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Devils Tower & HulettMs. Foskett’s Fierce 5th Grade Class

Devil’s Tower, Hulett, and the surrounding area has much to offer! The Black Hills Na-tional Forest is a one hundred twenty five mile long and sixty five mile wide forest. The name comes from a Lakota word Paha Sapa which means “Hills that are black”.

Located just nine miles from Hulett is our well known Na-tional Monument, Devils Tower which attracts roughly 400,000 visitors per year. About 65 million years ago Devils Tower was formed when there was a crack in the crust of the earth. Overtime, the lava cooled and soil erosion occurred. Now what you see is a giant igneous rock that stands 5,114 ft tall with a flat rough surface and hexago-nal columns forming the sides of the tower. Devils tower was established on Sept. 24, 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt as the first National monument. Because of Devils Tower’s odd formation, the Native Americans created a legend which is shared by more than 24 tribes.

This is one description of the many legends of Devils Tower: A man’s wife was taken by a gi-gantic bear. His six brothers tried to help him so they set off to the bear’s den. When they got there, the youngest brother turned him-self into a gopher and dug a hole into the bear’s den. When he got into the den he put the bear to sleep and turned himself back into a human. He got his broth-er’s wife and ran off far away from the bear’s cave. The young-est brother had a rock with him, and sang to it four times to make it grow. The rock grew until it touched the sky. They stood on

Town to Town Approximate Mileage RoadSpearfish to Belle Fourche 11 miles US 85Belle Fourche to Aladdin 17 miles SD 34 / WY 24Aladdin to Alva 14 miles WY 24Hwy 111 Cut-Across 9 miles WY 111Alva to Hulett 10 miles WY 24Hulett to Devils Tower 10 miles WY 24Devils Tower to Sundance 37 miles WY 24 / US 14Sundance to Beulah 19 miles Old Highway 14Beulah to Spearfish 12 miles Old Highway 14/US 14A

Ms. Foskett’s Fierce 5th Grade Class

the rock while it grew because the bear had awoken and found them. The youngest brother carried four arrows with him. The youngest brother shot an arrow through the top of the bears head. He killed the bear. He hunted and killed all but two bears. He cut off their tails and ears and told the bears to never bother people again. That’s why bears have short ears and no tails.

Speaking of animals, here are some real life animals that you may find at the Tower. Some include: deer, fox, coy-otes, chipmunks, squirrels, and snakes. However, the Black Tailed Prairie Dog is the most popular animal near Devils Tower. They are one of the members of 2,000 rodent species found all over the world. Prairie Dogs are small and weigh 1-3 pounds. They eat nuts, seeds, and plants but remember, please don’t feed the Prairie Dogs! Sodium can cause death and they may bite if they feel in danger. Now that you know about the Black Tailed Prairie Dog, go visit Devils Tower and you just might see one.

Nine miles Northeast of Devils Tower is our beloved town of Hulett. Founded by Lewis Morgan Hulett who was born on Feb 7, 1830. His family came to Crook County Wyoming in 1881 and their arrival made his family some of the earliest pioneers. A post office was established in 1886 and at that time Hulett, Wyoming was put on the map.

One reason we kept our spot on the map is because of our magnificent logging operations. Neiman Enterpris-es, Inc., uses 100% of the logs brought in creating pellets, shavings, bark, and lumber which are all made of Ponderosa Pine. The Neiman family started saw-milling in 1936. In 1940 they moved the mill to Hulett. Through the years, the Neimans faced many troubles

keeping the mill in business such as moving locations and a fire. Neiman Enterprises, Inc. has worked hard to be successful which now includes four facilities: Rushmore Forest Products, Devils Tower Forest Prod-ucts, Spearfish Forest Products, and Mountrose Forest Products.

Hulett, the home of our sawmills is also the home of the mighty Red Devils. Our school is known for our outstanding, hands-on programs. One program that is very popular is our Ag program which is affiliated with the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and is available for 6-12 graders. In the Ag classroom students have the opportunity to learn about working in the shop, develop a work ethic, and about different types of farm animals and ranching. Animals are kept at the Outdoor Classroom in the barn and in pens where additional activities take place. There is also a greenhouse available for all students and the community.

Another wonderful opportunity for students is woodshop. Students in junior high do individual projects that are assigned such as co2 race cars. When students enter high school, there is an assigned project such as pieces of furni-ture that are made out of pine wood. In the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year of high school, students design and build projects of their choice.

These are some of the things that Hulett and the surrounding areas have to offer. Maybe sometime you can make it to our area and experience it for your-self. Hope to see you soon!!

Kind Regards,

Ms. Foskett’s Fierce 5th Grade

Cover Photo By Missy McAmis • Crazy Woman Realty • Copyright © All Rights Reserved

Northeast Wyoming Crossword

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www.BlackHillsBadlands.com

Originating in the late 1800’s, Aladdin, WY (population15) is now a 30 acre hamlet in eastern Crook County, Wyoming. It lies at the junction of WYO 24 and WYO 111 northeast of the town of Sundance, Wyoming west of Belle Fourche, SD. At an elevation is 3,688 feet, Aladdin has long been a via for travelers passing through northeast Wyoming. Many tourists traveling to and from Devils Tower have stopped in this town and discovered an oasis. Friendly people, great food, and a general store beyond compare are just part of the Aladdin experience.

