Did You Know?

Did you know the Pigtail Bridges were designed by Peter Norbeck and built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s? The bridges consist of a series of spiral curves, like the shape of a pig's tail.

Pigtail Bridge on Norbeck Scenic Byway

Did you know Peter Norbeck supplied 150,000 pounds of dynamite to an engineer to build the Needles Highway?

Do you know what animals to watch for while driving the Norbeck Scenic Byways?
Look for mountain goats, bison, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and turkey.

Did you know that the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve was originally called the Custer State Park Game Sanctuary? The name was changed October 6, 1949.

Did you know Peter Norbeck promoted the construction of Mount Rushmore and secured the federal funding for it?

Did you know Peter Norbeck was known as the “well-drilling Politician," and for his Norwegian accent?

Did you know Peter Norbeck was one of the first to protect the ringneck pheasant?

Did you know, prior to becoming a politician, Peter Norbeck drilled for water, oil and gas?

Did you know Peter Norbeck was the principal sponsor of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929?

Did you know August 27 is Peter Norbeck Day?

Did you know that Peter Norbeck built a log cabin, which he named “Valhalla,” in Custer State Park as a retreat? It is still used as a retreat for the governor and other state officials.

Did you know that Peter Norbeck was the first person to drive an automobile from the Missouri River to Rapid City, S.D.? That was in 1905.