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
Pactola LakeFreeThe largest and deepest reservoir in South Dakota's Black Hills.
Roughlock Falls State Nature AreaFreeExplore cascading waterfalls and scenic boardwalk trails in Spearfish Canyon
Chapel in the HillsFreeSerene wooden stave church replica nestled in Rapid City's hills
Wild Water West$$South Dakota's largest outdoor waterpark and entertainment destination in Sioux Falls
Custer County MuseumFreeExplore local Black Hills history inside Custer's historic 1881 courthouse building.
Mount Rushmore KOA$A full-service Black Hills camping resort located minutes from Mount Rushmore