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Plains Project

no. 17 George S. Mickelson Trail

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Part of The Plains Project, a personal design experiment finding inspiration in the everyday.
Mickelson Trail in South Dakota

Guide for biking the George S. Mickelson Trail

The last two years I have completed the Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills, South Dakota. SO MUCH FUN!

Walkers, cyclists and horseback riders are welcome on the crushed limestone trail. The first time, biking with a friend, we completed the 100+ mile trip in 2 days. We started with the uphill climb in Deadwood, stayed in a cabin feet from the trail in Hill City and continued to Edgemont the next day. It worked great to use a shuttle service to get to the beginning and end.

Both years I have biked in the Fall, other than one 90+ degree day, the weather was beautiful. The further you travel south, the warmer it will be.

This year, biking with my dad, we divided the trip into 3 days. Along the journey we helped a couple with a flat tire (in the most remote section), chatted with people from Idaho & New Hampshire, heard stories from a safety volunteer who had been biking the trail for years and a man who was picking apples for his chickens and offered us one. 

I love how you ride through pine forests, open prairie and the terrain changes closer to Edgemont. There are 15 trail heads, some with bathrooms and water. Most include a shelter, picnic table and a bit of history. As part of the trail is private land, you will pass through pastures with grazing cows.

FAVORITE STOP

Rochford (pop. 25)

An old gold mining town a little off the path. Moonshine Gulch Saloon is great if you need a beer or Rochford Mall for a snack. Worked perfectly for a lunch stop.

FOUNDED: May 1878

ELEVATION: 5,302 ft

Black Hills South Dakota Mickelson Trail

If you are looking to do a day trip, the section between Rochford and Mystic is really lovely. A flowing stream follows most of the trail.

George S. Mickelson Trail Map

Even though the trail is at railroad grade there are some long stretches of uphill climbs and the bliss of long downhill rides. Keep a look out for the Bicycle Sculpture in Pringle.

Bike Mickelson: Is a great resource for planning your trip including towns & services, distances between the trailheads and an elevation chart.

Mickelson Trail Icon Design Project

Celebratory Drink

The New Hat Creek Grill

EDGEMONT

Perfect spot for an end of ride snack & celebratory drink. Near the park and start/finish for the trail.

Mickelson Trail Rock Tunnel

4 Rock Tunnels

Mickelson Trail mile marker

Always happy to see a mile marker!

no. 16 Random Sunrise

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Part of The Plains Project, a personal design experiment finding inspiration in the everyday.

Inspiration

Last year there was a magical time in the morning when I would let my dog outside and the sun would be rising. The sky and alignment from my front door was perfect. A photo wasn’t taken everyday, just when I remembered. Every day is just a little bit different!

no. 15 I See Faces

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Part of The Plains Project, a personal design experiment finding inspiration in the everyday.
a round wheel with bolts for eyes
building in the country with two eyes

Inspiration

A friend I follow on Instagram, who lives in London, is always taking photos of items in city life that look like faces. I started to capture the ones I noticed while living in the country. You will start seeing faces everywhere once you start looking.

no. 14 Spring Quilt

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Part of The Plains Project, a personal design experiment finding inspiration in the everyday.

Inspiration

I think spring always brings up the idea of growth and color, but really it takes awhile for nature to wake up from it’s slumber. I love crisp spring air, and when things to wake up all of the scents and colors are inspiring. My favorite is smell of lilacs.

no. 13 Beaver Lake State Park

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Part of The Plains Project, a personal design experiment finding inspiration in the everyday.
Beaver Lake State Park

North Dakota State Park Challenge

Park 1 of 13

Coming from the east, it was 17 miles on a long gravel hilly gravel road. Hard to admit, but we were the campers that reserved a spot, went back to change our spot, and then realized that the spot we reserved was the best. eek. The ranger was so nice and handled our craziness with a smile. Lovely wooded trail by the lake and a longer hike through the prairie. The RV campers were in a circle on an old race track. A couple of hours from where I live the idea of why I haven’t I explored more locally popped in my mind and the challenge began. Expansive, wide open setting in the middle of nowhere feel. I can say that as some would say I live in the middle of nowhere 🙂

no. 12 North Dakota State Park Challenge

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Part of The Plains Project, a personal design experiment finding inspiration in the everyday.

North Dakota has 13 state parks, why not visit them all?!

It seemed like a challenge that was obtainable, especially during a pandemic as I love hiking and camping. North Dakota ranks #47 in terms of population (779,094) in the United States. That means no lines, open spaces and the only traffic issues are those created by passing large farming machinery on highways and road construction. Growing up I lived two miles from the North Dakota state line and had never really explored the state. A challenge I can easily accomplish, or so I thought! While I didn’t make it to all 13 parks in 2020 I am looking forward visiting the rest in 2021. It can be nice to stay, relax and enjoy the area instead of rushing to the next destination 🙂