AladdinWyoming

Approximate Elevation: 1124 Latitude: 44.63999 Longitude: -104.18355

Five of the Great Creek Destinations for Fly Fishing the Black HillsFly fishing, romanticized by many and loved

by many more, is one of the most popular types of fishing in the Black Hills. From Wyoming to the Northern Hills and through the Southern Hills, fly fisherman find much success in our area waters.

Listed below are five of the creeks that are loved by some of the local fisherman.

1. Sand Creek (Wyoming)

2. Spearfish Creek

3. Castle Creek

4. Whitewood Creek

5. Rapid Creek

If you decide to wet your line while in the Black Hills, good luck! Remember to check all local regulations.

Aladdin Coal Mine (1913) Aladdin Mercantile (1915)

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Latitude: 45.5703° N, Longitude: 107.4275° W

www.nps.gov/libi/index.htm

Sundance TrailsOne of the great trail systems in the Black Hills National Forest is the Sundance Trail near Sun-dance, Wyoming. This easy-to-difficult trail is almost 50 miles long and has an elevation change of 1600 feet; topping out at 6200 FASL. Weaving through the dense forest and open ridges of the Bearlodge Mountains, views of Devils Tower, the Custer Expedition Route, and the Twin Missouri

Buttes avail themselves. Many wildlife opportuni-ties also exist. Whether hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, the trail system is challenging but serene and beautiful!

Contact the Black Hills National For-est for more infor-mation. http://1.usa.gov/1DGc1iQ

Little Bighorn Battlefield national monument

Are you on your way to or from the Black Hills and need a day trip filled with entertainment and history? The Little Bighorn Battlefield doesn’t disappoint!

Located just off of I-90 at Montana Exit 510, this Monument commemorates the Sioux and Cheyenne’s noble efforts to preserve their way of life. In 1876, on June 25 and 26, 263 soldiers, including Lt. Col. George A. Custer and attached personnel of the U.S. Army, died battling several thousand Lakota, and Cheyenne warriors. Relive the battle through auto tours, audio tours, video, museum exhibits, trails, the Indian Museum, Custer National Cemetery, and a walk up to “Custer’s Last Stand”. The site, first preserved as a National Cemetery in 1879, is a great experience for one and all.

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The Sundance KidHarry A. Longabaugh, also

known as ‘The Sundance Kid’, went to the Black Hills area near the Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota border in the spring of 1887, but he could not find ranch work. He was only able to earn his room and board. After about a month and a half, he worked his way back towards Montana, via the VVV (Three V) Ranch in Sundance, Wyoming.

The VVV Ranch, also known as Western Ranches, LTD., was located on the Belle Fourche River just north of Sundance. Their horse camp and winter quarters were located on Crow Creek near the tri-state border. The old camp area is still a ranch today, and the original cabin is now used as a commu-nity building.

In 1887, the VVV Ranch was owned by English investors and was under the management of John Clay and his assistant, Robert Robinson. John Clay was a very influential man in the area. He was president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and a member of the exclusive Cheyenne Club. In later years, he and Robinson became major stockholders in the Butte county Bank in Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

On February 27, 1887, young Harry stole a light gray horse, a revolver and a saddle

outfit from Alonzo Craven of the VVV Ranch and headed up to-wards Miles City, Montana. Clay had the employees of the VVV Ranch spread out over the area in search of a smooth-faced, gray-eyed boy and the stolen goods. It was not until March 15, 1887 that James Wedner of the VVV Ranch finally rode into Sundance the Crook County seat, to file charges with Sheriff James Ryan.

Ryan then picked up Har-ry’s trail to Miles City. By April 8, 1887, Ryan had arrested Harry but did not immediately leave Miles City. Harry was housed in the small jail locat-ed on the north side of the new courthouse at Main and Seventh Street until April 12, 1887. For reasons unknown, Ryan and young Harry then boarded the Northern Pacific Railroad to St. Paul, Minnesota, nearly 700 miles away and then Fremont, Elkhorn and Missou-ri Valley train to Rapid City, South Dakota. Somewhere near Duluth, Minnesota, Harry and an accomplice picked the locks of his shackles and handcuffs and jumped off the moving train while Ryan was in the bathroom. Some researchers believe Butch Cassidy was in the Miles City area at this time, having come up from Wyoming about 1886. Because of their earlier acquaintance in Colorado, Butch and Harry might have sought

one another out, and Butch may have acted as Harry’s accom-plice. Sheriff Ryan offered a $250 reward, but Harry had escaped. Foolishly, Harry re-turned to the Miles City area.

Deputy Sherriff Eph K. Davis and Stock Inspector W. Smith caught up with the young Harry near the N Bar Ranch on the Powder River outside Miles City. The N Bar was a neighboring ranch to the N bar N. Harry had worked at both ranches. Harry was again shackled and hand-cuffed and Davis and Smith were left to guard him in the Custer County jail. Smith fell asleep and Davis pretended to do the same. Harry again picked his locks and made for the windows to escape, but Davis pulled out his gun and stopped him.

