“Needles Highway (SD Hwy 87) Deemed “impossible” to construct by its critics, Needles Highway—a National Scenic Byway—was completed in 1922 and includes 14 miles of sharp turns, low tunnels and impressive granite spires. The road lies within the 73,000 acre Custer State Park, just 30 miles south of Rapid City.”  Mark loved this drive so much we did it twice. Once going eastbound and next going westbound by way of Custer State Park.  That way you are sure to see everything and each time from a new perspective 🙂  Most of the roads which make up the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway were proposed by Peter Norbeck when he was a U.S. Senator.  The picture below is a brief history of the Featured image of the post.

The rock formations and road built through the rock were amazing!   On our second drive through a few days later we entered from the Custer State Park entrance.  The landscape was green and rolling.

Lots and Lots of Bison….Samson was NOT a fan!

Prairie Dog Town was hilarious to me.  You could hear them calling each other. All I could think about was a video of one yelling “Alan!…Alan!” 

After a long drive and just being in general awe of the beauty, we headed out of the park.  We were hoping to meet the Der’s, our friends we met at Camp Newmar,  but they were in Sturgis having dinner.  No way were we driving to ground zero of bike week in a Subaru!  Instead we stopped at Sylvan Lake for a few more pics then home.