Located right in the Black Hills in Custer State Park in South Dakota, USA, Needles Highway (SD Highway 87) is a spectacular drive, part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, with stunning views. It connects Wind Cave with the town of Custer. It’s a 22.53km (14 mile) stretch that includes sharp turns, narrow tunnels, granite spires and world class views through pine and spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains. Along the way you’ll have to deal with 3 narrow tunnels. The most famous tunnel is Needle Eyes Tunnel, just 8’ 4” wide by 12’0” tall. Other tunnels include Hood Tunnel and Iron Creek Tunnel.
The road’s name comes from the needle-like granite formations, which seem to pierce the horizon along the highway. The roadway was carefully planned by former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck, who marked the entire course on foot and by horseback. The Custer State Park offers incredible lakes (trout fishing), hiking and awesome scenery. The town of Custer is really the hub of all things scenic: Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Black Hills and the Badlands. It is the oldest town in the region, welcoming guests for more than 125 years.
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