Hubbry Logo
South Dakota Highway 87South Dakota Highway 87Main
Open search
South Dakota Highway 87
Community hub
South Dakota Highway 87
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
South Dakota Highway 87
South Dakota Highway 87
South Dakota Highway 87
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Highway 87 marker
Highway 87
Route of SD 87 (in red)
Route information
Maintained by SDDOT
Length37.894 mi[1] (60.984 km)
RestrictionsClosed in winter
Major junctions
South end US 385 southeast of Pringle
North end US 16 / US 385 near Hill City
Location
CountryUnited States
StateSouth Dakota
CountiesCuster, Pennington
Highway system
  • South Dakota State Trunk Highway System
← US 85→ SD 89

South Dakota Highway 87 (SD 87) is a 37.894-mile-long (60.984 km) state highway in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of South Dakota. It travels through the Black Hills region. The highway's southern terminus is at an intersection with U.S. Route 385 (US 385), about 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Pringle, within the southwestern part of Wind Cave National Park. Its northern terminus is at an intersection with US 16/US 385 about 3 miles (4.8 km) south-southwest of Hill City, within the east-central part of the Black Hills National Forest.

The highway travels through Wind Cave National Park. The northern 14 miles (23 km) of the highway is also known as the Needles Highway. The Needles Highway, along with the concurrency with US 16A, are also part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Portions of the highway are also a section of Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop.

Route description

[edit]

Because of the highway's mountainous, curving nature, it is closed during the winter.[2]

South of US 16A

[edit]

Highway 87 begins at US 385 in Wind Cave National Park, east of Pringle and west of the park headquarters. North of US 385, the route crosses Cold Spring Creek and provides access to the upstream Lake Norbeck, named after Senator Peter Norbeck, instrumental in establishing several of the national and state parks in the Black Hills. From the start, SD 87 is a very twisting and winding route, with a 180° hairpin turn only a one-half mile (800 m) from the southern end. This results in the route taking a westerly track, though it eventually turns back north and crosses Beaver Creek. Three miles (4.8 km) into the route, it bridges itself and executes a 270° turn.[3]

The route enters Custer State Park one mile (1.6 km) north of US 385.[1] Unless you travel the 16A route non-stop, admission to the park requires an entrance license; as of 2022, for a 1 to 7day pass the fee is $20 per vehicle, an annual park entrance license is $36.[4] Highway 87 then becomes part of the park's Wildlife Loop, and runs through the town of Blue Bell.

At milepost 17.180 (27.649 km), Highway 87 intersects U.S. Route 16A.[1] From this point onward, the road is part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.[5] The two routes form a concurrency and proceed east, passing Legion Lake.[3] The roads split after just under 1.5 miles (2.4 km).[6]

Needles Highway

[edit]
The Needles Eye Tunnel

After splitting from US 16A, the route is known as the Needles Highway. This segment is 14 miles (23 km) long.[7] Finished in 1922,[7] the highway is named after the high granite "needles" it winds among. The portion of the Needles Highway between the intersection with SD 89 and the intersection with US-16A runs through Custer State Park, and requires an annual South Dakota park license granting access to all state parks, recreation areas and lakeside use areas.[8] Along this stretch lies the Black Hills Playhouse. The highway passes through two tunnels blasted through sheer granite walls — Iron Creek Tunnel and Needles Eye Tunnel.[1] That part of the road is almost exclusively used by sightseers.

Just after Needles Eye Tunnel, Highway 87 serves as the northern terminus of SD 89. After this junction, SD 87 has one more tunnel, Hood Tunnel.[1] It then provides access to the Sylvan Lake Resort. The route finally ends at US 16/385 south of Hill City.

An overlook on Needles highway

Major intersections

[edit]
CountyLocationmi[1][6]kmDestinationsNotes
CusterWind Cave National Park0.0000.000 US 385 – Wind Cave, Hot Springs, Custer, Jewel CaveSouthern terminus
Custer State Park17.81028.662
 US 16A west – Stockade Lake, Custer, Jewel Cave Nat'l Mon.		Southern end of US 16A concurrency
19.29831.057
 US 16A east – Visitor Center, State Game Lodge, Mount Rushmore		Northern end of US 16A concurrency
Needles Highway South Entrance
Custer State Park fees required
25.140.4Northbound road closure gate (closed winters)
31.650.9Southbound road closure gate (closed winters)
31.851.2Sylvan Lake Entrance
Custer State Park fees required
31.92951.385
 SD 89 south (Sylvan Lake Road) – Custer		Northern terminus of SD 89
Pennington37.89460.984 US 16 / US 385 – Crazy Horse, Hill City, Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave, Wind CaveNorthern terminus
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

