They said it was impossible. They said it couldn't be done. They probably thought he was a little bit nuts for even suggesting it. But in 1919 Peter Norbeck, the "Father of Custer State Park", planned out what would become the infamous Needles Highway on foot and on horseback. The winding path he chose took him through Spruce forests, wilderness and rock formations estimated to be more than 2 Billion years old! He chose the path he did to maximize the stunning views of the Black Hills wilderness along what would become the 14-mile road. And guess what? It wasn't so impossible after all.
This week, we press record on the #JeepCam and take you along for the twists, the turns, the ups, the downs and the squeezes through cracks that are the Needles Highway, part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota! We'll travel from Custer State Park to the Black Hills National Forest, skirting the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and Black Elk Wilderness along the way. And yes, we were there during the first week of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, so super cool bikes are everywhere!
If you thought nearby Iron Mountain Road was amazing, wait till you see this!
What Makes Needles Highway Special?
This historic road is truly one that few believed could be built. It weaves its way among tall granite spires and through narrow tunnels. The rugged granite mountains and forest views make for spectacular scenery all along the route. The needle-like granite formations are the foundation of the road's name, specifically the unique rock formation known as the Needle's Eye.
The sharp turns, hairpin curves and switchbacks on this section of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway keep the driver focused while passengers enjoy the spectacular drive. So maybe it's a good idea to drive it more than once, switching drivers to change the experience.
This type of topography and the unique rock formations look different when traveling in the opposite direction.
The 70-mile Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway is named for former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck. Exploring the entire scenic byway takes the better part of a day.
Other sections of the Byway include amazing Iron Mountain Road (which offers views of Mount Rushmore National Memorial) and Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park (an 18-mile loop offering views of bison, bighorn sheep, burros, mountain goats and more).
We Made it to the Black Hills National Forest!
Tips for Driving Needles Highway
This scenic drive exists entirely inside Custer State Park. A park admission fee is required.
Take your time! This is not a scenic road to rush through. Allow yourself ample time to complete the drive. Take it slow and enjoy the windy roads, surrounding natural beauty and panoramic views.
Along the route, you'll encounter 2 one-way tunnels: Iron Creek Tunnel measures 8'9" wide and 10'10" tall and Needles Eye Tunnel measures 8' wide and 9'9" tall. Continuing past Sylvan Lake brings you to Hood Tunnel measuring 8'9" wide and 9'8" tall. Leave your large trucks behind and your RV is a definite no go for exploring Needles Highway!
Needles Highway is not open year-round. This road opens in April and closes at the first snow of the season. It is always closed in the winter months.
During our drive, it began raining, obscuring some of our views. Check the expected weather conditions before you start your drive.
Needles Highway is a very popular and well-known scenic drive. It's popularity, along with the one-way tunnels, winding roads and sweeping vista views can mean that you might be driving in a line of cars. To avoid the crowds, set out early in the day.
Where is Needles Highway?
📍 You'll find Needles Highway scenic road near Rapid City, South Dakota. Needles Highway runs from near Legion Lake inside amazing Custer State Park along South Dakota Highway 87 passing Sylvan Lake.
Needles Highway Fun Facts
Distance
14 miles
Travel Time
More than 1 hour
Year Completed
1922
Time to Build
2 years
Number of Tunnels
2
Smallest Tunnel
8' 0" wide by 9’9" tall