Sheriff Ryan arrived in Miles City on June 19, 1887, to take possession of the prisoner. This time when they left for Sundance, they took a buck-board and followed the Miles City to Deadwood stagecoach road, arriving three days later. Harry was placed in the new ail in Sundance and held on Grand Larceny charges. Court was not in session until August 2, 1887, so Harry was finally indicted on August 3, on three counts of Grand Larceny. On August 4, the court appointed Joseph Stotts to represent young Harry, who could not afford hi sown

attorney. The next day, August 5, Harry pleaded not guilty. However, Stotts apparently

convinced Harry to plead guilty to horse stealing, indictment #33, in exchange for the other two indictments being dropped. Judge William L. Magginis immediately sentenced Harry to 18 months of hard labor. Harry was confined to the Sundance jail rather than being transferred to the penitentiary in Laramie, Wyoming since he was under 21.

Harry continued this escape attempts and nearly succeeded on May 1, 1888, when jailer Daley took dinner into the cell around 6pm. Harry and his fellow prisoner Jim O’Connor was able to escape for a few hours but Daley overpowered Harry. In January, 1889, H.A. Alden, a new Crook County prosecutor wrote to Governor Thomas Moonlight, asking for a pardon for Harry. On February 4, 1889, one day before his scheduled release Harry was granted full pardon because he was under the age of 21 and had been on good behavior during his confine-ment. Because of the element of time however, it is not known whether Harry was ever notified of his pardon.

Source: Sundance, My Uncle By Donna Ernst

Crook County Museum & 1875 Gallery

Come see the Black Hills of Northeastern Wyoming. History doesn’t have a state line. The historical aspects of the west can be seen in the Crook County Museum & Art Gallery in picturesque Sundance, Wyoming right off of Interstate 90. The History of Crook County is depicted in the many dioramas, exhibits, and over 7000 artifacts which are housed in the lower level of the Crook County Court

House. The original court room from 1884 is on display in one of our permanent exhibits along with the Sundance Kid exhibit. The gun exhibit is phenomenal. Experience a walk thru time in the replica barn and stable with its buggy and work tools. Glance in the bunk house that has all the amenities a cowboy bachelor could want. Listen for the sounds of stampeding buffalo hooves as you look at the Vore Buffalo Jump diorama with all its grand archeology discoveries. Go on an adventure of a lifetime with Custer and his men as they trek through the Black Hills in the Expedition of 1874. Follow the trails and the tribulations of his men as they fight for survival against nature, the illicit miners, and the natives. Explore Moses Annenberg’s great hideaway locally know as Ranch A. When he was looking for a quiet place to relax and a place to throw some great parties for his fellow city dudes he would come to the isolation of the Black Hills and go to his local canyon ranch to kick up his heels.

The 1875 Gallery has the best regional art for sale from bronze sculpture, colored pencil, water color, photography, collage, hand formed jewelry, pottery, and oils. The 1875 Gallery has art ranging from wildlife, still lifes, interpretive, conceptual, and functional. The art gallery has it all and something for everyone. The 1875 Gallery was formed to give our local artists a place to sell, show and give others a chance to be exposed to the art world. Rotating monthly, exhibitions are available for you pleasure. Proceeds go towards the support of the Crook County Museum.

1875 Gallery: 109 N. 3rd St. | Sundance, WY | 307-283-3301 | www.1875gallery.com

Crook County Museum: 309 E Cleveland St. | Sundance, WY | 307-283-3666 | www.crookcountymuseum.com

Crook County Museum & 1875 Gallery

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www.americinn.com

Beulah, Wyoming:

Border Town With a popula-tion listed at 33 and an elevation of approximate-ly 3520 FASL, Beulah is the place to be! This unincorporat-ed community can boast of a U.S. Post Office, top-notch convenience stores and unparalleled food in a hometown setting with a fun night life. Additionally, Beulah is the setting for as much Motorcycle Rally activity as can be found anywhere in the Hills! Very close to the SD/WY border along I-90, the community is a vista between Spearfish, SD and Sundance, WY. The community provides popular events throughout the year. Live bands, a river float down Sand Creek, and the ever-popular Testicle Festival are just a few of the many events to check out!

44.5444° N, 104.0891° W

O Christmas Tree

As you plan your late fall trip to the Black Hills, you may want to start a new family tradition.

Cutting your own Black Hills Christmas tree to decorate for the holiday season is a ritual for many

families. A permit is required and you can find more information @ http://1.usa.gov/1HaX1ay

Happy Holidays!

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Viking Tattoo is a locally owned shop known for high quality custom tattoos and professional piercings in the Northern Black Hills Region. Located in Spearfish on Colorado Boulevard; the atmosphere is welcoming and is one of the cleanest shops in the area, emphasizing on personal safety and sterilization by using only top of the line disposable gear.

Originally from Michigan, owner/operator Jason Myhre, has over two decades in the tattoo industry and specializes in custom creations with realistic shading and bold colors. Jason’s fine line work and precision to details make him one of the best among many tattoo artists.

The shop also has a unique feminine presence with Ms. Jacque. Award winning artist and former art educator, Ms. Jacque, is perfecting all the skills involved in the fine art of tattooing under Jason’s expertise and direction.