South Dakota Highway 87

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
South Dakota Highway 87 (SD 87) is a 37.592-mile-long state highway in the southwestern region of , renowned for its scenic traversal through and . The route begins at an intersection with U.S. Highway 385 within near the park's southern boundary and heads north, providing access to park facilities and wildlife viewing areas before entering . It continues northward through the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, featuring dramatic granite spires, pine forests, and meadows, and terminates at a junction with U.S. Highway 16 near Hill City. The most notable portion of SD 87 is the 14-mile Needles Highway section within , named for the needle-like granite pinnacles that pierce the skyline and offering views of Sylvan Lake and the Needle's Eye rock formation. This stretch includes three narrow tunnels—Iron Creek Tunnel, Needles Eye Tunnel, and Hood Tunnel—designed to navigate the rugged terrain, with dimensions limiting larger vehicles and adding to the drive's adventurous appeal. Construction of the Needles Highway was completed in 1922, following a vision laid out on foot and horseback by former Governor Peter Norbeck to preserve and showcase the area's natural beauty. As part of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, SD 87 forms a key segment of a 68-mile loop that highlights the ' geological wonders, wildlife, and cultural significance, drawing visitors for its combination of thrilling drives and access to , , and bison herds. The highway typically closes to vehicular traffic from late fall to early spring due to snow, but remains open for non-motorized activities, emphasizing its role in year-round recreation and conservation.

Overview

Route summary

South Dakota Highway 87 (SD 87) is a in the southwestern portion of , spanning a total length of 37.592 miles (60.50 km). It serves primarily as a scenic connector through the region, maintained by the South Dakota (SDDOT). The highway's southern terminus is at an intersection with (US 385), located approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of Pringle and within the boundaries of . From there, SD 87 proceeds northward, beginning in before entering and traversing portions of . The route passes through Custer and Pennington counties, linking key protected areas in the known for their dramatic landscapes and recreational opportunities. At its northern terminus, SD 87 meets the concurrency of US 16 and US 385 near Hill City in Pennington County. The northern 14-mile (23 km) segment of the highway is designated as the Needles Highway, renowned for its winding path amid granite spires.

Physical characteristics

South Dakota Highway 87, particularly its Needles Highway section, is characterized by a narrow, two-lane roadway that winds through the mountainous region, featuring numerous hairpin turns and steep grades as it ascends to elevations approaching 6,000 feet. The road's design accommodates the rugged terrain, with tight curves and pigtail bridges that help manage the elevation gain of approximately 2,000 feet over its scenic stretch, requiring drivers to maintain cautious speeds typically advised at 25-35 mph. A key engineering feature of the Needles Highway portion are its three narrow tunnels: Iron Creek Tunnel (9 feet wide by 11 feet 4 inches high), Needles Eye Tunnel (8 feet 4 inches wide by 11 feet 3 inches high), and Hood Tunnel (10 feet 6 inches wide by 9 feet 10 inches high). These tunnels, blasted through formations, impose strict vehicle limitations, prohibiting trailers and recommending against vehicles exceeding the tunnel dimensions, such as RVs wider than 8 feet 4 inches or taller than 9 feet 10 inches at the narrowest points. Commercial traffic is not advised as a through route due to these constraints. The highway experiences seasonal closures from approximately November to April, when snow and ice accumulation render the high-elevation route impassable for vehicles, though it remains accessible for pedestrian or winter recreational use; travelers should consult the Department of Transportation (SDDOT) for current status. Surrounding the roadway are dramatic granite spires, dense ponderosa pine and spruce forests, and open meadows typical of the ecosystem. This section of the highway passes through , enhancing its integration with the protected natural landscape.

