General Info: Enjoy trail time and live musical entertainment!
16 miles on the Mickelson Trail with lunch in Custer at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and local beer.

The trail: The George S. Mickelson Trail was originally the Burlington Northern line that carried trains from Edgemont to the northern Black Hills and the gold mines of the Deadwood area. The trail transverses the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. The line began in Deadwood in 1888, and in within ten months the route to Edgemont was complete. (The line was abandoned in 1983.) In the early 90’s, a group of outdoor enthusiasts recognized the trail's potential, and with the support of Governor George Mickelson, it became the state's first rails to trails project.

Event Times: Depart from Tracy Park trailhead in Hill City between 10:30-11:30am – check in with volunteers to get your wristband. Ride ends at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company in downtown Custer for lunch in The Taproom and live music.

Exchange your wristband for a $25 meal credit and branded Rails to Ales beer glass. (first 50 registrants will receive glasses)

What’s Included: Event cost: $85 – includes a $25 meal credit, MT day pass, live music, and branded event glass. (first 50 registrations)

Shuttles are available for $32
Dave’s World Tours & Shuttles will be available to shuttle bikes and passengers from Custer back to the Hill City trailhead.

Riders who don’t register/pay for shuttle service will be responsible for their own transportation.

Need to rent a mountain bike or ebike? Black Hills Power Bikes & Rentals (Custer) Bicycles & Boats and Rabbit Bicycle (Hill City) can set you up!

Dining: Lunch and live music at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company 140 Mt. Rushmore Rd. in Custer: mtrushmorebrewingcompany.com/

Black Hills Rails to Ales is a leisurely ride from Hill City to Custer, SD on the George S. Mickelson Trail.

Enjoy beautiful fall foliage, restored railroad bridges, and incredible views along this 16-mile segment of South Dakota’s first rails to trails conversion.

Lunch ride: depart from Tracy Park trailhead in Hill City between 11am and 12pm with ride ending at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Co.

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Dinner ride: depart from Tracy Park trailhead in Hill City between 4pm and 5pm with ride ending at The Custer Beacon.

Both venues are along the Mickelson Trail in downtown Custer and will feature live, musical entertainment. Riders will show wristbands to claim a $25 meal/beverage credit.

Meal includes complimentary, event-branded beer glass for riders to keep.

Event cost: $85 – includes a $25 meal credit, MT day pass, live music, and branded event glass.

Shuttles are available for $32
Dave’s World Tours & Shuttles will be available to shuttle bikes and passengers from Custer back to the Hill City trailhead. Last shuttle of the day leaves Custer at 7pm.

Riders who don’t register/pay for shuttle service will be responsible for their own transportation.

Need to rent a mountain bike or ebike? South Dakota Outdoor Shop, Bicycles & Boats and Rabbit Bicycle can set you up!

Lunch ride – meal at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Co: mtrushmorebrewingcompany.com/
Dinner ride – meal at The Custer Beacon: custerbeacon.com/

For event related questions, please click on the Contact the Organizers button on the page.