--- title: Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway date: 2022-10-18T09:43:00-05:00 author: Click Rain Inc canonical_url: "https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/peter-norbec-scenic-highway" section: Pages --- ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/DSC02089.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=35&c=6c879c33&v=2f7987d114b8d5c34c7f733b65787de772d36ff9db849fbdb6d08a4cee4f45be) # Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway Named one of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in North America, Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway includes both Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. [Download Map PDF](https://com-custerresorts-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/general-uploads/PeterNorbeckScenicBywayMap.pdf) ## One of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in North America ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/PNSB1200x940.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=45&c=36c9bed9&v=a9ea17c11a0d5b62bf3a80dd4886eabb1836fbf00c90c521982265a7e75c1622) ![State Game Lodge with sunrise light on it](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/PNSB1400x1200.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=45&c=492b23f0&v=0dac51e968bc20e9692bbe3ee4e9e9e6c19ca2ff688baf6825747ec70b57931c) ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/PNSB1200x1100.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=45&c=18c7ba87&v=421c874e91aa71a629f5339490f8fe872412268efd24a780a2ae3ab75a66a5e5) ![View of hills and mountains with a forest at the base. This is Needles Highway](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/PNSB1700x1120.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=45&c=8449a8a6&v=976e2dd892009f046ba86c0bba1073bbcd1725a2175343ff08376c3ca3788e8d) ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/PNSB900x600.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=45&c=c221830a&v=c2a0469cbc3447c644f3b04d93c2cf5d7484f7e6b888fe28030951c0d2518190) ## Some of the Most Incredible Roads Anywhere The Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway complements the park's three scenic drives and includes some of the most dramatic natural and historic features in the Black Hills. It consists of a loop made up of four numbered highways: SD 87 ([Needles Highway](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/needles-highway)), SD 89, SD 244, and US Route 16A ([Iron Mountain Road](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/iron-mountain-road)). Sites include the Needles, Mount Rushmore, and a bird’s-eye view of the rocky peaks and forested hills of the Black Hills National Forest. The byway is named for Peter Norbeck, a South Dakota conservationist, Governor and U.S. Senator. Norbeck planned and surveyed most of the roads located within the park and his vision inspired Custer State Park, [Norbeck Wildlife Preserve](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/wildlife) and [Mount Rushmore National Memorial](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/nearby-activities/mount-rushmore). [Show Me a Map](https://com-custerresorts-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/general-uploads/PeterNorbeckScenicBywayMap.pdf) ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/DSC01673.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=86f5e04c&v=8a291780e9de9e7a6e88ee35f707b982ff2d3f6d5d288548408519c8604fa32c) ### How Long Does It Take to Drive Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway While it can be driven in three to four hours, you most likely will want to devote most of a day’s time to the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway and wildlife watching along the way. Shaggy white mountain goats, deer and chipmunks are among the commonly-seen wildlife. Count on many stops for photographs, lunch at Sylvan Lake Lodge, The State Game Lodge, or Legion Lake Lodge, and a visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. [Where to Eat](https://www.custerresorts.com/dining) ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/NeedlesScenic1600x1040.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=578caac9&v=0ce3cff20cab5af3fab477a89d24472284c851978f0e6bf1cd8b043ed0bd94e7) ### Where to Start Highways 16A, 244, 89 and 87 combine to create the route. Just like Peter Norbeck did when he mapped the route on foot, visitors find that a good starting point is the historic State Game Lodge, which served as the Summer White House in 1927. Here, visitors will enjoy breakfast at the restaurant, stop at Coolidge General store for snacks, and visit the Custer State Park Visitor Center before journeying on to Iron Mountain Road a few miles North. This route ensures that your first sight of Mount Rushmore is viewed through the tunnels that 'frame' the national monument--all in anticipation of your stop there. [Start at the State Game Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/state-game-lodge) ![Drone shot of Custer State Park Resort](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/CSP-20221001-ByronBanasiak-15-large.