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Needles Eye Tunnel, Custer

4.9

#3 of 17 in Parks in Custer

Geologic Formation Nature / Park Must See

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Situated among pointed geological formations that resemble needles and spires, Needles Eye Tunnel is the main attraction along Needles Highway within Custer State Park. Look for this 10 m (35 ft) tall granite formation with a slit in it, created through centuries of erosion of soft sediment by wind, rain, thawing, and freezing. The rock's shape attracts photographers, and together with the other rock formations nearby, it has become a popular rock climbing spot. If you are a climber, do so cautiously; many accidents have occurred on this rock. Choose to start, finish, or center your holiday on a trip to Needles Eye Tunnel by using our Custer day trip planning website .

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Needles Eye Tunnel Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1,625 reviews

Google

4.9

• By kadinger

  Needles highway is amazing and love the needles eye. A little nerve racking if you have a big vehicle, but other wise great.  more »

• By nicolefromminnesota

  This is one of the coolest drives you can do in the upper midwest. Great views, you can't help but appreciate the effort that went into making this road. We saw mountian goats and Mt. Rushmore in the ...  more »

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Google

• By D Cas

  This was a lot of fun and wish we had do e it the first day in the Black Hills. $20 pass is good for 7 days and we would have taken advantage of more hiking etc. Rock formations are beautiful and there is plenty of wildlife along the hwy. Other drivers forget other people use the road and cause issues by tunnels, jam on brakes, or swerve across the road without warning so obey the speed signs

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• By Slick Johnson

  Very wondrous geological formations as one part looks like the eye of a needle. These formations rise high above the surrounding area, with pull outs where you can get out stretch your legs, and take in the scenery. Photographic opportunities abound in this general area. It's amazing to watch the tour buses, and vehicles squeeze through the tunnels that are just wide enough to accompany them. Highly recommend visit!

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