With the recent snow in the Northern Black Hills, it has me thinking about snowshoeing. The area is just ideal for this type of winter hiking. It is a great way to get out and enjoy the trails you hiked or biked in the summer.
The options are basically unlimited. Where ever there is snow – you can go (just make sure it is public land).
Best Trails in the Northern Black Hills
Iron Creek– Just 11 miles into Spearfish Canyon – don’t forget your camera, it is a beautiful hike.
Roughlock Trail – It begins just behind the lodge at Savoy. An easy one mile hike,with little elevation gain that takes you to Roughlock Falls.
Big Hill Trails– Another multipurpose trail. Both groomed cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing trails – many miles of trails.
Englewood Trailhead – On the Mickelson Trail, great place to get comfortable snowshoeing. Use of the trail does require a pass (purchase at the trailhead or online)
Old Baldy – Off the beaten path, a nice 6 mile loop. Parking lot is not plowed
Water – Don’t forget water and snacks. Just because it is winter doesn’t mean you won’t get thirsty. Bring more that you think you’ll need and plenty of snacks.
Layers – Dress in layers, a sunny Black Hills day can quickly change to blizzard like condition. Have plenty of cold weather gear.
I’ve always enjoyed the view of the Old Highway 16 bridge in the Chamberlain/Oacoma area. The bridge is visible to the north from Interstate 90. The historic bridge has been recently refurbished and looks like a brand new bridge.
I found the history of the bridge really interesting (thanks to John Weeks). The original portion of the bridge was dedicated in 1925. It was a only one truss wide and four sections long.
During construction of the Fort Randall damn, reconstruction of the bridge was necessary – as the original location would be underwater. And, the bridge was too narrow for automobile from the 1950’s. Fortunately a similar bridge was being removed at Wheeler. That bridge was floated up the river, one more section was constructed and the two bridges where placed side by side. And, that is the current “double barrel” bridge you will see today.
Next time you are cruising I-90, take the Chamberlain exit if you are West-bound or the Oacoma Exit if you are East-bound and ride over the historic bridge. Or enjoy my video below.
There is a small meat locker in Eastern South Dakota that is famous for it’s sausage. The Bluebird Locker is well know for the tasty sausage and bacon it produces. This little business on Main Street in Delmont (just next door to the historic Onion House) cranks out some really good products.
The bacon is just amazing, simple flavor the way bacon should be. German Sausage it a favorite among many, for good reason – it may be the best German Sausage you ever taste. Liver Sausage is great if you like liver, I love it – perfect with cooked cabbage.
And they have lots more: Summer sausage, sausage patties, sausage links, ring bologna, natural casing hot dogs, brats, jalapenos brats, pork chops and more. I do believe the selection varies, so you may find something new each time you visit.
It is worth drive this this little town (about 40 miles southwest of Mitchell). The Locker is located at 204 West Main is Delmont. You may want to call them at (605) 779-2041 to check their hours before visiting.
If you don’t feel like driving I know Coburns in Mitchell has bacon and sausage. I’ve also heard County Fair sells it as well.
What is your favorite product from Bluebird Locker and where did you buy it?
On Delmont’s Main Street you can walk by the Onion House. It was built in 1902 and has been used for a variety of purposes over the years. In 1917, it was used as a clinic and hospital. Other uses included beauty shop, duplex and a women’s clothing shop.
These days it is a private residence and it is just one of the unique buildings in this little South Dakota Town. It is believed to be the only South Dakota residence with a dome. And, it is right next to Blue Bird Locker.
Delmont is about 40 miles south and west of Mitchell. Visit the Delmont website to learn more.
There is a local food revolution underway. People want to know where their food comes from and how it is raised. Three Heart Hens is a part of that revolution here in the Black Hills. These eggs come from a flock of hens raised by a kid. She raises the hens free range and uses organic feed. She never uses herbicides, pesticides or antibiotics.
Buy these eggs not only to support the local food movement, but because they taste better. Also, free range eggs have been shown to be more nutritious. These eggs can be purchased at the Red Barn Farmer’s Market in Spearfish.
So we’ve been to the newly remodeled Silverado Buffet in Deadwood a couple of times and I must say it is pretty good. It is certainly an improvement from the old layout. There used to be a lot of congestion at the prime rib and crab leg station. Now, the serving area is along one wall – eliminating the congestion. And, the food is really good. Plus, there is a large selection of foods: pizza, crab legs (on Fridays and Saturdays), pasta, crawdads, salad bar, shrimp, oysters and a huge dessert selection.
This is now on of the nicest buffets in the Black Hills. Next time you are in Deadwood, be sure to check it out.
If you are visiting Deadwood and find yourself in the parking lot by the Rec Center you don’t have to worry about having change to feed the meter. You can visit the change booth. I kind of miss the ubiquitous phone booths of day past – so I though it was kind of neat Deadwood installed the booth.
When it is time to park and pay the meter in the northern Black Hills and you don’t have change. Just head to the change booth, I hear the machine in there pays back 100{c51ffea235732daa56267a0a591ce7080e487257b68607531c808b96b6e40eb2} (pretty good odds).
Red Ass Rhubarb is a very popular wine from Prairie Berry Winery. The Black Hills winery makes it from 90{c51ffea235732daa56267a0a591ce7080e487257b68607531c808b96b6e40eb2} rhubarb and 10{c51ffea235732daa56267a0a591ce7080e487257b68607531c808b96b6e40eb2} raspberry. That makes for a sweet but slightly puckery wine.
We love to serve this wine cold and is usually a crowd pleaser. It is great with cheese and salami. If you’ve tried Pumpkin Bog and liked it I’m sure you’ll enjoy this. Stop by the Hill City tasting room for a sample.
It feels like Christmas in Deadwood. The town is busy with the TV crew from GAC. They are filming the Christmas Special at the Deadwood Mountain Grand and many other places around the little Northern Black Hills city.
Christmas lights are everywhere and everyone seems to be filled with the Christmas spirit (or other kinds of spirits ). If you are planning a trip to Deadwood this December – do it. The show at the Grand runs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.
However, if you can’t make it in time for Christmas – The New Years Celebration is always a blast.
Pumpkin Bog wine from Prairie Berry Winery means fall in our house. We often serve this at Thanksgiving and really enjoy this sweet fruit wine.
The fruit wines are what I consider to be traditional South Dakota wines. Until recent years, fruit was what was available for making wine. It may not develop a complex flavor like wines made from grapes, however, it goes well with simple foods.
I found it at Roundhouse Liquor in Lead, you can buy it at the winery and throughout the state.
Welcome to my South Dakota Blog! Contact me with questions or ideas. Or, share your love of the state by guest blogging. And, be sure to check out my Black Hills website.
). If you are planning a trip to Deadwood this December – do it. The show at the Grand runs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Christmas.