Needles Eye
Needles Eye
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A geological formation located in Custer State Park.
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1 within 3 miles
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34 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,744 reviews
Excellent
1,432
Very good
273
Average
32
Poor
5
Terrible
2
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MOTravelerken
Farmington, MO556 contributions
Jul 2021
The Needles Highway is very neat. You can start at one end and finish the drive near Sylvan Lake or you can start at Sylvan Lake and go the other route. The Needles Eye is near Sylvan Lake so if you go to Sylvan Lake, I guess you could drive through the Needles eye and then just turn right back around and go back to the Lake without driving the entire Needles Highway. Such a neat area.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveler
Wisconsin Dells, WI290 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
15 mph for miles of hills will heat up your brakes. I was in 3rd or 4th gear for quite a few miles. Watched many vehicles ride their brakes the entire way. Why they want to speed thru this scenery and brake is beyond me.The highway is barely two lanes in places. Quite a few 15 mph hairpin turns. Pay attention to speed limits. Tunnels as narrow as 8' 0" wide. Seriously. Beautiful scenery, wildlife if you are in the right place at the right time. The entire trip is beautiful with mountains, forests and vistas. Worth every minute. It took about an hour.
Take your time, go slow and enjoy one of the best drives in the country followed by a drive thru Custer with it's buffalos.
Take your time, go slow and enjoy one of the best drives in the country followed by a drive thru Custer with it's buffalos.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan U
New Ulm, MN17 contributions
Jun 2021
Experience South Dakota's Black Hills up close by driving the Needles Highway and stopping to view the Needles Eye. Located near a narrow tunnel, this colossal spire towers above the roadway and presents a photographic masterpiece to amaze and inspire. Young and old will appreciate the roadside trails which challenge climbers and offer views that make one thankful to be alive.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzy L
Lincolnton, NC214 contributions
Sep 2020
This was by far a highlight of our trip. All 6 adults had this in their top 3 favorite places we visited in South Dakota/Wyoming. It really is hard to describe. Pictures can't even do it justice. Every time we made a turn we just kept saying WOW. I have never seen anything like it. As others have said it is a very narrow road and not all vehicle types will be able to make it through the tunnels. Take your time and make sure to stop at all the overlooks as none of them will disappoint. We traveled at the end of September which was nice because crowds were fairly low. We were able to travel the road at our own pace. Make sure to stop at Sylvan lake and go for a walk.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa Q
Wisconsin13 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Amazing geological experience! But be prepared for a hair rising ride along steep mountain roads that are very narrow in places. My little Honda CRV had a struggle in some areas as it chugged along in 96 degree temperatures. But the views are worth it!
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mjinwi1618
42 contributions
Jul 2020
Custer as a whole is a beautiful place. Needles Eye is a lovely spot to see but there were SO many people trying to stop and take pictures it was a bit dangerous. There isn't a lot of parking available, the tunnel is right there so the road is VERY narrow and visibility is not the best. If this is a sight you really want to see, go at a time of day/year when traffic is light.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
USASUN
Zurich, Switzerland253 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This road was really worth it. Lots of curves, fun tunnels with views of a great landscape. These granite formations are really special. That's why we did a trail here. It is worth driving the road in the late afternoon, as it has less traffic.
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Written October 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guillermo P
Miami, FL51 contributions
Jul 2021
The drive is breathtaking as well as fun. There are 2 tunnels carved through the mountain stones that barely fit one car. Only one direction of traffic can go through the tunnel at any given time. There are multiple overlooks with awesome views.
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George H
9 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great to see God’s creations. The night show at Mt Rushmore was inspiring and patriotic honoring all veterans in attendance. Don’t miss the Spearfish canyon drive and Needles highway drive. We took the Safari Jeep Buffalo trip with an excellent guide.
Written September 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nyormirror
Bay City, MI2,072 contributions
Aug 2020
The Needles eye is located near the Needles Highway single vehicle tunnel. For some reason a Stagecoach West full size tour bus was there and spent 20 minutes trying to get through the narrow passage but finally did with the help of pre-Sturgis riders. We were unable to get a picture due to the back-up but did see it. I would definitely recommend.
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I don't like heights. So is it deaf defining heights to go to needles park. Is it the same as cluster park? Not sure what the difference is? First time going. Thank you
Written July 22, 2020
Views are serene and beautiful but the drive might be scary. There are hairpin turns and you are close to the edge of drop offs. If you're a cautious driver you'll be fine. Plenty of turnouts for photo ops or turning around. Needles is within Custer State Park.
Written July 23, 2020
Pavol K
Bratislava, Slovakia
I have National Park Pass, but that doesnt count Needles highway. I read i need to buy a permision to drive on that road, but i cannot seem to find it anywhere. Do i need one? And where do i buy one? i already paid camping fee, but that probably doesnt include it also. Thanks
Written May 19, 2019
Your have probably came to our beautiful state and found out you don’t need a pass to drive the fantastic needles highway .
