South Dakota boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States and there are several scenic roads that visitors can drive to take in the wonders of this part of the world. Traveling from Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park, Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway is a 70 mile stretch of roadway that includes Needles Highway as well as Iron Mountain Road.
The first section of the byway is US Highway 18A which is most commonly known as the Iron Mountain Road. According to history, it was the road that “couldn’t be built”. The major features of this drive are three granite tunnels and three pigtail bridges. There are stopping points at the tunnels where glimpses of Mount Rushmore are framed by the tunnels and provide for fabulous photo opportunities. Without stopping it will take me approximately 1 hour to drive Iron Mountain Drive, but even I can’t resist the occasion to pull over and take in all of the scenic views.
One of the pigtail turns
Gorgeous View from Peter Norbeck Overlook
A view of Mt. Rushmore from the Iron Mountain Drive
A map of the scenic drives
Scenic Views Along Iron Mountain Drive
One of the granite tunnels along Iron Mountain Drive!
Have you driven the Iron Mountain Drive? I would love to hear about your experience if you kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for checking out my photos of the Iron Mountain Drive! Wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Seventeen mile stretch of road in the Black Hills of South Dakota, also known as 16A
Where to Stay:
Country Inn & Suites
2321 N. Lacrosse Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Telephone: 866 522 8891
Where to Eat:
BaRLee’s food and drink
253 Swanzey Street
Keystone, SD 57751
Telephone: 605 666 5509
Down home cooking where everything is made from scratch!