Needles Eye Tunnel

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The Needles Highway, Custer County, South Dakota

Description

The Needle's Eye Tunnel is located in the Black Hills area of South Dakota within Custer State Park. It was concepted by Peter Norbeck, a senator and governor of South Dakota in the 1930s. He designed the highway (and thus the tunnel) when many thought it was impossible. Now, the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is widely considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country. The Needles Eye Tunnel is a narrow passage carved through a granite spire along this byway. This particular stretch, called Needles Highway, was once used by early settlers as a way through the mountains. It is a favorite spot to visit for those that also happen to be in the area also visiting the Badlands, Wind Caves, and Devil's Tower. It is about 1.5 hours west (78 miles) of Badlands National Park, and 30 minutes north of Wind Cave National Park. Half an hour north of the tunnel is Mount Rushmore.

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Features

Location

Lat: 43.841384 Lng: -103.544368