Iron Mountain Road, South Dakota

For an adventurous ride with an amazing, artistic, and historical destination, take the Iron Mountain Road to South Dakota's Mount Rushmore. The Iron Mountain Road, US 16, along with the Needles Highway, SD 87, make up the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. You'll be treated to zigzagging switchbacks and breathtaking scenery the entire way.

Beginning in Custer State Park, the Iron Mountain Road is most popular for its series of pigtail bridges which bear a corkscrew shape, and its three single-lane granite tunnels that perfectly frame the faces of Mount Rushmore in the distance. The pigtail bridges enabled road engineers to reduce elevation without needing to build a switchback. The road comes off the bridge, makes a circular turn, and continues below the bridge. Definitely an experience, even for well-seasoned travelers.

The building of the Iron Mountain Road was directed by Peter Norbeck, former governor of South Dakota and US Senator. Norbeck served as governor from 1916 to 1920 when he was elected to the Senate. Some of his projects included the development of Custer State Park, obtaining funding for Mount Rushmore, conservation issues, establishing Grand Teton National Park, and building the Iron Mountain Road leading to the monument. The Iron Mountain Road was completed in the 1930s and stretches 17 miles long.

The Iron Mountain Road challenges every driver to simultaneously keep his eye on the road while absorbing all of the natural scenery. Drivers must also be aware of all the wildlife that reside near the scenic road. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats, bison, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and turkey.