This is a community supportive business and a proud member of the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce. Check us out at vikingtattoo.org, find us on Facebook, call 605-717-8287, or stop in 710 Colorado Blvd, Suite B to experience for yourself a custom tattoo shop adorned with Viking memorabilia that focuses on cleanliness, customer service, affordability, and superior tattoo work.

Viking Tattoo

Breaking an Ancient Pact: The Wolfdog Gamble

Spirit of the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is currently home to fourteen wolfdog hybrids that were surrendered due to problematic behaviors or legal issues. Since people are often sold wolfdogs with little to no actual wolf content, wolfdogs sometimes have the reputation of being docile. True wolfdogs, however, are a dangerous gamble between man’s best friend and one of the world’s top predators. Wolves are not dogs, and wolfdogs aren’t either. The distinction between wolf and dog goes back to a pact between humans and canines that started when mammoths still roamed the earth. Recent genetic studies suggest that early dogs branched off from a close common ancestor to wolves. Scientists hypothesize that early dogs scavenged the garbage of ancient hunter-gatherer societies which ended up

proving mutually beneficial since these protodogs also protected the settlement. Humans then started the domestica-tion of dogs by culling the unruly and favoring the tame. Domestication produced a canine that retained puppy-like characteristics throughout its life and an altered brain sensitive to human cues. What happens then when wild canine DNA is reintroduced? As pups, wolfdogs tend to act tame, but their wolf in-stincts potentially unlock dangerous behaviors as they mature, especially in those that have a high percentage of wolf lineage. Wolfdogs tend to have stronger predatory instincts, which make them prone to many forms of aggression: aggression towards different species, aggression towards unfamiliar canines, and food aggression. In addition, since wolves have an inborn fear of humans, wolfdogs can have a more independent nature, making them selective and inconsistent with people. The same wolfdog that is loyal a Fido to some, is a shy, aggressive, or dominant animal with others. The solution to the wolfdog gamble is simple: keep wild animals wild, keep domesticat-ed animals domestic. With at least 1.2 million dogs euthanized per year in United States shelters, there is no reason to breed wolfdogs. It makes much more sense to honor the pact made with our ancient friend by simply adopting a dog from a local shelter.

Want to help? Donate now at SpiritOfTheHillsSanctuary.org!

Imagine waking up to a trickling stream and chipmunks scurrying along branches of a towering Ponderosa Pine. Every year, thousands of families and individuals experience this when they visit one of over 30 campgrounds in The Black Hills National Forest. With over 680 campsites ($0-$10), the most difficult decision of your forest vacation might be which one to choose! For those that wish to get off the grid even more, dispersed camping is available for up to 14 days within a 60-day period*. If you decide to camp in the Northern Black Hills, near Spearfish, stop by and say “Hi!.” Also, don’t miss the chance to hike or bike the Mickelson Trail (100+ miles of easy terrain) or hike the Centennial Trail (100+ miles of moderate-difficult terrain). If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on your mountain bike and take a ride on one of the many great single-track trails available. One of the more popular ones is the Tinton Trail, home of the “Dakota Five-0” mountain bike race/ride/tour (www.DakotaFive0.com). This is only a handful of the many exciting outdoor activities available in the Black Hills National Forest. For more information stop by Base Camp Adventure Sports on Historic Main Street in Spearfish, SD. *Check with the nearest Forest Service for rules and regulations. •*Source: http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/blackhills/recreation

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History of the Western Cattle Trail Project in the USA

As the Old West meets today’s GPS Navigation Technology, you will be able to follow the Great Western Cattle Trail of the late 1800’s. The route runs primarily from Texas, north to Montana, with slight extensions into Mexico and Canada.

The mass departure of cattle started after the Civil War, when Texans returned home to find too many rogue cattle and not enough grass. As a result they organized trail drives to move cattle from Texas into Kansas and eventually north to the nutritious short grass of the High Plains, where Open Range cattle operations were established. This provided a source for the beef demand of eastern US markets, fulfilled federal agreements for the American Indian Reservations as well as suppling Military Forts, Settlers and Miners.

Eventually railroad shipping points were developed in the southern states to send cattle to eastern destinations. In time, the open thoroughfare to the northern pastures were blocked by barbed wire fencing (used to establish the property of individual operations), Homesteaders and Legislation. Around the turn of the 20th century, the large cattle trail drives proved to be a significant chapter in the settlement of the High Plains Region.

A 9-state effort (TX, OK, KS, NE, SD, WY, CO, ND & MT) by the Great Western Cattle Trail Association to identify the general route of the Great Western Cattle Trail, began on July 12, 2003, when the first concrete marker was set and dedicated at Altus, OK, just north of the Red River of Texas and Oklahoma. Since that time, official markers have been placed steadily from Texas to South Dakota. More official markers have been placed sporadically in the remaining states of WY, CO, ND and MT, with a goal to complete the entire GW Cattle Trail northward.

By following the trail today, the official markers will guide you on the general path of the legendary cattle drives, provide sources of information and witness beautiful scenery.

So saddle up and experience the history of how the Center of the United States of America was transformed into a Cattle Empire that to this day remains a major contributor to our country’s agricultural industry.

