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!
March 31, 2018. This site is under development. More map links are corrected. The “Notice” is now readable. The maps are still drafts and your corrections, suggestions, and help will be most welcome. Your comments, suggestions, corrections, and anything else about the website that might be helpful may be sent to jridge@yellowstonetrail.org
