Have you ever wondered about the most dangerous drives in South Dakota? When it comes to jaw-dropping roads, there is no better place to be than South Dakota, which is home to such gorgeous places as Badlands National Park, the Native American National and State Scenic Byway, and Spearfish Canyon. On the flip side, however, our state is also home to some terrifying and downright dangerous drives in South Dakota. Make sure you’re wide awake and alert when you set off on the five most dangerous roads in South Dakota.

1. Iron Mountain Road (Custer and Pennington Counties)

Custer State Park / Facebook
U.S. 16A, US-16A, Custer, SD, USA
Custer State Park / Facebook
One of the curviest and windiest roads in all of Mount Rushmore State is Iron Mountain Road, a 17-mile stretch of the iconic Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway that features a whopping 314 curves and 14 switchbacks. While the surrounding scenery is positively picturesque, be sure to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, as all of Iron Mountain Road's turns and curves can be incredibly dangerous. Get a glimpse of the adventure that awaits on Iron Mountain Road, South Dakota in our previous article.

2. Needles Highway (Custer and Pennington Counties)

Wikimedia Commons
Needles Highway, 23034 Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, Hill City, SD 57745, USA
Trip Advisor/Weberrae
Arguably the most easy-to-recognize road in the state, the Needles Highway (or Highway 87) was thought to be impossible to build but came to fruition in 1922 after workers blasted tunnels into a few of the surrounding granite "needles." In addition to driving through the narrow tunnels, if you've ever truly wondered, "Is Needles Highway dangerous?" just look at the curves in the road. Driving Needles Highway in South Dakota is deemed dangerous for several sharp turns and - due to safety concerns - is closed in the winter. Take a peek at the natural beauty that awaits along The Needles South Dakota in our previous article.

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3. Catron Boulevard and Highway 16 (Rapid City)

Catron Boulevard & U.S. 16, Catron Blvd & US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Google Street View
Considered the most dangerous intersection in South Dakota, Catron Boulevard and Highway 16 has been the home to countless car accidents, many of which have caused either severe injury or - even worse - death. 

4. Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway (Custer State Park)

Trip Advisor/ELKW
Wildlife Loop Road, Wildlife Loop Rd, East Custer, SD, USA
Trip Advisor/M J
While it may not be dangerous in the same sense as the other roads on our list, this scenic and famous drive in South Dakota requires the driver's undivided attention, thanks to the bison that call the area home. (Have you ever had to brake for and/or hit a deer? It's like that, but times 50.) However, this gorgeous drive through Custer State Park remains one of the best road trips in South Dakota. Get a glimpse at what to expect on the Wildlife Loop Trail in South Dakota by reading our previous article.

5. Interstate 90 

Interstate 90, I-90, Summerset, SD, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Interstate 90 is the deadliest stretch of road in South Dakota. For example, the westbound lane saw 18 fatalities from 2015 to 2017, plus an additional 10 in the eastbound lane, and another nine along the CR-Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 41.

 

What do you think are the most dangerous drives in South Dakota? Have you taken any of these dangerous roads in South Dakota? Let us know in the comments! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make a road trip to brave some of these routes, don’t forget to check out our ultimate road trip packing list. We’ve thought of everything, so you don’t have to!

For even more dangerous things around SoDak, check out South Dakota’s most dangerous towns.

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Most Dangerous Roads In South Dakota

Beth Price-Williams | July 27, 2021

What is one of the most dangerous drives in South Dakota?

Drivers definitely have to be skilled to traverse some of the most dangerous roads in South Dakota. A bit about Iroun Mountain Road, one of the most challenging drives in South Dakota:

  • The road boasts more than 300 curves over 17 miles. That’s a whole lot of twists and turns.
  • Iron Mountain Road passes some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire state.
  • However, if you’re driving, you’ll have to keep your eyes on this rather narrow road.
  • The breathtaking road features three 13-foot-wide tunnels that might have you on the edge of your seat as you make your way through.

Before you set off on this unique drive, make sure you know what to expect along the way.

What are the best road trips in South Dakota?

Sure, we’ve got some dangerous drives in South Dakota. However, we’ve also got some pretty amazing road trips.

 

What are the scariest places in South Dakota?

We have no shortage of scary places in South Dakota, especially if the thought of the paranormal gives you chills.

  • For one of the spookiest drives in South Dakota, make your way along Spook Road in Brandon after dark. Don’t be too disturbed if you feel like an invisible pair of eyes is watching you along your drive. You might count that you’ve crossed five bridges one way, turned around, and come back the same way only crossing four bridges.
  • If you prefer to visit places teeming with the paranormal in South Dakota, plan a stop at Spirit Mound in Vermillion and The Bullock Hotel in Deadwood.

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