July 3 & 4 2015 5 State Regional Meeting of the “Great Western Cattle Trail Association”. Trail Saddle Display, Western Art Show & Chuckwagon Lunch. Floor display featuring the Life Story of James A. “Tennessee” Vaughn, Early Trail Boss - Texas to High Plains.

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www.spearfishcanyoncountryclub.com

Mark’sOld School

Barber & Style Shop114 W Hudson St, Spearfish • (605) 642-8603

$2 OffHaircut

Marks Old School Barber ShopExpires 8-31-14

Enjoy the Black Hills and have a great day!

Known throughout the nation for quick, expert, and efficient service, Mark’s Old School Barber and Style shop boasts of two chairs, three barbers, and over 75 years of experience.

Mark Casavan has owned the shop for over 40 years. For the last 18 years, his son, Marc, has been his right-hand man and is now a co-owner.

Amos Armijo rounds out the trio of barbers at this unique barbershop that offers great discounts to senior citizens, kids, and military personnel.

Not only is this the place for a great haircut, it is also the headquarters for stimulating conversation. Whether you want

to talk about hunting, fishing, pro sports, local sports, or any other subject, this is the place to be.

Hunting and fishing are Casavan family traditions. Marc is an avid hunter and is now one of the hosts of the new action-packed television show, Rollnbones TV, on the Pursuit Channel. It is available on DirecTV and Dish Network.

Stop by Mark’s Old School Barber and Style Shop for the best cut in the Black Hills and don’t forget to check ‘em out on Facebook and Rollnbones.com.

Expires 8-31-15

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• Take Out Available

•Outdoor Patio Seating

•Milk Shakes•Video Arcade•Slot Machines

• Pool Table• See the antique Slot

Machine Display

Visit Mustang Sally’s

Sports Bar •20 HD TV’s

•Sports Packages

-NFL Sunday Ticket

-MLB Extra Innings -NCAA Football - SEC Network - Big 10 Network -Much More!

605-578-2025 • 634 Main St. • Deadwood

Open All Day & Late Night!

George S. Mickelson TrailWalk in the footsteps of the past,

explore the outdoors, or simply enjoy a stroll!

Imagine a path where the ghosts of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane still roam; where bicyclists, hikers and horse-back riders can explore spruce and pon-derosa pine forests; and the very young, the very old and people of all abilities can enjoy.

The George S. Mickelson Trail, in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, was completed in September of 1998. Its gentle slopes and easy access allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills. Much of the trail passes through National Forest Land, but there are parts of the trail that pass through privately owned land, where trail use is restricted to the trail only.

The trail is 109 miles long and con-tains more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. The trail surface is primarily crushed limestone and gravel. There are 15 trailheads, all of which offer parking, self-sale trail pass stations, vault toilets, and tables.

Park Specs• Open: Year-round, from dawn to dusk• Length of trail: 109 miles with 15 trail-

heads, from Edgemont to Deadwood • Trail surface: Packed gravel• Rated: Easy to moderate• Facilities at or near the trail heads:• Parking• Toilets• Drinking water• Picnic tables• Several also have small shelters• Facilities along the trail:• Benches• Vault toilets• Shelters

• Drinking water

Trail Policies• Trail Pass required: All trail users age 12 and older are required to have a trail pass (except on the trail within the city limits). Passes must be located on the person or the bicycle: trail users who are unable to show a trail pass will be subject to a fine.

• Trail Traffic: The trail is open to hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail. Exception: section of the trail is open to snowmobiles between Deadwood and Dumont.

• Wildlife: Avoid disturbing wildlife.

• Refrain from defacing natural features.

• All pets must be leashed.

• Camping: prohibited on the trail and trailheads.

• No campfires allowed.

• Smoking: not allowed on or adjacent to the trail.

• Discharging firearms or fireworks from or across the trail is strictly prohibited.

• Air guns and slingshots are not allowed on the trail.

• Trail Times: The trail is closed to all

users from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise.

• Trail Etiquette

• Obey all traffic signs.

• Remain to the right side of the trail except to pass: Be sure to give a clear warning before passing others and do not pass others in the tunnels.

• Bicycles must yield to pedestrians and everyone must yield to horses.

• Keep children near adults.

• Use the buddy system: Travel with a buddy or in a group in case of an emergency.

• “Open Range” areas: these are areas where cattle roam freely. If you come to an area where cattle are on the trail, DO NOT spook them, speak in a calm voice and slowly work your way around them.

• Respect Landowners.

• Stay on the trail and be considerate of other users.

Emergency Assistance: 911

See more at: http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/mickelson-trail/policies.aspx#st-hash.jp3VqVvT.dpuf

Courtesy South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

Photo by South Dakota Dept. of Tourism

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Black Hills Ghost TownsWhether you enjoy

reading information about these haunted settlements or hiking in their respective areas, there are a multitude of abandoned or nearly abandoned settlements found throughout the Black Hills. Ghost Town explo-ration is still popular in the area, although many of these haunts have decayed beyond recog-nition as a community of any sorts and others are now completely unsafe. Never explore a ghost town without carefully researching the area to make sure it is completely safe and legal to do so. Three of the more famous ghost towns in the Black Hills are listed here. Cambria, Wyoming is approximately 8 miles north of Newcastle and was a coal mining town. Most residents left in 1928.Spokane, SD was a gold mining town in Custer County that also produced other valuable minerals. Tinton, SD is located west of Iron Creek Lake near the SD-WY border. The Tinton area is posted (No Trespassing) and is currently operating as a Tantalum mine.

