for a journey from South or North Dakota.

These airports have a good number of connections, and it’s not difficult to find flights. The only inconvenience is that they are all a certain distance from the main attractions, requiring a bit of extra driving (here’s our guide on how to rent a car in the USA). If you want to land closer, for example, near Yellowstone or Mount Rushmore, you can use smaller or regional airports. If you prefer this option, the main airports to consider are as follows:

  • Wyoming
    • Yellowstone Regional Airport, Cody
    • Natrona Country International Airport, Casper
  • Montana
    • Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Bozeman
    • Billings Logan International Airport, Billings
    • Missoula Montana Airport, Missoula
  • South Dakota
    • Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls
    • Rapid City Regional Airport, Rapid City
  • Idaho
    • Boise Airport, Boise
    • Friedman Memorial Airport, Hailey
    • Idaho Falls Regional Airport, Idaho Falls
  • North Dakota
    • Hector International Airport, Fargo
    • Bismark Municipal Airport, Bismark
    • Minot International Airport, Minot

Recommended routes

Here are a series of itineraries, routes, and tips to which you can refer to plan an itinerary in this region.

Cody to Rapid City

Cody to Rapid City Road Trip: Best Routes and Things to Do

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Best Things to Do in Idaho: Attractions and Places of Visit

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Best Things to Do in Montana: Places to Visit in Big Sky Country

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Visit Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming: Best Scenic Drives and Hikes

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Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the spectacular scenic route in Glacier National Park

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Visit Black Hills in South Dakota: Best Things to See and Attractions Map

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Vigilante Trail: Montana Road Trip from Yellowstone to Glacier

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Salt Lake City to Yellowstone National Park Road Trip: itinerary and stops along the way

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Best Places to Visit in Wyoming on a Road Trip

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Great American West Towns

These are the main towns of the Great American West, charming villages and “old towns” with a fascinating Western past, sometimes beautifully preserved.

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Visit Helena: What to do in Montana’s Capital

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Visiting Historic Deadwood: The Western Town of the Black Hills

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What to Do in Rapid City, South Dakota? Tips for Planning your Trip

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West Yellowstone: What to Do, Where to Eat and Where to Stay

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Virginia City and Nevada City Ghost Town: discovering the Wild West in Montana

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How to visit Bannack Ghost Town? What to do and where to stay

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Hidden Gems

If you’re a fan of off-the-beaten-path tourist destinations, far from the main tourist routes, here are some useful ideas:

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Flaming Gorge: Unforgettable Views in Utah and Wyoming

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Mormon Row Historic District: How to Visit the Homesteads Nestled in Grand Teton

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Bonneville Salt Flats: The Dazzling Beauty of the Great Salt Lake

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Antelope Island: Bison and Golden Prairies Near Salt Lake City

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Upper and Lower Mesa Falls: discovering the imposing waterfalls of Idaho

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Visit Shoshone Falls: The Niagara Falls of the West!

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Visiting Crazy Horse Memorial: Best Things to Do and Useful Tips

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Visit Bighorn Canyon: Breathtaking Views between Montana and Wyoming

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Visit Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, an Idaho Gem

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Discover City of Rocks and Castle Rocks in Idaho

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Parks

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Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide

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Visiting Glacier National Park: Amazing Views near the Canadian Border

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Trip to Mount Rushmore, the Monument of the Four Presidents

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Visit Grand Teton National Park, the gateway to Yellowstone

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Trip to Badlands National Park, the surreal landscapes of South Dakota

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Visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the “President’s Park” in North Dakota

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Major Cities

The major cities serve as a starting point to explore the entire area, and this is likely where we’ll land if we want to organize a road trip in Real America. Let’s discover what they have to offer.

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Things to See in Salt Lake City and near the Great Salt Lake

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