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Custer State Park Resort's Iron Mountain Road

Iron Mountain Road

Take Iron Mountain Road in Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore through a series of twists and turns that showcase pigtail bridges, magnificent Black Hills scenery, and tunnels that frame the national monument.

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The Magnificent Road to Rushmore

Experience the road that engineers once said couldn't be built. This winding road runs between Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the junction of US 16A and SD 36 in Custer State Park. Along the highway, visitors will find wildfire exhibits, pigtail bridges, magnificent Black Hills scenery, and tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore.

Constructed in 1933 under the direction of Senator Peter Norbeck, only a portion of this road lies within the park, but it is a must-see.

Norbeck said of the Iron Mountain Road, "This is not meant to be a super highway, to do the scenery justice you should drive no more than 20 mph and to do it full justice you should simply get out and walk."

Part of Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway

A masterpiece of artistic engineering, this 70-mile byway includes spiraling bridges, hairpin curves, granite tunnels and awe-inspiring views. No wonder it was named one of the 10 Most Outstanding Byways in America.

Iron Mountain Road is 18 miles long, and forms the eastern edge of Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Expect a travel time of 45 to 60 minutes for Iron Mountain Road from Custer State Park.

Iron Mountain Road Tunnels

Drivers should be aware of all tunnel sizes in Custer State Park. Below is a listing of all tunnel measurements on Iron Mountain Road:

Iron Mountain Road | US 16A N

–Doane Robinson Tunnel: 12'0" Wide / 11'4" High

–C.C. Gideon Tunnel: 13'0" Wide / 11'0" High

–Scovel Johnson Tunnel: 10'9" Wide / 11'0" High

Tunnel Map

What's Nearby

Drone shot of Custer State Park Resort

State Game Lodge

The State Game Lodge is a gracious native stone and wood lodge est. in 1920 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Entrance of Creekside Lodge

Creekside Lodge Rooms

Tucked along Grace Coolidge Creek, just 200 yards from the State Game Lodge. Creekside Lodge is open year-round.

Close-up shot of assorted food and beverages

Dining

In Custer State Park

There are several delicious dining options spread throughout the park, all open seasonally from the beginning of May through mid-October. Come hungry and ready to explore more them all.

Shopping

In Custer State Park

No matter which lodge you find yourself drawn to exploring, our Custer State Park Resort stores have you covered.

Group in a Jeep driving by buffalo

Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour

In Custer State Park

Take an unforgettable safari through the park in search of pronghorns, elk, and the noble buffalo.

Woman sticking out her hand to feed wildlife

Wildlife Loop Road

In Custer State Park

A wildlife hotspot. Travel through 18 miles of open grasslands and pine-speckled hills. Plan for photo ops!

Where to Stay

Gamekeeper's Cabin

A five-bedroom private cabin tucked along Coolidge Creek. True to its name, this cabin was once the private residence for the Custer State Park Gamekeeper.

Housekeeping Cabin, 2 Bath, Deluxe

With nearby Coolidge Creek winding through, these 2-bedroom, 2-bath cabins with a full-sized fridge/freezer and living/dining area offer the perfect balance of space, amenities and location.

Drone shot of Custer State Park Resort

State Game Lodge Rooms

Welcome to the regal State Game Lodge, home to historic lodge rooms, convenient amenities, and limitless adventure.

Entrance of Creekside Lodge

Creekside Lodge Rooms

Tucked along Grace Coolidge Creek, just 200 yards from the State Game Lodge. Creekside Lodge is open year-round.

Housekeeping Cabin, Lakeview

What a view! Perfect for a small family of up to five, we have just three of this cabin type, all nestled behind Legion Lake Lodge. Peaceful, private lake views.