Iron Mountain Road

This 17-mile stretch of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway runs between Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park.

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Iron Mountain Road Details

This 17-mile stretch of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway runs between Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park. The road is curvy -- very curvy -- a design characteristic that was put in place in order to limit drivers' speed to 35 miles per hour. In some sections of the highway you'll cross over pigtail bridges, a unique design that gives the road a spiral shape as it ascends or descends steep grades in a short distance. The road also features three one-way tunnels that offer pinhole views of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a design element intended to draw attention to the famous sculpture. Along the way, you'll be immersed in pine forest as you wind between trees and over streams. You might even have to stop to let a herd of buffalo cross the street. This road is the only way to drive through Custer State Park without paying (unless you stop in the park, in which case there is a visitation fee). Expect the complete drive to take between 45 minutes and an hour. There are several picnic spots and pullouts along the way.

Difficulty

Low

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