Enjoy reading and researching about the many Ghost Towns of the Black Hills and if you are a Ghost Town explorer, do proper research and planning before reconnoitering any of these areas. Safety first!

www.silveradofranklin.com

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GOLF IN THE BLACK HILLSEver since that fateful afternoon when Angus bet Dougal a bottle

of whisky that he could hit an abnormally large sheep turd across the pasture with his shepherd’s crook in less than four strokes, people have loved, hated and everything in between the glorious game of golf. Now let it be noted that I have taken a few artistic liberties in describing the aforementioned scenario, but we do know that golf was invented in Scotland sometime in the early 15th century, making my vision for the birth of golf not only logical but also believable seeing that Scotland has plenty of sheep, whisky and certainly no shortage of Dougals and Anguses.

Obviously, the game, its equipment and players have evolved exponentially, but the spirit of golf has remained fairly true to course (no pun intended). It’s a classic game of man vs. man while pitting both against the elements. Whether you’re a passionate golfer, of which there are roughly 26 million in the USA alone, or one of the once in a while, only for bachelor parties, family reunions or when kissing the boss’ ass players, Americans love playing golf. We devote entire vacations to it. Now, if you’re reading this article, you are probably visiting the Black Hills for any number of reasons not involv-ing golf. If you have planned to play during your stay, you are in for a genuine treat. Just within 60 miles of Deadwood you have at your beck and call more than a dozen great courses, many of which are nine hole courses due to the higher elevation and shortish growing season. Nine hole courses are good (especially for you) for a couple reasons. They are cheaper in the green fee department and playing only nine holes means that you can still have time left in the day for whatever activities you’ve already planned. That means that a trip to Crazy Horse could possibly be parlayed into a quick loop at Toma-hawk Lake Country Club on the way back up Hwy 385. Located about 7 miles south of Deadwood, TLCC is my personal favorite in the hills and my home course since I was 8 years old. It is stunningly beautiful and challenging for any handicap. Built in the 30s by golf architect legend, Lawrence Hughes, TLCC, aka “The Hatchet”, endearingly ooz-es old school golf charisma, history and character. With more than a dozen courses to choose from in close proximity throughout the Hills, I encourage you to play as many as you can during your stay.

Golf course etiquette is paramount to an overall good experi-ence. Please call ahead for tee times and please observe local La-dies’/Men’s day schedules along with the many other scheduled golf outings; family reunions, bachelor parties, etc. During the weekdays, it is not unforgivable to stop by any one of the great courses around the hills and see if they can squeeze you in. Who knows, you may just make a new friend or meet an interesting character. You are in the beautiful, interesting, and always wild Black Hills of South Dakota. Play golf while you’re here, you will NOT regret it!

Please see TLCC ad on page 43.

About the Author J.C. Charles, a modern-day Deadwood original, has lived in the Black Hills most of his life. He has entertained many with his wit, knowledge and unique brand of satire and humor. Never intending to offend, J.C. teaches us all to laugh at our-selves and not take life too seriously.

On the Horizon: A 1920s Retrospectiveby Mikaela Fundaun, Deadwood History Curator

Deadwood History Inc. (DHI) is the non-profit organization that operates the Adams Museum, Days of ‘76 Museum, Historic Adams House and Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center. This year at DHI we are exploring stories from a wonderful time period – the 1920s. This period serves as the backdrop to several exciting programs we have in store, including a new exhibit at the Days of ‘76 Museum examining the beginning of historic preservation in Deadwood. There will be a three act progressive play that will travel from the Historic Adams House to the Days of ‘76 Museum and ending at the Adams Museum.

Many exciting things happened in the Black Hills and Deadwood during this era. The new tourism industry was made possible by the mass produced automobile, which brought leisure-time activities to a new class of people. In the southern hills, Gutzon Borglum, Doane Robinson and Peter Norbeck were hard at work on Mt. Rushmore, the Needles Highway and the development of Custer State Park. These sites were important in capturing the sightseer’s eye and imagination and proved integral to the presidential visit of 1927.

President Calvin Coolidge, First Lady Grace and party arrived in the Black Hills in the second week of June. They set up offices in the Rapid City High School and made the newly built State Game Lodge their headquarters while the White House in Washington, D.C. underwent renovations. While the president was here, he was able to partake in many activities we still

enjoy today, including horseback riding, fishing and visiting Mt. Rushmore.

The President and First Lady also participated in the Days of ‘76 celebration. One of Deadwood’s newest attractions, the celebration began in 1924. The event was first organized by the Deadwood Business Club in order to stimulate a struggling local economy. The inaugural program consisted of a parade, a small rodeo, an amusement park, dances, a shooting exhibition, mining demonstration and the reenactment of the shooting of Wild Bill Hickok. The first year saw 4,000 people in attendance. The event grew quickly and during the presidential visit it was reported the three day affair hosted around 20,000 visitors.

