--- title: Needles Highway date: 2022-10-18T09:41:00-05:00 author: Click Rain Inc canonical_url: "https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/needles-highway" section: Pages --- ![Aerial shot of the Needles Highway](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CSPR-Activities_NeedlesHighway-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=35&c=3fcfad83&v=ae8194bbb9b58974c620a58f5dda3504bb32325c50cbf3a331d296545b4a4f71) # 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 National Scenic Byway. ## 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](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/sylvan-lake-lodge) and a unique rock formation called the Needle's Eye, so named for the opening created by wind, rain, freezing, and thawing. [Download a Guide](https://com-custerresorts-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/general-uploads/2024tatanka-web.pdf) ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Needles00087.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=98e1eaae&v=f3cd7e502453f032467ce7fc714044f8aeed53aef049cea7f41a34972d786e1c) ## The Route Although driving the road both north- and southbound offers a "ludicrously scenic" byway, we might recommend starting at the southern entrance to Needles Highway: at [Legion Lake Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/legion-lake-lodge), a heartwarmingly small, cabin-only family lodge that begs a dedicated stay in and of itself. Then, grab your travel snacks and travel north on Hwy 87. This approach saves the scenic tunnels for the last half of the 45-minute to one-hour experience, with a grand finale at [Sylvan Lake](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/sylvan-lake-lodge). [Where to Stay](https://www.custerresorts.com/explore-accommodations) ![Map the depicts where needles highway is in relation to the park](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Needles-Highway-1600x1040.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=ae6b3aa0&v=1995d51d2fa5f847fcd13c12dac6bb623d268f2a214d7b87a4f66137f30bae07) ### 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. The road is 14 miles one way. *Needles Highway is closed to road traffic during the [winter](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/lodge-rooms/creekside-lodge-rooms) months, when you can enjoy it on foot, instead.* [Find Nearby Lodging](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/legion-lake-lodge) ![A winding road cuts through towering granite spires along Needles Highway in Custer State Park. The sun sets behind rugged rock formations, casting dramatic shadows over the forested landscape.](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Needles-Highway-Byron-1600x1040.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=98610b6a&v=e22932bf8281321ad62c222f904077802e7a739822d58eb532441f5ea9d72d59) ![A white Ford Bronco squeezes through a narrow rock tunnel on Needles Highway in Custer State Park. A passenger extends their hand to touch the rock wall, highlighting the tunnel's tight clearance.](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Needles-Highway-Tunnel-2560-Full-image.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=35&c=bd9fbff2&v=1843bf9a573dd9dc350cea41226b7db629155106341cbf2a4450261b7b1a3ed9) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) Needles Eye Tunnel: 8'0" Wide / 9'9" High...come prepared! ### 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](https://com-custerresorts-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/general-uploads/Tatanka_ScenicImage.pdf) ### 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. Our open-top Jeep Wranglers will pick you up from [Sylvan Lake Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/sylvan-lake-lodge) or [The State Game Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/state-game-lodge) for a 3-hour scenic [guided tour](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/scenic-byway-tours). Paved roads, no bumps...just sit back and enjoy. [Explore Openings](https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/custerresorts/?ref=CSPR%20Website&full-items=yes&flow=830365) ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/NeedlesHighway1600x1040.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=4bd64770&v=17b7e5cfb003d99d54ec54fc1745ef9c49be00775584c7ac213bbf875d5bb8bf) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Where to Stay ![Wide shot of the front of Sylvan Lake Lodge at Custer State Park Resort](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CRSP-SylvanLakeLodge-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=f0ab0d1c&v=2f0ef74527f7db36ed962f71f079fe0e179a8418626835b075c5ae84f0d2e83d) ### [Sylvan Lake Lodge Rooms](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/lodge-rooms/sylvan-lake-lodge-rooms) At the top of Needles Highway (elev. 6,145 feet) historic Sylvan Lake Lodge's location was selected by Frank Lloyd Wright. The 1938 stone and timber building still boasts many of the original building elements. ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/CSP2018-052Final.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=7a6a62d2&v=fee25b8f77d3a5a74be6bc163c45e39d1bd29af5c13c7828d3efdee41495928c) ### [Cathedral Spires Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/sylvan-lake/cathedral-spires) 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 (4) bedrooms offer en-suite baths. ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/CSP_Sylvan-4468_final_a.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=8762e2c6&v=37f47013b981c47809cd0d6d48600793a6bf6829cca38a68a0fa1627cfb027dd) ### [Honeymoon Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/sylvan-lake/honeymoon-cabin-king-s1ks) 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. ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/CSP2018-045Final.