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=c001aa7e&v=d9b42e7468c86f80be4329843a43c3eda9910f4802f4341a38600438da8a72a9) ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/MtRushmorecrop.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=40&c=85d39cf6&v=6e028a8cd8f68b61b1fc8dc8cbe69bf3dff767c1ad4fef437a82bd6ce27ec49a) ### Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway Tunnels Drivers should be aware of all tunnel sizes in Custer State Park, and Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway takes you through them all, the narrowest being Needles Eye Tunnel. #### Iron Mountain Road | US 16A Scenic N **Doane Robinson Tunnel:** 12'0" Wide / 11'4" High **C.C. Gideon Tunnel:** 13'0" Wide / 11'0" High **Scovel Johnson Tunnel:** 10'9" Wide / 11'0" High #### Needles Highway | SD 87 N **Needles Eye Tunnel:** 8'0" Wide / 9'9" High **Iron Creek Tunnel:** 8'9" Wide / 10'10" High #### Sylvan Lake Road | SD 87/89, North of Sylvan Lake **Hood Tunnel**: 8'9" Wide / 9'8" High [Tunnel Map](https://com-custerresorts-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/general-uploads/Tatanka_ScenicImage.pdf) ### Book a Guided Tour A Custer State Park Resort open-air Jeep can be booked privately for your highlight tour of Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, the six tunnels, photo stops, and the pigtail bridges. Departures are available from Sylvan Lake Lodge and the State Game Lodge. [Scenic Tour Info](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/scenic-byway-tours) ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/NeedlesHighwayTakingPics1600x1040.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=228c18be&v=6a3d49cb1e8919e1a33df1238b715b8af437c182225787bb0c7a9a3849ff718a) ![Lodge building at Custer State park Resort](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Video-Cover-or-Callout-Background/Lodging-At-Custer-2400x1000.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=40&c=7029960a&v=75dee4cd28ce55199b240e5329d74876c332a3e17753ef77981cd150a7e278c8) ### Lodging at Custer State Park Resort Ready to start planning your trip? Explore lodging options and book your stay. [Find Lodging ](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Along the Way ![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. ![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. ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Chuckwagon-BBL-2024-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=aa657f62&v=cc26039183bde5cba5c66a0a6c5a718e577c5ca0154a043a26f920b65f138b6c) ### [Hayride & Chuck Wagon Cookout](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/hayride-chuck-wagon-cookout) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park Evening scenic wildlife hayride followed by a steak dinner and live entertainment in the CSP backcountry. ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Custer-Resorts-20221002-ByronBanasiak-38a.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=dd3ab349&v=f5ee0aca6347cb864c41e51e51efd852fc23dd776816b3f27caba32fee40b152) ### [Shopping](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/shopping) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park No matter which lodge you find yourself drawn to exploring, our Custer State Park Resort stores have you covered. ![Visitors riding horses during a guided trail ride](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CSPR-Activities_GuidedTrailRides-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=df681f0e&v=47af0dae4e40a72bbb4f6648ad9deb28cc61abb4299815d34f27162fb33fa013) ### [Guided Trail Rides](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/guided-trail-rides) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park One of the most peaceful ways to explore the park's prettiest spots. ![](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. ![Wide shot of Mount Rushmore](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CSPR-Activities_MountRushmore-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=7f8365d4&v=75682b0ec1dbdb38be3f0351d6c1ab6935ecfa5745d70136c15437dec52e9bb6) ### [Mount Rushmore](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/nearby-activities/mount-rushmore) A beautiful 45-minute scenic byway takes you to the majestic National Memorial from Custer State Park. ![Wide shot of Crazy Horse](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/CrazyHorse-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=31da6f57&v=5e85d3d6d8acd567f36633f044b813c3d0c8b9aae9946225cfb99c4d791007f4) ### [Crazy Horse Memorial](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/nearby-activities/crazy-horse-memorial) Just 20 minutes from the West Entrance to Custer State Park, don't miss Crazy Horse Memorial. ![Aerial shot of mountains around Custer State Park](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/BlackElk-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=dd98c8c6&v=1b2f857c46f1b1dfff89aeb37a6c5169263997554a17eeaa30a1e0b02991033a) ### [Black Elk Peak](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/nearby-activities/black-elk-peak) ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park While the trailhead is located in the Park at Sylvan Lake, most of the trail winds through the Black Hills National Forest.