Annual Buffalo Roundup: September 29....Last night of the '23 season: October 22.

Aerial shot of the Needles Highway

Needles Highway

The Needles Highway is a spectacular drive through pine and spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains. Part of Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.

Find Maps in the Tatanka Guide

Wind Your Way to the Needles Eye

The Needles Highway is more than a 14-mile road—it’s a spectacular drive through pine and spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains. The road’s name comes from the needlelike granite formations that 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. Construction was completed in 1922.

Visitors traveling the highway pass Sylvan Lake and a unique rock formation called the Needle's Eye, so named for the opening created by wind, rain, freezing, and thawing.

Take It Easy

Winding drives throughout the park are most enjoyable at a slower pace. When making plans, please allow ample time to travel at a safe speed—generally 25 miles per hour or slower. Expect travel time of about 45 to 60 minutes to enjoy Needles Highway.

Needles Highway is closed to road traffic during the winter months, when you can enjoy it on foot, instead.

<>What is the Narrowest Tunnel on Needles Highway

Drivers should be aware of all tunnel sizes in Custer State Park, and Needles Highway features the narrowest one of them all.

Needles Highway | SD 87 N

–Needles Eye Tunnel: 8'0" Wide / 9'9" High

–Iron Creek Tunnel: 8'9" Wide / 10'10" High

Tunnel Map

Book a Guided Tour

Not up for driving the windy roads? Book a private open-air Jeep to take you up Needles Highway and back.

Tour Needles Highway

Where to Stay

Wide shot of the front of Sylvan Lake Lodge at Custer State Park Resort

Sylvan Lake Lodge Rooms

While an electrical fire in 2021 caused significant damage, the Sylvan Lake Lodge Rooms have been rebuilt, and our Crown Jewel reigns as the Park's finest.

Cathedral Spires Cabin

As the largest cabin on property at Sylvan Lake, our Cathedral Spires Cabin has it all. A designer kitchen, a beautiful, private backyard patio surrounded by the spires, and all four bedrooms offer en suite baths.

Honeymoon Cabin

That moment when you've explored everywhere and finally found the perfect stone-formed patio with breathtaking expansive views and said, "This is it." We did that.

Sleeping Cabin (S2Q)

At the top of Needles Highway, as you turn in to Sylvan Lake Lodge, this loop of cabins sits at 6,145 feet elevation...as if they were always meant to be there.

Housekeeping Cabin (H2Q)

Located within a moderate paved walk to Sylvan Lake & Sylvan Store (lunch, ice cream or coffee, anyone?) these cabins offer just the right amenities for up to four guests.

Nearby Experiences

Hiking

In Custer State Park

World-class hiking. Custer State Park is home to dozens of premiere trails for hikers of all skill levels.

Sylvan Lake Lodge

Stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge and see Custer State Park's crown jewel for yourself—the gorgeous Sylvan Lake.

Close-up shot of the Legion Lake Lodge entrance

Legion Lake Lodge

Legion Lake Lodge features newly-expanded dining room seating with water views and lakeside patio dining.

Close-up shot of assorted food and beverages

Dining

In Custer State Park

There are several delicious dining options spread throughout the park, all open seasonally from the beginning of May through mid-October. Come hungry and ready to explore more them all.

Kayaks tied up to a dock

Watersport Rentals

In Custer State Park

Available at Sylvan Lake Lodge and at Legion Lake Lodge.

Group in a Jeep driving by buffalo

Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour

In Custer State Park

Take an unforgettable safari through the park in search of pronghorns, elk, and the noble buffalo.