This was a very dynamic decade for the nation and for the Black Hills. Many of the ideas, projects and events that were put into place during this time still endure today. Please keep an eye out for our upcoming events which highlight this exciting time in our history. For more information on this or any other upcoming events please contact 605-722-4800 or visit our website at DeadwoodHistory.com.

35inherit the wild

Picture Yourself

Wild Bill’s DeathChair Deadwood

Jennifer & Travis, SD

Red Rocks, CO Sporting Outdoor Heir Cap

Erika & Ryan, SD

Sturgis

Rob, AZ

Spearfish Canyon

Brent & Roberta, IN

Devil’s Tower

Alen & Sheyla, Bosnia

Cement RidgeSporting Outdoor Heir Cap

Adam, SD

Sheridan Lake

Bill & Judy, SD

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Include your name, location of image, home state or country.

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DeadwoodHistory.com(605) 722-4800

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36 Outdoor Heir

www.deadwoodlodge.com

Pronghorn AntelopeBuffalo

Mountain Lion

Photo Credit South Dakota Department of Tourism

Elk

Mountain Goat

Bighorn Sheep

Prairie Dog

Match the scientific name with the correct Black Hills mammal.

www.woodyswildwest.com

www.townhallinn.com

41inherit the wild

Lead, SD!Welcome to Lead (pr.

LEED), perched a mile high in the towering ponderosa pines of the Black Hills. When you visit Lead, you’ll discover a place that knows how to have fun. With a million-acre national forest in our backyard and some of the most spectacular scenery in North America out our front door, you’ll always find something to do here!

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through our historic downtown, lined with structures dating back to the gold rush days. Here you will find lively restaurants, local watering holes, the Historic Homestake Opera House, Black Hills Mining Museum, Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center and much more. Wander off the beaten path in out our residential neighborhoods and see our storied miners’ homes which display Lead’s rich ethnic heritage.

This is a place where thousands of miners made and lost their fortunes, sometimes all in one day. This is Legendary Lead, where visitors come face to face with history. While we keep one foot firmly in our rich past, Lead is eager to explore the opportunities the future has to offer. We are proud to be the home for the Sanford Under-ground Research Facility. This summer a new visitor center is being built that will proudly represent not only our history, but showcase our future with scientific discoveries! The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center will open their doors in June 2015.

Come discover your own golden adventure in Lead, South Dakota!

42 Outdoor Heir

Homestake Opera HouseA THEATER BUILT BY A GOLD MINE• CONCERTS, THEATRE, DANCE• FIELD TRIPS & TOURS• PRESENTATIONS• JULY NEUTRINO DAY SCIENCE FEST• JULY DEADEYE’S WILD WEST MUSICAL COMEDY • CORPORATE EVENTS• WEDDINGS

This incredible building was construct-ed in 1914, and boasted a theater that seated 1,000 people, heated indoor swimming pool, billiard hall, library, bowling alley, mens lounge and smoking room, social hall, and a women’s lounge. This theater and recreation center was built by Phoebe Apperson Hearst, widow of mining mag-nate George Hearst, and the Homestake Mining Company superintendent, Thomas Grier. It was the heart of the mining town of Lead, SD (pronounced “leed”) and was the social and cultural heart of the northern Black Hills for 70 years. But in 1984, the theater portion of the building was nearly destroyed by fire – and it sat empty for 11 years. However, it was purchased and a nonprofit organization was formed in 1998 that raised nearly $3 million that paid for reconstruction of the stage and theater floors, restoration of the foyers, lobby, and plasterwork; addition of an elevator, restrooms, and a floor installed over the pool area created offices and a conference center. In 2008, the first community theatre production in 25 years was celebrated by the Gold Camp Players which established a program for theatre in the community. This program continues on with musicals, adult comedy plays, and children’s shows year round. In 2009 and 2010, new windows, fire safe doors, updated sound system, and heated floors were installed in the theater and the women’s lounge restored. Fundraising and programming continued, and in 2013, the murals were restored near the foyer ceiling. In 2014, the mens lounge and smoking room and the cloakroom were restored, and on the 100th Anniversary of the building, $150,000 was raised for architectural plans for the new stage. The original cherub sculptures have returned to their locations near the stage. The important stage improvements are the focus of our efforts. Please consider becoming an an-nual member of the 501(c)3 Historic Homestake Opera House Society – your contribution goes a long way in helping us progress. Thank you!

TAKE A TOUR:Enter the magnificent lobby and foyer restored to

the 1914 era, while listening to a live, narrated sto-ry of the 1,000-seat theater exquisitely built by the Homestake Gold Mine. Take photos and video of the the theater and enjoy a sampling of a singing perfor-mance, a recording of the original 1929 Wurlitzer or-gan, and venture onto the 30-ft.-wide stage to hear to the story of the 1984 theater fire and how 100 years of performing arts, preservation, and patronage contin-ues. The Homestake Opera House Interpretive Center is in development for 2015 in the former library on the second floor.

Tours: $10 at the door. Group rate $5 for 10+. Call for private tours.

Call 605-584-2067 or visit us online: www.HomestakeOperaHouse

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Cousins StoryCousin’s Pub & Pizza at the Big Chair is located on US

Hwy 385 South, 20 miles from Deadwood, Rapid City and Hill City. Centrally located and in the middle of the Black Hills with a 35 ft tall log rocking chair in the back yard. Sounds like fun?

