Anywhere you drive in the Mount Rushmore State is bound to be bursting with beautiful scenery, but driving down this one highway in Custer lets you experience our state in a whole new light. Surrounded by rock formations, you’ll be engulfed in gorgeous landscapes, but if you’re claustrophobic, you might want to prepare for this one tunnel. This natural wonder might be intimidating to some, but it’s so worth seeing.

Needles Highway in Custer State Park is a beautiful scenic drive.
GBMAC/TripAdvisor
Driving down this highway you'll pass many rock formations that are often referred to as "needles".
georgiatn/TripAdvisor
Upon this drive you'll find Needles Eye, the most narrow tunnel in the state.
Happycamper999/TripAdvisor
The name doesn't come from the entrance being small as a needle, it's actually named after this rock formation nearby. Despite looking fragile, it's been around for hundreds of years.
texaskaren68/TripAdvisor

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If you're claustrophobic, this tunnel might be intimidating. Only one car can fit through at a time and it's a tight fit!
GBMAC/TripAdvisor
Believe it or not, even massive busses, campers, and RV's have managed to make it through.
Rebecca T/TripAdvisor
Needles Highway is full of hairpin turns and spiral "pigtail" bridges through the mountains, so although it's fun, drive carefully!
Jan R/TripAdvisor
The Needle's Eye tunnel is one of the most interesting geological formations in our state, and driving through it is an experience to be had.
ccindyk48/TripAdvisor
Needles Eye can be found along Needles Highway in Custer State Park.

Have you driven through South Dakota’s narrowest tunnel? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!

This is one of the top road trip destinations in the state. If you can’t decide where to go next, try one of these South Dakota road trips we planned for you.

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