Rochester, MN to Las Vegas, NV: 2,000 Miles via I-90/I-80/I-15 (30+ Hours)

Best route: I-90 W → I-80 W → I-15 S – ~2,000 miles, 30–32 hrs driving (3–4 days recommended).

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Rochester → Sioux Falls, SD (~250 mi, 4 hrs)

• US-14 W → I-35 S (Albert Lea) → I-90 W (Worthington) → Sioux Falls.
• Stop: Corn Palace (Mitchell, SD) – quirky landmark.

Day 2: Sioux Falls → Rapid City, SD (~350 mi, 5.5 hrs)

• I-90 W across S. Dakota prairie.
• Stop: Wall Drug (Wall, SD), Badlands NP (detour 30 mi S).

Day 3: Rapid City → Salt Lake City, UT (~520 mi, 7.5 hrs)

• I-90 W → I-25 S (Buffalo, WY) → I-80 W (Casper → Rock Springs → SLC).
• Alt: Stay I-90 to Gillette → I-80 (shorter but slower).
• Stop: Independence Rock (WY), Fort Bridger (WY).

Day 4: Salt Lake City → Las Vegas, NV (~420 mi, 6 hrs)

• I-15 S through Utah/Arizona (Virgin River Gorge).
• Arrive Las Vegas Strip.

Key Considerations

• Weather: WY/SD winter blizzards (Oct–Apr); NV summer heat (110°F+).
• Fuel: Fill in WY/UT – cheaper than NV/CA.
• Altitude: 6,000–8,000 ft in WY – engine power down 15–20%.
• Traffic: SLC rush hour, Vegas weekend inbound.

Fly (RST → LAS, 3.5 hrs + connections) unless moving household or road-tripping for joy.