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
The Journey Museum & Learning Center$Discover Black Hills geology and Sioux heritage in Rapid City.
Rushmore Cave$Explore subterranean limestone caverns and stalactites near Mount Rushmore
The Adams House$$Explore Deadwood history inside the beautifully preserved 1892 Victorian mansion.
Jewel Cave National Monument$Discover the world's third longest cave system in South Dakota
Sioux Falls SculptureWalkFreeExplore dynamic outdoor artwork along the streets of downtown Sioux Falls.
Dinosaur ParkFreeDiscover historic vintage cement dinosaurs offering scenic Black Hills views