Written July 10, 2019
Driving from Madison, WI to Custer, SD - Seeking suggested routes and stops. I'm driving rather quickly from Madison to Custer (headed toward Denver) with two 11 year old boys. I like to stop every 2-3 hours to stretch our legs and see something of interest, be it a rock formation, old cabin, Indian reservation -- anything. I welcome any and all suggestions.
Written June 26, 2017
Depending on your timing there is a rest area by the missiour river near Pierre sd that is a beautiful stop & view. Then u have wall drug & the badlands. Once you reach rapid city there is flintstone villiage on the road to mt Rushmore. Once you get to keystone the board walk has an ice cream parlor that's good. If your staying in Custer depending on your time you could take them in iron mt road where once you go through a tunnel you have a beautiful view of Rushmore without going there. But Custer state park's fee is $20 for 1 to 7 days. Mt Rushmore is $10 to park. The parking fee is good for the rest of the yr if your going back through. Good luck on your travels!
Written June 26, 2017
_lucyglover55
Kansas City, Kansas
What is the best time of year to visit and can we drive iron road and needles eye road on a goldwing motorcycle?
Written January 14, 2017
Ride it whenever you can if you are passing through.
Did the trip last week in June on my Wing accompanied by my brother on his wing. There was not much traffic.
Optimum time would be spring/fall outside of the school holiday period and not during Sturgis.
Written July 3, 2017
We are planning to visit South Dakota in on or around July 8 to the 16. We are traveling with are dog Clyde and would like some pet friendly places to visit and eat.
Written June 28, 2016
My brother had his dog with: make note of the leash requirements in custer state park. The beaches are little more restrictive then the camp areas.
Written June 28, 2017
Hi- we are trying to figure out the best way to cluster different attractions we are interested in while staying in the Custer/Keystone area (in August 18-21), in a way that will minimize crowds if possible, and prevent waits and back tracking. I realize we may not be after to get everything in, but we are hoping in 3-4 days that even with little kids most of it may be do-able. We would like to see afternoon+evening ceremony at Rushmore, 1880 train roundtrip to hill city, custer state park wildlife loop-needles eye-sylvan lake, bear country USA and reptile gardens, Wind cave natural entrance tour (if our 2 1/2 yr old could hack it-no stroller or back pack right?) or garden of eden tour, deadwood saloon re-enactment. We would also love to be able to kayak somewhere (newbies to that). After our stay here we were hoping to drive thru badlands on our way to De Smet SD. Any advice from those with experience would be great. Also anything else that shouldnt be missed. We were hoping to find a low cost cabin type situation, but right now just have comfort inn reservations in Custer. Still looking, but VRBO doesnt seem to be promising. (On tight budget, our group is two adults, then 13, 8, 4, and 2 1/2.). Also cheap good food if there are any suggestions.
Written May 20, 2016
Custer State park, Badlands and Mt Rushmore has plenty of jr ranger programs the kids can do and earn their badges. It kept my kids really engaged throughout the trip! I 2nd Kim D.'s recommendation to skip the bear country and reptile gardens unless one of the kiddo's REALLY wants to see it. Wind Cave is possible and recommended, just check in advance the tour times. It does get chilly/wet in there and little's sometimes a little gets spooked with the darker environment. The train ride is fantastic and Hill City has an incredible cash only place for lunch or dinner called "Alpine Inn." The desserts are incredible too and we ate there twice last trip and will be going again this summer. The price is so right. In Custer "Burger and Bun Company" is a must! Farm to table incredible burgers, my kids still talk about it today and they were 12,11, 10 last time we were there. Mt. Rushmore is great, all you pay is parking. I would make sandwiches or subway in a cooler for a late afternoon to evening show there. Kids can earn their jr ranger badge right there too. Sorry i dont know anything about kayaking...
Written May 24, 2016
We are planning to visit South Dakota in on or around 20th September. I would like to know if it is possible to cover Bad Land National Park, Custer State Park, Needles Highway and Mount Rushmore in One day? I am thinking about starting early and do Bad Land National Park in the AM, Then cover Custer Park in the afternoon and see Mount Rushmore in the evening when they have light show.
Written August 30, 2015
skip Wall completely...not worth a second. Badlands at sunrise and then travel to the others...the light show is really a lighting of the monument while the ranger tells the story of how Mt. Rushmore came to be. I was very touched by the tribute to the members retired and active who served.
Written May 24, 2016
I am really scared of heights, but really want to do this drive. Do I travel North-to-South or South-to-North to stay on the inside lane?
Written January 10, 2015
I rode it on a motorcycle during the Black Hills Rally, and I was paying more attention to the traffic more than the sides of the road. If my memory serves me correctly, either way is going to have some high points, either up or down. I can't recall anything being that radical though.
Written January 10, 2015
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