If you’re like most visitors to the Black Hills, chances are you’ll want to explore U.S. Route 16A, better known as Iron Mountain Road. This famed highway is an engineering marvel, renowned for its winding roads, granite tunnels, “pigtail” bridges, and breathtaking scenery. After your drive, you may want a commemorative souvenir or a bite to eat. The Iron Mountain Road Store & Visitor’s Center can fulfill both needs in one convenient stop!
Located on the namesake road next to Spokane Creek Cabins & Campground, Iron Mountain Road Store & Visitor’s Center is the perfect place to pick up Black Hills and Mount Rushmore souvenirs. They own exclusive rights to Iron Mountain Road t-shirts and memorabilia, and sell a wide range of products including books, games, camping supplies, gas, and food. The café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a coffee shop offers lattes and mochas to travelers in need of a caffeine fix.
Owners Christy and Darrell Caldwell and staff aren’t just there to sell merchandise. They are happy to answer questions, provide recommendations, and talk about the history of Iron Mountain Road. “We give directions multiple times a day!” Christy says. Their visitor’s center offers free maps and information on area attractions. Travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure can even pick up a ghost town map of Spokane, a former mining camp in Custer County.
Iron Mountain Road Store & Visitor’s Center is open seasonally, from mid-May through Labor Day. It’s a popular stop for bikers attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, who can pick up a commemorative t-shirt, patch, or other Rally-themed souvenir. Christy and Darrell are former Sturgis attendees themselves, but nowadays, Christy says, “The Sturgis Rally comes to us!”
Next time you’re driving along this historic highway, be sure to stop by Iron Mountain Road Store & Visitor’s Center.