The landscape of South Dakota's Black Hills makes it the perfect destination for sightseers and nature-lovers alike. It's lesser-known, but totally gorgeous for scenic drives and incredible views. One of the most epic routes in all of South Dakota? The Needles Highway. Thought impossible to build, thanks to the rocky "needles" of solid granite studding the landscape, it took several years (and some dynamite) to craft a road that winds among (and sometimes tunnels through) the rocky route. It's a one-of-a-kind drive that offers sightseers and those looking to head a bit off the beaten highway a chance to experience the rugged, almost-untamable Black Hills of South Dakota.
13820 US Route 16, Rapid City, United States
It'll take about an hour to travel the iconic 14-mile Needles Highway, a drive that winds through the forests and mountains of South Dakota. Stops recommended include Sylvan Lake and the Needle’s Eye. You'll want to take your time while driving the road, which features cliffs, tunnels, and even mountain goats and big-horned sheep! The highway winds through Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park, so you'll have the opportunity to take in many popular South Dakota attractions along the way. It's typically open from early April through mid-October, and there's a $20/vehicle entrance fee to Custer State Park.
via SD Highway 87
When traveling to Mount Rushmore or the surrounding area during the summer and fall, The Purple Pie Place is the spot to be. They have served hundreds of slices of pies of all kinds since 2009, ranging from simple peanut butter to raspberry-rhubarb jalapeno; they've also whipped up all kinds of entrees, such as chicken pot pie and mac & cheese. They sell ice cream, sandwiches, and more, making it a must-stop for a homemade meal or snack that won't hurt your wallet. Stop for a full meal after a long day on the road, or a quick and tasty dessert that won't disappoint... plus, who doesn't love supporting a local family-run business?
For those with hopes to see lots of bison, wild turkeys, and other unique native animals on their South Dakota adventure, Wind Cave National Park is the stop to make! Stay right in the Black Hills at Elk Mountain Campground to experience the beauty of these lands, and while there are no electrical hookups, there is plenty of room for RVs, and the grounds are much quieter than most campgrounds in the area. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails at the park, which range from easy to strenuous, in addition to the fabulous cave below, which you can explore with either easy, moderate, or more difficult tours. Get there early to assure your spot on any of the tours, which are typically offered once or twice a day in the afternoon; note that this cave does NOT take reservations!
Casper, WY, United States
From granite needles to calcite crystals, the wild beauty in the Black Hills is virtually endless. Admire the bison and wild horses that roam today, see the remains of the mammoths that once called the area home, and hike and drive through the unique landscape as you soak up the history and the wild and free atmosphere.