The rail corridor that runs underneath what is now the Mickelson Trail was built by the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad in 1890. The glory days ended in 1983 when the last regularly scheduled train left Deadwood, South Dakota. At that time, leaders in Pierre were talking about a recreational trail out of the railbed. | SDPB

A rededication ceremony held July 26th in Fort Pierre gave recognition for the beginning of the 200 mile route that guided travels to Deadwood in the late 1800s. After gold was discovered in the Black Hills, settlers and gold prospectors came to Fort Pierre by train or riverboat and then followed the Fort Pierre to Deadwood Trail out west. The trail is part of Deb Schiefelbien’s family history. In 1975 her grandparents, Roy and Edith Norman, put up 52 signs marking the old buffalo trail used by

Did you know the Deadwood History & Information Center is a historic passenger depot built in 1897 by the Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Railroad? They have a variety of interpretive and hands-on exhibits as well as multiple amazing dioramas? The main diorama shows Historic Deadwood during the 1870s when it was still a mix of canvas tents and wood buildings. They are open daily, 9am-5pm. | HISTORIC DEADWOOD