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In 1912, a group of small town businessmen in South Dakota undertook an ambitious project to create a useful automobile route, the Yellowstone Trail, across America. This was at a time when roads weren't marked, there were few maps and slippery mud was the usual road surface.

The Yellowstone Trail Association located a route, motivated road improvements, produced maps and folders to guide the traveler, and promoted tourism along its length. It became a leader in stimulating tourist travel to the Northwest and motivating good roads across America.

Today, almost all of the route of the Yellowstone Trail is on slower, less traveled roads. Some sections of the Trail, especially in the West, have remained little changed and are a delight to visit.

We are the modern version of the YT Association with members who enjoy exploring the YT, learning about its history, researching its location, and exchanging information and ideas. Join in!

Note for the newcomer:

In the 1910s and 1920s “Trail” was used to mean a long-distance auto road

If you are not pulling a car out of the mud, keep your horse off the road!

Aug. 28, 2021. We updated several features of the website, however, the maps here are older versions of the maps just released in the Ridge’s 2021 book.

Your comments, suggestions, corrections, and anything else about the website that might be helpful may be sent to YTA@yellowstonetrail.org

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Click here to order directly!

Alice and John Ridge just released their new book:

“A Good Road from Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound,

The modern Guide to driving the

Historic Yellowstone Trail, 1912-1930”

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Notice: The YTA is moving its membership’s information to an online membership service to help us all. The new service is being phased in. If you have problems or questions, send email to admin@yellowstonetrail.org.

Click on “Membership” to join, renew, or explore.

Membership

Or click here to first read an extensive review