South Dakota has many natural wonders, but The Needles might be the most unique and impressive. Take a look!
Take a drive along The Needles Highway to see some of South Dakota’s most amazing rock formations. The 14-mile-long highway runs through the beautiful Black Hills of Custer State Park.
J. Stephen Conn/flickr
These majestic spires are made of granite, which has eroded into tall columns.
Jerry and Pat Donaho/flickr
The Cathedral Spires are stunning, and are a popular rock-climbing spot.
John Freeland/flickr
Some of the spires have eroded into tall, narrow towers; others are much thicker.
John Freeland/flickr
Others look much more like a tower, with a top that’s only slightly smaller than its base.
Robot Brainz/flickr
Every single formation here is unique - some have sharp, pointed tops (check out that rock climber at the top!).
Dave Ungar/flickr
The most famous formation here is the “needle’s eye,” and you can see how it got its name.
Jerry and Pat Donaho/flickr
The needles on the right side of this photo look like giant toes!
Julie Falk/flickr
The landscape here is unlike anything else you’ll ever see.
Robot Brainz/flickr
The Needles Highway is a scenic drive that takes you through some of South Dakota’s most beautiful country. You’ll drive through lush forests of pines, and past pretty mountains.
Julie Falk/flickr
You’ll even drive right through the rock formations! The highway has two tunnels that were blasted right through the granite to allow cars to pass through.
J. Stephen Conn/flickr
David Jameson/flickr
The Needles Highway is closed during winter months, but it usually opens in early April.
J. Stephen Conn/flickr To visit, you’ll pay a $20/vehicle fee to enter Custer State Park and the Needles Highway. Or, if you’re in the mood to explore more of South Dakota, pay just $30 for an annual pass that will allow entrance to all of South Dakota’s beautiful state parks for the entire year.
Have you seen The Needles up close and in person? Tell us about your favorite spot in Custer State Park.
J. Stephen Conn/flickr
Jerry and Pat Donaho/flickr
John Freeland/flickr
Robot Brainz/flickr
Dave Ungar/flickr
Julie Falk/flickr
David Jameson/flickr
To visit, you’ll pay a $20/vehicle fee to enter Custer State Park and the Needles Highway. Or, if you’re in the mood to explore more of South Dakota, pay just $30 for an annual pass that will allow entrance to all of South Dakota’s beautiful state parks for the entire year.
Do you want to see some more of South Dakota’s natural beauty? Take a look at this drone footage that will blow you away.
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