Join us for Black Hills Rails to Ales — a laid-back 16-mile cruise along the Mickelson Trail from Hill City to Custer. Take in stunning autumn colors and the fresh scent of pine forests along the way.
The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line! After the ride, head over to Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company in Custer to kick back with great food, local craft beer, and live music. Your rider wristband gets you a $25 restaurant *credit plus a commemorative Black Hills Rails to Ales beer glass.
Rails to Ales:
The perfect way to embrace the autumn season, combining outdoor adventure with the best of local cuisine and entertainment!
Event Times:
* Wristband Pickup: 10–11 a.m. at Tracy Park Trailhead in Hill City
* Food, Brews, Door Prizes & Live Music: 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company
All registered riders must be on the trail by 11am.
Plan on 90 minutes to 2 hours ride time to Custer.
Transportation:
Riders handle their own transportation. Need a shuttle? Check out options on our website: www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/
Course Info:
Step back in time on the George S. Mickelson Trail.
The 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 line began in Deadwood in 1888, and in within ten months the route to Edgemont was complete. (It 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.
For more information on MTA events and the Mickelson Trail: www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Event Registration
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Register for Event Registration$87.34
$79.00 + Processing and Taxes
Jun 24 - Sep 11
The George S. Mickelson Trail follows the old Burlington Northern rail line, once used to haul gold and supplies through the Black Hills. Built in 1888 and transformed into South Dakota’s first rails-to-trails project in the 1990s, it’s a piece of history you can ride through today.
Ready to roll? Rails to Ales is the perfect mix of fresh air, local flavor, and good times.
*anything over $25 at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company is out of pocket, per individual. Change will not be given for menu choices under $25. Don’t forget to tip your server.
👉 Learn more about this and other MTA events at www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/
Lunch ride: depart from Tracy Park trailhead in Hill City between 10am and 11am with ride ending at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Co.
The venue is 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.
Dining
Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company 140 Mt. Rushmore Rd. in Custer.
Contact information
- Event contact
- Ann Cunningham
- Phone
- 605.440.2400
- Website
- Visit website
