Awesome View at Every Turn
I would have rolled my eyes if anyone had ever told me the Black Hills would take my breath away when I visited. But you know what? It did! We enjoyed one awesome view after another as we drove through Custer State Park.
Our park entrance point was from the town of Custer, which is 15-miles from the park. From that point on, I can’t actually tell you where each image was taken.
We were total tourists—oohing and awing the entire drive, never really noticing which road we were on until it came to a stop sign. Then we had to look at the map.
My view from the passenger seat as I took photo after photo on the drive.
Location:
13329 US Hwy 16A
Custer, SD 57730
Visitor's Center:
(605) 255-4515
Hours:
Open year round, 24/7
Fees:
Entrance - $20 per car/ weekly park license
Website:
Custer State Park
Whether close up or from a distance, the granite peaks were a breathtaking sight.
Eye Candy...as Far as You Can See
Our Custer State Park visit was during the leg of our trip between the Grand Tetons and Mount Rushmore. We only hit a small part of the scenic road through the park—but what a drive it was! As far as we could see, it was an eye-candy feast for nature lovers.
We spent considerable time at the turnout where this was taken, just gazing at everything around including mountains in the distance.
Former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck (1870 - 1936) was a conservationist with a vision. Either on foot or on horseback, he mapped out the 66-mile double loop road now called "Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway"
The combination of pine, spruce, and aspen trees surrounded by rock and rolling plains made the whole scene just incredible.
Take a look at the top right corner of this image. See the little black hole in the rock? It’s a tunnel!
Tunnels add Extra Excitement
Want an adrenaline rush of excitement when driving? Try taking your vehicle through one of these one-lane tunnels!
Part of the plan Norbeck mapped out included blasting through solid rock to open passageways, creating an awesome view as you drive through. It took 150,000 pounds of dynamite to get the job done. There are 7 of these on the byway, three of which frame Mount Rushmore.
Each tunnel we passed through had us holding our breath. Watch this short video to see what it’s like to drive thru from one side to the other.
Another tunnel that I think was on Iron Mountain Road. Good thing it’s short since it’s only one lane. You can see vehicles waiting the other end.
One of three “pigtail” bridges on the Iron Mountain Road.
Driving Iron Mountain Road
Iron Mountain Road is one part of the 66-mile loop. It is also one engineers said couldn’t be built—but that didn’t stop Peter Norbeck. He pushed ahead creating a fun journey for travelers. The road includes:
- 17 miles
- 314 curves
- 14 switchbacks
- 3 pigtails
- 3 tunnels
Corkscrew spiral roads, also known as “pigtail bridges,” lifted travelers from one level to the next. Multiple curves, winding through the rock formations, plains, and forested areas keep travelers moving slow enough to see the spectacular scenery.
As a matter of face, Peter Norbeck said, “You’re not supposed to drive here at 60-miles an hour. To do the scenery half justice, people should drive 20 or under, to do it full justice, they should get out and walk.” We totally agree!
Even from a distance, buffalo are massive, weighing more than 2,000 pounds.
Buffalo....at Home on the Range
One of the park’s biggest attractions are the North American Bison, commonly referred to as “buffalo.” What started in 1914 as a small herd of 36 now totals more than 1,300 head.
They roam the park but each fall a roundup and auction takes place. One of the park’s signature events is also important to maintaining a healthy herd.
Visitors may watch the roundup from specified locations. We were there a few weeks before the event but it would have been something spectacular to watch.
To see just a few so close to the road and bike trail was amazing but we definitely kept our distance. They are wild animals and huge!.
When you watch the 15-second video short, notice the “shuttle stop” bench nearby. No riders that day!
This photo is worth a thousand words....and worth going to see the real thing.
Photos are Nice. Real Thing is Awesome!
It’s wonderful to look through coffee table books, travel magazines, and online travel blogs. They give you ideas and peak your interest. All are nice—but it will never beat an awesome view while seeing the real thing.
Besides spending time together, our South Dakota trip was memorable in so many ways. My daughter and I are both ready to go back—and take the rest of our family with us because there's something there for everyone.
(Check out our South Dakota page for more cool places worth the detour.)
Cell service is spotty in the Park. We found a beautiful spot to connect!
About the Custer State Park
Dating back to 1897 and officially established in 1919, Custer State Park is one of the nation’s largest state parks.
The original 50,000 acres was added to in in 1919 bringing it to the current 71,000 acres.
The park is famous for its large array of wildlife, especially bison. Visitors have easy access to the animals but are asked to be cautious—they are wild animals.
Custer State Park not only has wildlife to see, it also has stunning views, and plenty of places to hike, bike, swim, fish, and camp. There’s something for everyone to enjoy there.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
