Join us for a short yet memorable drive along U.S. Highway 385, traveling north from the charming town of Custer to the iconic Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This 4.5-mile stretch may be brief, but it packs in a great snapshot of what makes this region so beloved by travelers: historic towns, scenic pine forests, and a sense of wonder at one of America’s most ambitious mountain carvings.
We begin our journey right in the heart of Custer, at the busy intersection where U.S. Highway 16A and U.S. Highway 385 meet. This spot serves as a hub for travelers exploring the southern Black Hills. As we roll north along US-385 — which also carries the local designation of U.S. Highway 16 through town — we pass right through downtown Custer. Keep an eye out for the historic stone buildings, vintage storefronts, and quirky roadside attractions that draw visitors off the highway. If you have time to spare, Custer’s main street offers local diners, art galleries, and souvenir shops perfect for a pit stop before heading deeper into the hills.
Leaving Custer behind, the road gently climbs and curves northward through a corridor of dense ponderosa pine forest, a signature look for the Black Hills. This stretch is smooth and easy to drive, with occasional glimpses of distant granite peaks peeking through the treetops. About halfway to Crazy Horse, you’ll pass access points for various forest trails and campgrounds if you’re craving a bit more adventure. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so watch for deer or wild turkeys crossing the highway — especially around dawn or dusk.
As we near our destination, the trees open up just enough to reveal the sheer scale of the Crazy Horse Memorial, which slowly comes into view ahead. This colossal mountain carving — still in progress after more than 70 years — honors the legendary Lakota leader and stands as a cultural counterpoint to nearby Mount Rushmore. At the entrance, visitors can stop at the visitor center, museum, and viewing deck to learn more about the history and ongoing work on this monumental project. Our drive wraps up at the memorial’s entrance, but for many travelers, this is just the starting point for exploring the cultural and natural highlights of the surrounding Black Hills.
Special thanks to @crosscountytravelers for the footage.
🗺️ Route Map
0 Comments