Museums
History BuffAdams Museum
Under $25The Black Hills' oldest history museum, with Wild West and gold rush artifacts tied to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
Photo: Jeff Goetz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite
George S. Mickelson Trail
Deadwood Trailhead, northern end of the trail (milepost 108.8) · Deadwood, SD
Why you should go…
The George S. Mickelson Trail runs 109 miles through the Black Hills from Edgemont to Deadwood on the bed of a railroad line built in 1890-91. You cross more than 100 converted railroad bridges and pass through four rock tunnels on a crushed limestone surface. Most grades stay under 4 percent, though the 19-mile climb from Deadwood to Dumont is the longest incline. Trailheads have parking, toilets and self-serve trail pass stations.
- #rail trail
- #bike trail
- #black hills
- #hiking
- #horseback riding
Good to know
General sport & outdoor guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
Weather calls the shots
Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.
Shoes, water, sun cover
The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.
Parking and launches fill early
On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.
Daylight shrinks in shoulder season
Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.
What's around here?
The closest stops to George S. Mickelson Trail, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
- SightseeingHistory Buff
Mount Moriah Cemetery
Under $25Walk the hillside cemetery above Deadwood to the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
- AttractionsHistory Buff
Outlaw Square
FreeFree public plaza in historic Deadwood hosting year-round concerts, movie nights, and Old West events.
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions
- Sport & OutdoorOutdoor Adventure
Spearfish Canyon
FreeFollow the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway past limestone cliffs and waterfalls, including Bridal Veil, Spearfish and Roughlock Falls.
11 mi awayMore like this
- Sport & OutdoorOutdoor Adventure
Wonderland Cave
Under $25Guided tours through a Black Hills show cave near Nemo, South Dakota, noted for its variety of crystal formations.
16 mi awayMore like this
- Sport & OutdoorOutdoor Adventure
Bear Butte State Park
Under $25Hike a 1.85-mile summit trail up a sacred butte that rises over 1,200 feet above the plains, with bison grazing near its base.
17 mi awayMore like this
