The Needles Highway is a 14-mile drive through granite outcroppings. The drive features spectacular scenery with great views of Custer City, the Needles, Cathedral Spires, and the Needle's Eye. The Iron Mountain Road is the most scenic route to Mount Rushmore and connects Mount Rushmore with Custer State Park. Along the route travelers will pass through tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore in the background.

Needles Highway Scenic Drive (State Route 87) is located in Custer State Park, 3mi south off US Highway 16.