So Majestic, You'll Gasp 'America The Beautiful!'

South Dakota's scenic Needles Highway at Custer State Park is more than a 14-mile road—it’s a spectacular drive through pine and spruce forests, meadows surrounded by birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains. The road’s name comes from the needlelike granite formations that seem to pierce the horizon along the highway. We drove it this morning and can only describe it as astonishing.

The roadway was carefully planned by former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck, who marked the entire course on foot and by horseback. Construction was completed in 1922. Today, it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Visitors traveling the highway pass Sylvan Lake and a unique rock formation called the Needle's Eye, so named for the opening created by wind, rain, freezing, and thawing.

Oh, and you're almost certain to encounter bison among many herds of the majestic animal on this vast property. A visit here is something you will never forget. Enjoy our photos!