Route description

Southern section

South Dakota Highway 87 begins at its southern terminus at a junction with U.S. Highway 385, located at mile 0 within , approximately 6 miles southeast of Pringle in Custer County. The route immediately enters the park's boundaries and follows a path through rolling hills characteristic of the southern foothills, transitioning gradually to more rugged terrain as it ascends northward. This initial segment winds through dense ponderosa pine forests, offering views of the park's mixed-grass and formations. Shortly after starting, at approximately mile 1, the highway crosses the boundary into , providing access to the Wildlife Loop Road, an 18-mile scenic drive known for wildlife viewing including and . The road features several hairpin turns as it navigates the forested hills, crossing Cold Spring Creek near the southern park entrance and later spanning Beaver Creek via a historic deck arch bridge listed on the . These crossings highlight the route's integration with the local hydrology, where streams like Cold Spring and Beaver Creek drain into the park's prairie ecosystems. Continuing northward, the highway maintains its path through the ponderosa pine-dominated landscape for about 17 miles, with the terrain growing steeper in the Black Hills foothills. SD 87 enters a brief concurrency with U.S. Highway 16A near Legion Lake, lasting approximately 1.5 miles, where the routes diverge. This segment from mile 0 to approximately 19.3 covers the southern portion of the overall 37.592-mile highway.

Needles Highway section

The northern segment of South Dakota Highway 87 includes the renowned 14-mile Needles Highway, spanning from the divergence with US 16A within (approximately mile 19.3) to the highway's northern terminus at mile 37.592. This portion, officially named since its completion in 1922 under the vision of Governor Peter Norbeck, is renowned for its masterful engineering that threads through the dramatic granite spires and rugged terrain of the , offering drivers a thrilling ascent to elevations exceeding 6,000 feet (1,800 m). The Needles Highway itself begins shortly after the US 16A divergence and extends northward for 14 miles to the terminus, serving as a key scenic drive that prioritizes natural immersion over speed. Travelers on this stretch navigate dense ponderosa pine and spruce forests interspersed with open meadows of birch and aspen, culminating in breathtaking vistas of towering needles that inspired the highway's name. The path passes the historic Black Hills Playhouse, a nestled in the park, before climbing steeply amid sheer rock faces and narrow switchbacks. Iconic landmarks punctuate the journey, including the Needles Eye—a striking natural rock formation where erosion has carved an arch resembling a needle's eye through a —the Spires, a cluster of slender, cathedral-like pinnacles rising sharply from the landscape, and the Limberpine Natural Area, showcasing resilient ancient limber pines adapted to the harsh rocky environment. Engineering highlights include three narrow tunnels blasted through solid to preserve the dramatic : the Iron Creek Tunnel (8 feet 9 inches wide by 10 feet 10 inches high), the (8 feet wide by 9 feet 9 inches high), and the (8 feet 6 inches wide by 10 feet high). These structures, along with one-lane bridges and tight curves, restrict larger vehicles and emphasize cautious driving. Midway through the northern segment, at approximately mile 33.3, the highway intersects SD 89, marking the northern end of that route, before descending gently toward the endpoint at the junction with US 16 and US 385 just south of Hill City.

History

Planning and early construction

Peter Norbeck, serving as South Dakota's governor from 1917 to 1921, emerged as the primary visionary behind the development of what would become South Dakota Highway 87, driven by his passion to provide public access to the scenic wonders of the . In 1919, shortly after of , Norbeck personally scouted potential routes on foot and horseback alongside State Engineer Scovel Johnson and landscape architect Cecil Gideon, meticulously marking paths that would prioritize aesthetic appeal and recreational enjoyment over utilitarian efficiency. His advocacy stemmed from a deep appreciation for the region's natural beauty, aiming to create roadways that would immerse travelers in granite spires, pine forests, and wildlife habitats while promoting automobile tourism to the newly formed park. The Needles Highway portion, a core segment of the future SD 87, faced significant skepticism during its planning phase in the early , with critics deeming the project "impossible" due to the challenging terrain of narrow canyons, sheer granite cliffs, and dense forests in . Construction commenced in 1921 under Norbeck's influence, involving hand-blasting through solid granite to carve tunnels and narrow passages, with over 150,000 pounds of used to shape the route's iconic features like the Needles Eye Tunnel. By fall 1922, the 14-mile stretch was completed as an engineering marvel, featuring hairpin turns and pigtail bridges that spiraled through the landscape, celebrated nationally in trade publications for its innovative design. Local labor, directed by state engineers, handled the arduous tasks of excavation and path-clearing, transforming the once-inaccessible formations into a drivable showcase of geology. The southern section of the highway, extending toward Wind Cave, was constructed between approximately 1926 and 1930 to further bolster tourism by linking with other attractions, initially designated as SD 81 before its integration into the broader system. This phase involved grading rugged areas like Reaves Gulch in 1928, building the Beaver Creek Bridge in 1929, and completing a pigtail bridge by early 1930, all amid disputes over engineering standards between state and federal agencies. was primarily state-driven through appropriations secured by Norbeck during his subsequent U.S. Senate tenure, supplemented by contributions from the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads and the , enabling the use of local crews for labor-intensive work such as blasting and stonework in granite-heavy zones. Overall, these early efforts formed part of a comprehensive park road network intended to draw visitors by automobile, emphasizing the ' recreational potential and Norbeck's vision of accessible wilderness.

