Do you have to pay to go on Needles Highway?
Do you have to pay to go on Needles Highway? There is a $20/vehicle or $6/person entrance fee for Custer State Park and Needles Highway. You may also purchase an annual pass for all South Dakota State Parks for $30. From Custer, South Dakota, take US-16 Alt 8 miles east to SD-87. Take SD-87 North along Needles Highway.
How long is the drive through Needles Highway?
The road lies within the 71,000 acre Custer State Park, just 30 miles south of Rapid City, and is an impressive 14 mile stretch that includes sharp turns, narrow tunnels, granite spires and world class views.
Can you do Mt Rushmore and Custer State Park in one day?
In this one day (or multiple day) road trip you can hit up Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, the Crazy Horse Monument, and a few fun little towns and local breweries or wineries. There are some off-the-beaten-path options as well, depending on how much time you have.
Can you do Mt Rushmore and Badlands in one day?
Covering all 3 is a very full day, but it can be done with an early start. If I ran short on time, I'd eliminate Wall Drug. The Badlands will take an hour drive time from Rapid, and then allot around 4 hours to adequately see the park. Allot about an hour and a half back to Rushmore.