The 5 Most Terrifying Drives You Can Possibly Take In South Dakota

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)

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)

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.

3. Catron Boulevard and Highway 16 (Rapid City)

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)

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 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.