Designation and later developments

South Dakota Highway 87 was officially designated with its current numbering in the mid-20th century, following its initial construction in the late and early as part of the state's expanding highway network to support tourism in the Black Hills region. The route facilitates access between key protected areas including , , and . In 1946, the southern portion of the highway was incorporated into as part of a major boundary expansion that increased the park's size from 11,718 acres to 28,059 acres, drawing in adjacent previously managed as recreation demonstration areas. This integration was formalized the following year when the State of relinquished jurisdiction over public highways within the park boundaries to the federal government on March 8, 1947, shifting maintenance responsibilities to the while preserving the road's role in park connectivity. Today, the entire length of SD 87 traverses multiple protected areas, enhancing linkages between units and state-managed lands. Post-designation improvements in the mid-20th century focused on enhancing safety and accessibility for increasing vehicular traffic. During the Service's Mission 66 program (1956–1966), the highway received asphalt surfacing upgrades, minor realignments for better drainage and alignment—such as near Reaves Gulch—and interpretive wayside additions to support tourism, all while maintaining its scenic character. Further maintenance in the 1970s included decking replacements on historic structures like the Pigtail Bridge to address wear from environmental exposure and usage. In 1996, SD 87 was incorporated into the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, which earned designation under the National Scenic Byways program for its outstanding natural and recreational qualities, promoting preservation and tourism along the 70-mile loop that includes Needles Highway. As of 2025, the route has seen no major reroutings, though the (SDDOT) continues routine maintenance to mitigate through standardized sediment control practices and address concerns via statewide initiatives for safer crossings. Access to adjacent parks involves fees managed by respective agencies: has no vehicle entrance fee but charges for cave tours, while requires a $25 seven-day or $40 annual resident single as of late 2024. The highway's length is 37.894 miles based on SDDOT records as of 2025, with only minor adjustments possible from ongoing preservation efforts.

Significance

Scenic and recreational aspects

South Dakota Highway 87, known as the Needles Highway, offers a thrilling driving experience characterized by its narrow, winding path through the , typically taking 45 to 60 minutes for the 14-mile Needles segment alone due to curves and switchbacks that demand cautious speeds of 25 mph or slower. Scenic overlooks along the route provide prime spots for of towering needles and encounters with such as and deer, enhancing the sense of adventure amid the rugged terrain. The highway's aesthetic appeal lies in its dramatic views of the area, where drivers pass through pine and spruce forests interspersed with meadows of birch and aspen, creating a backdrop that shifts with the seasons—vibrant summer wildflowers give way to striking fall colors in the aspens. This combination of natural beauty and adrenaline from the challenging drive has earned it high praise, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 on platforms for its exhilarating yet stunning qualities. As a key component of the 68-mile Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway loop—which also incorporates Highways 89 and 244, along with U.S. Route 16A (Iron Mountain Road)—Highway 87 contributes to a designated celebrated for its exceptional natural landscapes and tied to the . The full loop can be completed in three to four hours but often extends into a full day for explorers savoring the interconnected vistas. Visitors are advised to travel between May and when the highway is fully open, avoiding winter closures due to snow; pairing the drive with Iron Mountain Road forms an ideal full loop experience, while restrictions on commercial vehicles and large RVs (over 21 feet) preserve the route's scenic integrity and safety. The tunnels, such as Needles Eye, add to the immersive drive without detracting from the overall flow. The highway has gained cultural prominence through media portrayals, including popular YouTube drive videos that capture its twists and turns, as well as glowing TripAdvisor reviews in 2025 highlighting its timeless allure as a must-see Black Hills gem.

