Iron Mountain Road

Iron Mountain Road is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the United States, a masterpiece of artistic engineering that winds 17 breathtaking miles through the heart of the Black Hills between Keystone and Custer State Park in South Dakota. Designed in the 1930s under the vision of U.S. Senator Peter Norbeck, the road was deliberately built to be slow, immersive, and unforgettable. Its 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, three spiraling wooden pigtail bridges, and three one-lane granite tunnels were crafted not for efficiency, but for wonder. The tunnels are precisely aligned to frame Mount Rushmore National Memorial like a living picture, a dramatic reveal that leaves drivers and passengers genuinely speechless. The pigtail bridges, constructed of massive timber and steel, corkscrew over themselves to help the road navigate dramatic changes in elevation without disturbing the natural landscape. Wildlife including mountain goats, bison, elk, bighorn sheep, and deer are frequently spotted along the route. Named one of America's 10 Most Outstanding Byways.