Deadwood in Lawrence County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Backcountry History
Welcome!
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2023
1. Backcountry History Marker
The Homestake Railroad Grade Trail was developed by members of the Northern Hills Recreation Association (NHRA), as part of a goal to promote, develop and operate high quality recreational activities in the Northern Black Hills. The mission of the NHRA is to strengthen the Northern Black Hills communities through programs, services, and facilities that enhance personal development, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage community involvement, and foster environmental stewardship. The Homestake Railroad Grade Trail is the first of several forthcoming trails designed to showcase the unique back country, recreation, viewing and history in the Northern Hills.
Several public and private entities collaborated to make this trail development possible. Homestake and other private landowners provided the easement for the pathway, while interpretive signs and restroom facilities were partially funded with an Outside of Deadwood Grant from the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission. Volunteers provided the design and construction work for the 3.5-mile trail. Other entities involved include the members of the Northern Hills Recreation Association, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the S.D. Game, Fish & Parks, Backcountry Horsemen, Black Hills Trails, the cities of Lead and Deadwood, Deadwood History, Inc., Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, and many private citizens.
Trailheads for the Homestake Railroad Grade Trail are located at the Lead Dog Park near the Open Cut, and at the Powerhouse Park off the Mickelson Trail in Deadwood. This path showcases the 141-year connection between the twin cities of Lead and Deadwood. Both cities were developed as a result of the gold rush, and originally existed to support area mines, including the Homestake Mine. That connection now continues as both
this page online
This non-motorized trail features elevations from 5,170 feet at the Lead Dog Park, climbing to 5,350 feet at the B&M #2 Headframe, and ending at 4,620 feet in Deadwood. It includes mild-to-moderate grades for hiking, mountain biking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, and horseback riding. The trail offers some of the most unique views of Lead and Deadwood, and the adjacent backcountry. Along the trail you will learn about fires, which threatened to destroy Deadwood; one of the first mining camps; Lead's Open Cut; various Homestake structures, and more. The trail itself runs along the former Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley rail line, one of three railroad systems that transported people and supplies between the two cities by steam engine.
We invite you to take a step back into our history, take your time, and enjoy the views!
Panel writing by Wendy Pitlick • Photo & panel design by Vicki Strickland
Erected by Northern Hills Recreation Association.
Topics. This historical marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2023
2. Backcountry History Marker
This marker is the leftmost of three panels in the Homestake Railroad Grade Trailhead interpretive kiosk.
Location. 44° 22.204′ N, 103° 43.907′ W. Marker is in Deadwood, South Dakota, in Lawrence County. It can be reached from the intersection of Charles Street (CanAm Highway) (U.S. 85) and Stewart Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is on the George S. Mickelson Trail, about 0.2 mile west of the Deadwood Trailhead. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Deadwood SD 57732, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West River. It is also in the American Black Hills, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Partners in Land Preservation (here, next to this marker); Cleveland (about 500
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 2023
3. Homestake Railroad Grade Trailhead
The Homestake Railroad Grade Trail proceeds uphill (3.5 miles to Lead) from this marker. The Mickelson Trail continues into Deadwood on the right.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Track or Trail: Sweat Equity Played a Role (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad (FE&MV) (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: The Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad, sometimes called “the Elkhorn,” was a railroad established in 1869 in the state of Nebraska in the Midwestern United States. The company constructed several lines in Nebraska, including a long east–west route from Omaha across northern Nebraska to Chadron, trackage that later became known as the “Cowboy Line.” Beginning in the 1880s the FE&MV expanded north and west from Chadron, building a line along the eastern edge(Submitted on October 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)of the Black Hills to Rapid City and Belle Fourche, South Dakota, as well as a line westward to Casper, Wyoming.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 20, 20234. Homestake Railroad Grade Trail(this panel describing the Homestake Railroad Grade Trail is adjacent to the historical marker) Points of Interest & Kiosk Locations:
1) Lead City Dog Park / Lead Kiosk
2) Open Cut Overlook
3) B&M #2 Headframe
4) Homestake Mills
5) Railroad History
6) Historic Cleveland Area Overlook
7) Deadwood Fire History
8) McGovern Hill
9) Deadwood Kiosk (here)
10) Deadwood Trailhead
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
