Iron Mountain Road in South Dakota redefines the phrase “taking the scenic route,” offering drivers the opportunity to ride along an engineering marvel that cuts through stunning natural vistas and hugs serene passes. This 17-mile stretch of U.S. Route 16A showcases the mountain curves of the Black Hills as you make the trip from Mount Rushmore to Custer State Park, one of the Midwest’s most underrated parks.
Under normal circumstances, the trip would take a mere 17 minutes. But in practice, it takes travelers closer to an hour to complete the drive. When Iron Mountain Road was constructed in 1933, Senator Peter Norbeck ensured all drives are a meandering 35 miles an hour. The swerves, curves, switchbacks, and tunnels, interspersed with stunning glimpses of the visages of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln in the distance, make this an essential part of any trip to Mount Rushmore.
Iron Mountain Road’s pigtails, switchbacks, and presidents
The road’s zigs, zags, corkscrews, and bridges that cross back over itself create an entrancing experience. Proper drivers will love every moment of these tight curves and chicanes — while obeying the 35 mph speed limit, of course. The right car will turn Iron Mountain Road’s 314 curves, 14 hairpins, tunnels, and pigtails into an adrenaline fest, so if you’re renting, you may want to snag a zippy little convertible. Motorcyclists will likely find it a paradise, too. However, skip the trip if you suffer from motion sickness, or simply drive slowly. The switchbacks reward traveling at an intentionally slow pace, so consider it mindfulness in automotive form.
Iron Mountain Road features multiple stops and scenic overlooks that culminate in views of Mount Rushmore as you drive northwest from Custer State Park. The Scovel Johnson Tunnel, for example, provides a picturesque view of the national landmark, so be sure to check it out! The single-lane tunnels carved into the mountain’s granite may be a bit of a squeeze for larger vehicles, but they often break out into extraordinary vistas. You can also extend your drive and head towards the spectacular Needles Highway.
Want to visit? Simply add Iron Mountain Road into your Mount Rushmore logistics for travel and accommodations while keeping the weather in mind. While the road is paved, it’s largely abandoned in the winter, so it’s best to plan your visit between spring and early fall. Shutterbugs should be sure to bring a high-quality camera, ideally something better than a camera phone with a substantial zoom lens. The road is a photographer’s paradise, after all, with chances to encounter wildlife like deer or buffalo. And you’ll also want to keep the camera close for the spectacular sunrises and sunsets at Badlands National Park.
