Custer & Norbeck Panoramic Road

Experience a stunning journey through South Dakota's Black Hills with Custer & Norbeck Panoramic Road! This 162km, one-day road trip starts in Custer and ends in the same city, taking you through the towns of Pringle, Wind Cave National Park, and Mount Rushmore. The best time of the year to drive is during the summer months, when you can take in the breathtaking views of the forests, meadows, and mountains. The road conditions are generally good, although some parts can be curvy and narrow. No matter what your budget is, this road trip will provide you with an experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

Custer, United States is a charming and picturesque town located in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. It is the perfect starting point for the breathtaking "Custer & Norbeck Panoramic Road" road trip, offering spectacular scenery and a variety of outdoor activities. The town of Custer is full of history and culture, with numerous historic sites to explore. The Custer State Park is a great place to start, featuring a variety of wildlife, as well as scenic trails, picnic areas, and camping opportunities. The Crazy Horse Memorial, an iconic monument to the Lakota leader, is also nearby and worth a visit. History buffs will also enjoy the Custer County Courthouse, where the famous trial of Wild Bill Hickok took place in 1877. For those traveling by air, the nearest international airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) with car rental services available. From there, the journey to Custer is a scenic one, taking visitors through the stunning landscapes of the Black Hills. Custer is a gateway to adventure and exploration. With its stunning landscapes and rich history, it is the perfect starting point for the Custer & Norbeck Panoramic Road road trip.

Are you ready for your next road trip stage? Starting in Custer, United States, you will drive 12 miles and spend less than one hour in the car until you reach Pringle. On your way, you will be able to admire picturesque landscapes, as well as the scenic road that will take you to your destination. Make sure to keep your eyes open for the most interesting places to visit in Custer and Pringle. In Custer, you can take a tour of the Crazy Horse Memorial, a mountain sculpture that honors the Lakota leader. In Pringle, you can explore the Sylvan Lake State Park, where you can find a variety of outdoor activities. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Welcome road-trippers! Let's explore the journey from Pringle to Wind Cave National Park, a 7 mile drive that will take you less than an hour. As you make your way, keep an eye out for the scenic road that unfolds before you. Your first stop is Pringle, a small town with a unique history. Here, you can find the Pringle Post Office, a historic building that was once a part of the Oregon Trail. After exploring Pringle, continue your journey to Wind Cave National Park. This park is home to one of the longest and most complex caves in the world, as well as numerous hiking trails, wildlife, and scenic views. At Wind Cave National Park, you can explore the cave, take a guided tour, or take a hike on one of the many trails. The park also offers a number of other activities such as camping, fishing, and horseback riding. If you're looking for more information about attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage. Happy exploring!

Take a road trip from Wind Cave National Park to Mount Rushmore, a 48-mile journey that will take you less than 2 hours. On this scenic road, you'll pass through rolling hills and prairies, along with sections of narrow roads. Along the way, be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Black Hills National Forest. You'll also pass through Custer State Park, where you can see bison, elk, and other wildlife. When you reach Mount Rushmore, you'll be able to take in the majestic sculptures of four of America's most famous presidents. Finally, don't forget to check out the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial, a massive sculpture of a Native American leader. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" for this stage of your road trip.

Start your road trip adventure in Mount Rushmore, United States, and explore the beauty of Norbeck Scenic Drive. This 34 mi route will take you less than 2 hours to complete and you'll be able to admire picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. Be aware, some sections of the road are very winding and in some sections the road will be narrow. As you drive, you'll get to witness the stunning views of the Black Hills, the breathtaking Badlands and the wildlife that inhabits the area. Make sure to stop and take pictures of the beauty around you. End your journey in Custer and be sure to check out the local attractions. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Custer is a small city located in the South Dakota plains and is the perfect end to the “Custer & Norbeck Panoramic Road” trip. This small town is home to a variety of attractions that you won’t want to miss. First, the Crazy Horse Memorial is a must-see. This memorial to the Native American leader is a work-in-progress and has been since 1948. The memorial provides an amazing display of history, culture, and modern art. Next, Custer State Park is a great place to explore the scenery and wildlife of the area. This park is filled with trails, campsites, and lodges that offer a variety of activities. Visitors can take part in biking, fishing, and even horseback riding. For a more historical adventure, be sure to check out the Custer County Courthouse. This building was constructed in the early 1900s and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a great example of the local architecture and culture. Finally, the town of Custer offers a variety of shopping and dining experiences. From local restaurants to unique boutiques, there is something for everyone. Travelers who are flying in for the trip will find the closest international airport is in Rapid City, South Dakota (IATA: RAP). From there, you can rent a car and drive the remaining distance to Custer. At the end of the “Custer & Norbeck Panoramic Road” trip, you will be glad you made it to Custer. With its variety of attractions, activities, and experiences, you will have plenty to explore in this small town.

Before you set off

The Road Trip through South Dakota's Black Hills via the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is a visually stunning adventure, stretching approximately 70 miles (113 km). This route encircles the granite spires of Black Elk Peak and offers an immersive experience within the Southern Black Hills. The journey starts and ends in the charming town of Custer, which is not only a convenient base but also steeped in the history of the Old West.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

This picturesque route takes you through the historic towns of Keystone and Pringle, leading to the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the faces of four U.S. presidents are carved into the granite mountain. The Wind Cave National Park, one of the oldest national parks, is home to one of the world's most complex cave systems and a prairie full of wildlife. Additional must-see attractions include the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is currently in progress and will become the world's largest mountain carving once completed, and the wildlife-rich Custer State Park, famous for its free-roaming bison herds and the annual Buffalo Roundup.

Best Time to Go:

The ideal time for this Road Trip is from late spring to early fall, with June to September offering the warmest temperatures and a full range of tourist services. The autumn season presents a spectacular display of foliage, particularly from late September to early October.

Potential Risks:

Travelers should be prepared for mountainous driving conditions, with some steep grades and hairpin turns, especially along Iron Mountain Road with its unique pigtail bridges. It's also important to watch for wildlife, such as bison, elk, and deer, which may enter the Roadway.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway was named after South Dakota's former governor, who played a significant role in promoting the region's natural beauty. The byway includes notable engineering feats, such as the Needles Highway with its eye-of-the-needle rock formations. For history enthusiasts, the byway is a living museum, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Native American tribes and the legacy of the early American pioneers.

A good choice for:

This Road Trip through the Black Hills is not just a journey through stunning landscapes but also an exploration of America's rich history and culture. It promises a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation with opportunities for hiking, photography, wildlife watching, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the region. Whether for a family vacation or a solo retreat, this route is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to create lasting memories.