South Dakota Scenic Drives Guide - South Dakota Scenic Drives '24

At a Glance → Distance: 70 miles Trip Length: 1-2 days Start/Stop: Keystone or Custer

The twists and turns of this historic byway reveal some of western South Dakota’s most stunning views and connect a few of the state’s iconic landmarks — our “Great 8” — in a single day’s drive. To truly soak up its splendors, leave yourself plenty of time for sightseeing — or better yet, stretch out your trip with a stay at one of the cozy lodges on the route.

Note: Some portions of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway are closed in winter.

JAW-DROPPING DRIVES

Two famous roadways make up the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway:

Needles Highway (SD Highway 87)

Once thought impossible to build, this 14-mile highway snakes through the towering granite pinnacles known as the Needles. Plan on pulling off for a photo at two of the most striking formations, Needles Eye and Cathedral Spires. Just up the road, Sylvan Lake Lodge makes an excellent stop for a scenic stroll, meal or overnight stay.

Iron Mountain Road (US Highway 16A)

Drawing a squiggly line between Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, this 17-mile stretch features 314 curves, 14 switchbacks and three wooden “pigtail” bridges — making it one of the crookedest roads you’ll ever drive. But the real stars of the show are the narrow tunnels that dramatically frame the presidents’ faces as you approach Mount Rushmore from the south.

TOP STOPS

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Known as “America’s Shrine of Democracy,” this mountainside carving is one of the world’s most recognized landmarks. Admire the presidents’ granite facades from Grand View Terrace, see their faces illuminated during a nightly lighting ceremony in the summer or tour the Sculptor’s Studio to learn about Mount Rushmore’s creator, Gutzon Borglum.

Horsethief Lake

Just west of Mount Rushmore, this scenic spot is popular for camping and fishing, especially ice fishing in the winter. Cast a line in search of trout, stroll the walkway around the deep blue water or opt for a hike through forest canopy.

George S. Mickelson Trail

Spanning 109 miles through the Black Hills, the George S. Mickelson Trail follows an old railroad bed and offers opportunities for hiking and biking. Stop for some fresh air on a portion of the path or one of the other hiking trails along the byway, including Little Devils Tower, Black Elk Peak and Cathedral Spires.

Norbeck Overlook

Pull off Iron Mountain Road to admire bird’s-eye views of the Black Hills’ craggy tops, including Black Elk Peak. A short paved loop trail brings photo-seekers to a vantage point of Mount Rushmore peeking above the pine trees — especially majestic when illuminated in the morning sun.

Iron Mountain Road Visitor Center & Store

Make a pit stop here to get information on the road’s history and tips about things to see and do in the area. There’s also a cafe and coffee shop where you can pick up snacks, souvenirs and made-to-order pizza.

Custer State Park

More than 1,300 bison roam freely here alongside elk, mountain goats, prairie dogs and other wildlife. Take advantage of RV camping sites within, as well as private RV campgrounds a short drive away, to spend time exploring the beautiful landscapes across 71,000 acres.

Black Hills Playhouse

Located within Custer State Park, this cultural gem has been staging productions of musicals and plays each summer since 1946. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds before a show or grab a bite from the snack bar.

Crazy Horse Memorial^® 

A short distance off the byway, the still-in-progress Crazy Horse Memorial^® is a tribute to the famed Oglala Lakota leader. Sculpted out of granite, the world’s largest mountain carving in progress aims to reach nearly 600 feet tall once completed. On-site museums and galleries offer cultural programs and showcase art and artifacts from a variety of North American Indigenous nations.