The Needles Tunnel in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills

July 6 through 13, 2009

Needles Tunnel & Scenic Drive in the Black Hills of South Dakota

The Needles Tunnel & Scenic Drive is one of our favorite things to do when we are in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Stopping at the long narrow one way tunnel to watch a tour bus ease through the tunnel is one of the really exciting things we enjoy.

Just watching the people watching the bus creep through the tunnel is entertainment enough. Folks that have never seen a bus negotiate the tunnel believe it is impossible until they see one actually do it.

We are camped near Custer State Park and the town of Custer in the southern part of the Black Hills at Custer's Gulch RV-Park. It is an OK commercial campground just like dozens of others in this area.

Needles Tunnel - One Way - in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills

This is the famous tunnel on the Needles Highway. The rock formations are awesome to say the least. There are three very narrow tunnels on the Needles Highway. You don't want to take your motorhome on this road.

Famous Needles Tunnel in the Black Hills of South Dakota

As you can see this is a one lane very narrow tunnel. Cars sound their horn before entering the tunnel to make sure the path is clear.

This red truck stopped as it entered the tunnel and pulled the mirrors in.

Needles Tunnel with a car in it: in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills

There is a parking lot on each side of the Needles Tunnel and people are anxious to get out and take in the beautiful views. Parking is at a premium during the height of the tourist season. Everyone wants to get pictures of their family and friends.

Needles Tunnel on the Needles Highway Scenic Drive in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills

It is just a skip and a hop though these one lane tunnels. Don't forget to sound your horn!

If there are kids traveling with you they will certainly remind you. I could just hear my grandsons saying Papa blow the horn. Blow the horn!

In another travel adventure I will show you pictures of a tour bus navigating this tunnel.

Exiting the Needles Tunnel in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills

I took this picture by holding the camera out the window of the jeep we were riding in.

Tight squeeze in Needles Tunnel in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills

The driver is moving very slowly even as he approaches the end of the tunnel. As you can see there is still very little room on either side. Look at the drivers face, he is still watching his mirror keeping it within 3" of the side.

Click here for more pictures of that buss in the Needles Tunnel

Empty Needles Tunnel on the Needles Highway Scenic Drive: in the heart of South Dakota's Black Hills

And every once in a while there is an empty tunnel. Remember to blow your horn before you enter each tunnel.