Iron Mountain Road (US Highway 16A) is a famous 17-mile scenic highway connecting Custer State Park with Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Built with wooden pigtail bridges and narrow rock tunnels, the road was intentionally engineered to frame spectacular views of the presidential monument. Visitors can stop at roadside pullouts along the route to take in panoramic Black Hills landscapes.
Expert notes
- Take your time to stop at viewpoints along the way.
- Use caution while driving, especially in areas with sharp turns.
- Watch for wildlife crossing the road.
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
Features
- Accessible to vehicles
- Parking areas
- Paved road
- Picnic spots
- Scenic viewpoints
- Switchbacks
- Tunnel views
- Wildlife viewing
More things to do in Mount Rushmore
Custer State ParkFreeExperience South Dakota's wilderness filled with bison herds and granite peaks.
Pactola LakeFreeThe largest and deepest reservoir in South Dakota's Black Hills.
Wild Water West$$South Dakota's largest outdoor waterpark and entertainment destination in Sioux Falls
Wind Cave National ParkFreeExplore subterranean cave formations and vast rolling prairie landscapes above ground.
Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel & Casino$$Experience premier resort lodging, gaming, and entertainment in historic Deadwood.
Roughlock Falls State Nature AreaFreeExplore cascading waterfalls and scenic boardwalk trails in Spearfish Canyon