Access to protected areas

South Dakota Highway 87 serves as the primary southern gateway to Wind Cave National Park, with its southern terminus at an intersection with U.S. Highway 385 inside Wind Cave National Park, providing access to the visitor center located approximately 1.4 miles to the south. This access allows visitors to explore the park's expansive prairie landscapes, where prairie dog towns are prominently visible along the initial stretches of the highway and nearby roads. Bison herds, numbering around 400-450 individuals, frequently graze in open grasslands accessible from SD 87, offering opportunities for wildlife observation without venturing far from the roadway. There is no entrance fee for Wind Cave National Park. Cave tours require separate fees, which are not covered by the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Upon entering Custer State Park approximately one mile north of the Wind Cave boundary, SD 87 provides immediate access to key recreational features within the 71,000-acre preserve. The highway intersects with the Wildlife Loop Road, an 18-mile scenic drive branching off SD 87 that traverses open grasslands ideal for viewing herds of bison, pronghorn, and other native wildlife. Further north, along the Needles Highway segment of SD 87, travelers gain entry to Sylvan Lake and its adjacent resort, a popular base for boating, fishing, and lodging amid granite pinnacles and forested shores. Custer State Park requires a vehicle entrance license of $25 for 1-7 consecutive days or $60 annually for non-residents as of 2025. The northern portions of SD 87 wind through the , encompassing over 1.2 million acres of pine-covered mountains and meadows. This section connects directly to trailheads for hikes such as the Cathedral Spires Trail, a 1.6-mile path leading to dramatic granite formations and viewpoints. From there, extensions link to routes ascending (formerly Harney Peak), South Dakota's at 7,242 feet, via the Black Elk Trail for a challenging 7-10 mile round-trip journey through ponderosa pine forests. No specific fees apply for forest access along SD 87, though standard national forest guidelines for dispersed recreation pertain. Beyond these protected areas, SD 87 facilitates connections to nearby attractions, including National Memorial, reachable via a short drive east on US 16A from park intersections. The Black Hills Playhouse, a historic summer theater in , lies along secondary roads accessible from the highway, offering performances amid the park's natural setting.

References

  1. https://dot.sd.gov/media/dalcngnu/rapid-city-region-highway-log.pdf
  2. https://gfp.sd.gov/csp-scenic-drives/
  3. https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/peter-norbeck-national-scenic-byway
  4. https://dot.sd.gov/transportation/highways/about-highways/
  5. https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/31-4-182
  6. https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/directions.htm
  7. http://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/about-area/faqs
  8. https://www.facebook.com/ILoveNaturre/posts/needles-highway-officially-known-as-south-dakota-highway-87-is-one-of-the-most-s/770125502191771/
  9. https://www.travelsandcuriosities.com/needles-highway-everything-you-need-to-know
  10. https://wereintherockies.com/needles-highway-south-dakota/
  11. https://sdtruckinfo.sd.gov/rules-regulations/motor-carrier-handbook/chapter-5/routes-with-special-restrictions/
  12. https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/needles-highway
  13. https://www.allblackhills.com/scenic_drives/needles_highway.php
  14. https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/gettingaround.htm
  15. https://npshistory.com/publications/wica/sd-87-historic-context.pdf
  16. https://www.nps.gov/wica/learn/nature/park-geology.htm
  17. https://www.nps.gov/wica/faqs.htm
  18. https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/master/pnp/habshaer/sd/sd0000/sd0080/data/sd0080data.pdf
  19. https://npshistory.com/publications/wica/bison-mgt-plan-2006.pdf
  20. https://www.aaroads.com/guides/sd-087
  21. https://www.blackhillsplayhouse.com/
  22. https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/docs/custer-map.pdf
  23. https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/docs/TatankaNewspaper2019_lowres.pdf
  24. https://sd4history.sd.gov/Unit7/needles.htm
  25. https://www.southdakotamagazine.com/blazing-trails
  26. https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/64150/dot_64150_DS1.pdf
  27. https://www.nps.gov/wica/learn/historyculture/legislation.htm
  28. https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/peter-norbeck-scenic-byway/
  29. https://dot.sd.gov/media/684e1776/ESControlSW.pdf
  30. https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/fees.htm
  31. https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/
  32. https://rvamericayall.com/scenic-roads/needles-highway
  33. https://blackhawkcreekrvpark.com/needles-highway-everything-you-need-to-know/
  34. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g28962-d145070-Reviews-South_Dakota_87-South_Dakota.html
  35. https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/peter-norbec-scenic-highway
  36. https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/state-park/things-to-do/scenic-drives/needles-highway-explore-natural-wonder-custer-state-park
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xk46hlzk_0
  38. http://www.thegreatestroadtrip.com/wind-cave-national-park
  39. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-dakota/cathedral-spires-trail
  40. https://www.earthtrekkers.com/black-elk-peak-hike-custer-state-park/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.