Needles Eye
Needles Eye
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A geological formation located in Custer State Park.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,729 reviews
Excellent
1,418
Very good
272
Average
32
Poor
5
Terrible
2
daischop
Chattanooga, TN194 contributions
The price to visit Custer State Park is $24 dollars, which includes going to Sylvan Lake, the Needles and the Wildlife Loop.
Fortunately for us, we've been awakening super early in the mornings and was able to make it to the Needle's tunnel with not many people around us. Finding parking was easy along with taking the time to take photo's of the needle.
For those who complain about the amount of people at the Needles, adjust your time to hit it at a time when people are still sleeping.
Fortunately for us, we've been awakening super early in the mornings and was able to make it to the Needle's tunnel with not many people around us. Finding parking was easy along with taking the time to take photo's of the needle.
For those who complain about the amount of people at the Needles, adjust your time to hit it at a time when people are still sleeping.
Written June 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heather B
6 contributions
What a breathtaking beautiful drive. There is a small rock tunnel which only allows one car to pass at a time. Plenty of places to pull over and take photos. Sylvan Lake is located in Custer State Park and costs $20 to enter, but money well spent.
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MOTravelerken
Farmington, MO500 contributions
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.
Traveling Tourist
Murfreesboro, TN16 contributions
Needles Highway is an enjoyable scenic drive through/around Custer State Park.
We (my husband and I) started the 14 mile (+/-) highway at the top (near Sylvan lake). You’re almost immediately greeted with the spires that inspired that name of the highway.
Yes, it’s a high trafficked area. Yes, it’s a very busy spot, but it is worth stopping to take in.
There are two tunnels that must be passed through in order to drive the highway. Look up the height and width and then measure your vehicle because it’s a squeeze.
Once you pass the (if starting from the top) first tunnel the ‘needles’ stop. The rest of the drive is very scenic with chances to see a lot of breathing taking views and wildlife. When we hit the end of the highway we detoured into the small town of Custer; where we had one of the best burgers we have ever eaten at Burger and Bun Co. (at super affordable prices too!)
We (my husband and I) started the 14 mile (+/-) highway at the top (near Sylvan lake). You’re almost immediately greeted with the spires that inspired that name of the highway.
Yes, it’s a high trafficked area. Yes, it’s a very busy spot, but it is worth stopping to take in.
There are two tunnels that must be passed through in order to drive the highway. Look up the height and width and then measure your vehicle because it’s a squeeze.
Once you pass the (if starting from the top) first tunnel the ‘needles’ stop. The rest of the drive is very scenic with chances to see a lot of breathing taking views and wildlife. When we hit the end of the highway we detoured into the small town of Custer; where we had one of the best burgers we have ever eaten at Burger and Bun Co. (at super affordable prices too!)
Written June 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan U
New Ulm, MN12 contributions
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.
Lisa Q
7 contributions
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.
traveler
Wisconsin Dells, WI296 contributions
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.
Suzy L
Lincolnton, NC230 contributions
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.
Guillermo P
Miami, FL53 contributions
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.
andrea123742
Palm Coast, FL36 contributions
Definitely drive Needles Highway. The scenery is beautiful and there are many pullovers to take pictures. There are many curves and when you go through the tunnels only one car can go through at a time. I would recommend driving it only on a beautiful sunny day.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chulalita
Albany, NY371 contributions
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
Margaret L
Hampshire, IL50 contributions
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.
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
reddsuzann
Custer, SD19 contributions
Your have probably came to our beautiful state and found out you don’t need a pass to drive the fantastic needles highway .
janet w
Denver, CO36 contributions
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.
WYOJuls
Gillette, WY135 contributions
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!
_lucyglover55
Kansas City, KS
What is the best time of year to visit and can we drive iron road and needles eye road on a goldwing motorcycle?
Old Mountie
Ottawa, Canada194 contributions
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.
tina r
Riverton, UT1 contribution
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.
WYOJuls
Gillette, WY135 contributions
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.
tavish62
Ocean City, NJ162 contributions
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.
elizabethi867
Milwaukee, WI92 contributions
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...
Narendra Z
North Attleboro, MA61 contributions
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.
elizabethi867
Milwaukee, WI92 contributions
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.
2much4us2see
Minnesota73 contributions
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?
MDLNewHampshire
New Hampshire8 contributions
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.
Needles Eye (Custer) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Needles Eye
- Hotels near Needles Eye:
- (2.76 mi) Horse Thief Campground and RV Resort
- (6.33 mi) Dakota Dream Bed & Breakfast & Horse Hotel
- (5.57 mi) Bavarian Inn, Black Hills
- (4.08 mi) Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground
- (8.10 mi) Big Pine Campground
- Restaurants near Needles Eye:
- (1.09 mi) Sylvan Lake Lodge
- (5.86 mi) Skogen Kitchen
- (5.90 mi) Black Hills Burger and Bun Co.
- (5.85 mi) Begging Burro Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar
- (5.80 mi) Sage Creek Grille