Some of the most incredible roads anywhere make up the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway in the Black Hills of western South Dakota. Mix in America’s most patriotic monument along the way, and you will have a never-to-be-forgotten road trip.
Peter Norbeck was a visionary senator and governor of South Dakota. In the 1930s, he chose the layout of the Iron Mountain Road and persisted in building it, even after being told his vision was impossible. A masterpiece of artistic engineering, this 70-mile byway includes spiraling bridges, hairpin curves, granite tunnels and awe-inspiring views — no wonder it was named one of America's 10 Most Outstanding Byways.
Three Highways in One: Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway & Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway
The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway includes a highway trilogy — Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway and Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop.
Iron Mountain Road features pigtail bridges, wooden structures and one-lane tunnels built to showcase America’s patriotic symbol, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Drive along the Needles Highway to spot the Cathedral Spires, Needle’s Eye and Sylvan Lake, the crown jewel of Custer State Park. Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway boasts bighorn sheep, pronghorn, deer, elk, coyote, prairie dogs, burros and numerous bird species, including wild turkey.
How Long is Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway? How Long Does It Take to Drive?
The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway is 68 miles long. It can be driven in three to four hours, however, many travelers take a day or two to explore sites along the way.
Is the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway Open Year-Round?
While Iron Mountain Road and the Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway are open year-round, Needles Highway closes with the first snow of the winter season and opens after April 1 or later, depending on conditions. Always check current traffic, construction and weather conditions before venturing out for the drive.
What’s the Vehicle Clearance of the Tunnels?
Needles Highway Vehicle Clearance:
- Needles Eye Tunnel (near Needle's Eye): 8' wide by 9'9" high
- Iron Creek Tunnel: 8'9" wide by 10'10" high
Iron Mountain Road Vehicle Clearance:
- Doane Robinson Tunnel: 12' wide by 11'4" high
- C.C. Gideon Tunnel: 11'6" wide by 10'9" high
- Scovel Johnson Tunnel: 10'9" wide by 11' high
Things to See & Places to Stop
You will want to devote most of the day to the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway. Count on many stops for photographs and, of course, a visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Shaggy white mountain goats, deer and chipmunks are among the wildlife commonly seen along the byway.
Roughly a figure-eight route, the byway travels through portions of Custer State Park — including the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and Black Elk National Wilderness Area — and near Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Highways 16A, 244, 89 and 87 combine to create the route.
Keystone
A good starting point is the town of Keystone, near the foot of Mount Rushmore. Winding southwest on Highway 16A (aka Iron Mountain Road), the route leads you around impressive wooden “pigtail” bridges. Several tunnels carved through the granite mountain provide passage while artistically framing Mount Rushmore's four faces in the distance.
Custer State Park
As you continue west into Custer State Park, Highway 16 intersects with Highway 87, the Needles Highway. Here, the road climbs around fantastic granite pinnacles that are a favorite with rock climbers from across the globe. Twisting and turning between the Needles and through a tight tunnel/crack in the rock, this portion of the byway leads to picturesque Sylvan Lake. From here, drivers can turn south and east to visit more of Custer State Park or continue north and east back to Mount Rushmore. Beautiful mountain lakes and rocky terrain greet you around every turn.
Crazy Horse Memorial®
Consider a detour off the main route to glimpse a different perspective on American history. Take Route 385 south to witness Crazy Horse Memorial®, another iconic sculpture in the Black Hills. Under construction since 1948, this colossal work continues to evolve in its depiction of the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse riding horseback, a tribute to Indigenous heritage and resilience.
Norbeck Overlook
In the home stretch, one stop stands out as you approach Mount Rushmore: The Norbeck Overlook. This isn't just any pit stop; it's a patriotic prelude to the grand finale. Located on Iron Mountain, visit this overlook to be greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the Black Hills, with the granite faces of Mount Rushmore peeking through the evergreens. It's a tantalizing glimpse — and a chance to stoke your excitement before exploring the monument up close.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Finish your drive by coming full circle. More than a breathtaking site, Mount Rushmore is a chance to walk among legends. Lace up your walking shoes and trek the Presidential Trail, visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, grab some famous Thomas Jefferson ice cream or catch the evening lighting ceremony.