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=4081d1fe&v=91a404373033e6602b380146bc59dee7a5ffc93716ccb7124f52572ad4f27f6a) ### [Spruce Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/sylvan-lake/sleeping-cabin-s2q-spruce-cabin) 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. One-room cabin with vaulted ceilings & a wood-burning stone fireplace. ![Entrance of Creekside Lodge](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/LodgeRooms-CreeksideLodge-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=079205f2&v=36c02efa5b62e03fd6fc3c12f0f0203b1a218c6be35006a25143b88900fd35c6) ### [Creekside Lodge Rooms](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/lodge-rooms/creekside-lodge-rooms) Tucked along Grace Coolidge Creek, just 200 yards from the State Game Lodge. Creekside Lodge is open year-round. ![Drone shot of Custer State Park Resort](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/CSP-20221001-ByronBanasiak-15-large.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=c001aa7e&v=b58164c455f79fec6f59405537266cc6a201a762af4b787e85819828aa89a9aa) ### [State Game Lodge Rooms](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/lodge-rooms/state-game-lodge-rooms) Welcome to the regal State Game Lodge, home to historic lodge rooms, convenient amenities, and limitless adventure. ![Close-up shot of the Legion Lake Lodge entrance](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CRSP_LegionLake-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=662f1f1a&v=73bbf9b62251f73df4581f4cef03f1e10ca30ec3dfa837ffb2bd71991252d624) ### [Legion Lake Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/legion-lake-lodge) Legion Lake Lodge features a collection of cabins and a newly-expanded dining room seating with water views and lakeside patio dining. ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/CSP2018-259Final.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=6d92600f&v=3af2f0d077c0973b559cdd24084789b85fa8a4ac934da449b960a1301dffd4e5) ### [Evergreen Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/legion-lake/sleeping-cabin-s2q-evergreen-cabin) These quaint cabins sit in a hilltop row and sleep up to six (6) with vaulted ceilings and library-ladder lofts. ![Front of the Blue Bell Lodge at Custer State Park Resort](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CRSP_BlueBellLodge-new-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=9a7bf58f&v=349693ae3764ee9015ca06049c1e2f47cc71bfd9022ec34e8c853938a87282fc) ### [Blue Bell Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/blue-bell-lodge) Blue Bell Lodge offers some of the finest cabin rooms in Custer State Park, plus loads of home-spun western fun. ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Nearby Experiences ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/CSPRHikingAllie.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=736d63ea&v=8c36137050a566b44cc7be33fd9e429c8de5efef8ba0190d1f116681305b29cb) ### [Hiking](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/hiking) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park World-class hiking. Custer State Park is home to dozens of premiere trails for hikers of all skill levels. ![Exterior view of Sylvan Lake Lodge in Custer State Park, featuring rustic architecture with stone and wood siding. A curved driveway leads to the main entrance, surrounded by pine trees and well-kept grounds.](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/SLL-Header.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=6b8c2707&v=4c3d20104c2d66643475157c6b1b06b22b5c14b2e0a066e3104d6e35f8161f4e) ### [Sylvan Lake Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/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](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CRSP_LegionLake-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=662f1f1a&v=73bbf9b62251f73df4581f4cef03f1e10ca30ec3dfa837ffb2bd71991252d624) ### [Legion Lake Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/legion-lake-lodge) Legion Lake Lodge features a collection of cabins and a newly-expanded dining room seating with water views and lakeside patio dining. ![Close-up shot of assorted food and beverages](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/Dining-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=e3c6f0af&v=ab3a3091f303056f00e387cdf5e43e3371c2e88c1b6c48fbf756171c0d6b47a3) ### [Dining](https://www.custerresorts.com/dining) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) 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](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/Activities_WatersportsRentals-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=c79e94af&v=6fdad8e3118ce9a9f6edf6db400d791de2a35fe98d6d513b391c4e18668ba1e4) ### [Watersport Rentals](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/watersport-rentals) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park Available at Sylvan Lake Lodge and at Legion Lake Lodge. ![Group in a Jeep driving by buffalo](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CSPR-Activities_BuffaloJeepSafari-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=4faeead7&v=ca560f166bddc3ded11f3576f73f8e6c93ac4c009c8c35fe2322814299aabd18) ### [Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/buffalo-safari-jeep-tour) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park Take an unforgettable safari through the park in search of pronghorns, elk, and the noble buffalo. ## Custer Travel Tips ### Top 7 Reasons to Stay in Custer State Park This Summer Staying in the Park transforms a vacation into an experience. [Read More](https://www.custerresorts.com/news/top-7-reasons-to-stay-in-custer-state-park-this-summer) ### Forbes Travel Lists CSP as an "Awesome Alternative" to Overcrowded National Parks The short list of state park alternatives that rival national parks include Adirondack State Park, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and our own Custer State Park, to name a few. [Read More](https://www.custerresorts.com/news/forbes-travel-lists-csp-as-an-awesome-alternative-to-overcrowded-national-parks) [ Latest Updates ](https://www.custerresorts.com/news?category=latest-updates) ![Herd of buffalo in the grasslands walking](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Related-Entries/TravelTips2-1700x1480.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=85&h=74&c=75d034c0&v=a3261e9689cdd2f5c7fafc06413f10cb089d13a6968b24f0a4a1c2e53f1dea91)