The Oldest Highway In America, U.S. 14, Passes Right Through South Dakota
Annie
Author
After a long week, there is nothing quite like hitting the road and heading out for a beautiful drive, which is made all the more exciting if said route is also historical. Agree? While our amazing little state is chock-full of gorgeous drives, there is only one that is as fascinating as it is beautiful, which is the historic U.S. Highway 14 in South Dakota. Come check it out and see for yourself – you’re sure to fall in love with our state all over again.
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Not ready to get out of your car just yet? No problem, thanks to these road trips in South Dakota that are sure to thrill and intrigue! Not sure what to pack for these awesome outings? No worries – check out our epic list of things to pack for a road trip. What would you say are your favorite drives in South Dakota? Let us know!
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More to Explore
Highway 14 South Dakota
How long is Highway 14 in South Dakota?
Highway 14 is about 1,398 miles in length, nearly 440 of which are here in South Dakota. Some points of interest along the way while driving Highway 14 include gems like:
- Huron – This town is home to a fun little roadside oddity: the world’s largest pheasant. Sure, he’s a statue, but still. It counts. The town itself is a delight as well, as it hosts the state fair annually and is home to some awesome amusement and water parks.
- Wall – If you go to South Dakota and you do not visit the legendary Wall Drug in Wall, you haven’t actually been to South Dakota. Sorry, we don’t make the rules.
Learn more about the local icon that is Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota.
How old is Highway 14, the oldest highway in America?
Once upon a time, this was known as the “Black and Yellow Trail”, since it connected Minnesota to the Black Hills and then all the way through to Yellowstone National Park. It was originally dedicated as U.S. Route 116 in 1926, though this name would not stick. In 1934, the U.S. 166 became assimilated into U.S. 14, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What are some other old highways to explore?
Obviously, Highway 14 is far from the only highway in the US to explore! Other notably explorable highways in the United States include ones such as:
- Route 66 – The “Mother Road” is probably the single most famous stretch of highway in the entire nation. It meanders all the way across the country and has been the focus of millions of road trips. This one is a no-brainer in terms of bucket list drives.
- Highway 89A, Arizona – This incredibly scenic stretch of land is often referred to as one of the most photogenic highway drives in the entire country, and we’re inclined to agree. This one’s incredible.
- Interstate 95 – This is the single most-traveled highway in the United States. It stretches from Florida to Maine and makes for an amazing road trip.
Not sure what to pack for a road trip? Check out our epic road trip packing list.