On June 2, 2013 three family members decided to open a different kind of eatery. Chris Livingston and brother, Craig Hanson along with cousin, Steve Reynolds joined forces to open this business in the beautiful Black Hills.

The menu at Cousins is simple; Specialty Combination Pizzas or Build your own, Italian Sub Sandwiches, Appetizers, Salads and Desserts. The food is fantastic and everything is made from “scratch” – sauces, dressings, pizza dough, sub rolls, desserts, salads – made to order. A wonderful assortment of beer (bottled and on tap) and wine is available. Service is like stopping by relatives and being greeted and hugged every time. “Cousins” is a family friendly place to spend your time, especially during the summer months. In the backyard are picnic tables with umbrellas, horse shoe pits, ladder golf, volleyball and an assortment of other yard games. The pond, also in the back yard, is a fun place for kids and adults to spend time just relaxing.

The Big Chair accommodates “Music Events at the Chair” starting June 13 and thereafter every other Saturday during the summer from 3 to 6pm. You can walk up the back stairway and survey the landscape from the seat of the Big Chair. Please be sure you stop at “Cousins” for a great meal, good conversation and a SMILE.

44 Outdoor Heir

FAMILY FISHING FUN SINCE 1952I love Trout Haven. Maybe it is because

it brings back memories of my childhood, but regardless… Trout Haven has a lot to offer. There is a camping. There is great food. There is a fun park for kids. It is a great place for family fun in the Black Hills. I remember the fishing. I was lucky enough to vacation in the Black Hills with my mom and dad and sister almost every year. We fished, successfully I may add, at Deerfield almost every year, but we still would stop at Trout Haven. It was fun! Standing on the dock with a corn-baited hook on the end of a line tied to a cane pole … Feeling the pull of what must be a monster trout… Lifting it onto the dock and hoping it didn’t hop and flop until it came off of the hook and escaped with a splash back into the

pond… Excitement! Maybe my most favorite part was taking the bucket of freshly caught Rainbows

over to the cleaning shack. Those lucky young men got paid to clean fish!

All day! I truly envied them. What a job! After the fish

were cleaned, we held up the fish for the yearly

fish photo. Catching Rainbows at Trout

Haven was a special experience. Sure we caught

bass and bullheads and panfish like crazy at home, but these were Rainbows. Some years, if our vacation time wasn’t running thin, we were able to have the staff at Trout Haven Café cook our freshly caught fish for us. What a fantastic meal! It was an experience and made for memories of the forever variety.

It still is an experience. It has been since 1952. Family Fun. Outdoor Heir certainly approves.

Bears in the Black HillsWyatt McCoy lives on the banks of the Belle

Fourche River.During the comings and goings of his young life

he has seen all of the usual wildlife residents cross the roads in his headlight. Coons hop and bounce, porcu-pines waddle, coyote and fox lope, and bobcat and lions slink. But last summer, he tells his folks that two black bear cubs crossed the road using the curious side-to side shuffle of bear that is distinct to their species.

If Wyatt’s observations prove true, it could be the first contemporary sighting of young black bears in South Da-kota. Do to the nature of bears, if they remain in the area, they will be visiting granaries, and bird feeders as the win-ter approaches and other neighbors will be confirming his observation. Proof of an actual breeding population would bring South Dakota back into a pool of other states that include more than 80 percent of the nation

On a recent weekend, while guid-ing an elk hunter along the Wyoming border I discovered further evidence.

We were scanning the trails for two days straight and categorizing all of the sign we came across. The unusual sign we discovered was chalk white, filled with hair, acorns, and bits of bone. I’d seen the same drop-pings in my several years of hunting around the bor-ders of Glacier Park in Montana. My hunter has taken perhaps a dozen bear hunts during his life in Manitoba, Alaska, and Russia. We both recognized bear sign.

Current estimates put the nation’s black bear pop-ulation at nearly 900,000. Bears expand their range at a rate of about 25 miles per year and young animals explore to establish their own territories. States such as Maryland have seen their bear population double over the last ten years reaching nearly 700 animals in the latest population estimates.

For years, biologists have stated that there was no bear habitat in the Black Hills and that populations if present were very low. Pine thickets produce little for-age and much of our forest was so thickly covered in

choked by ponderosa that acorn producing oaks were rare. A bear’s diet requires between 15 to 20 thousand calories per day as they prepare for hibernation.

That’s a lot of acorns.But Black Hill’s forests are rapidly changing. As the For-

est Service scrambles to remove dead and dying bug trees, the forest floor is being rejuvenated much as ancient fires used to open up the pine canopy for oak and aspen growth.

An excellent example of that transformation can be seen from Tinton Road near the Iron Creek Lake turn off. I spoke recently with Gale Shockey as he and con-

tractor Jorge Meza conducted logging operations for Neiman Enterprises. Beautiful, large-dimension, trees are left standing as seed stock while the forest floor is opened to light.

Past logging practices offended many who were not in the industry, but the modern efforts of foresters like Meza and Shockey look more like artistic landscaping than the practices of the past. Their work beautifies and enriches the forest with an immediate

return for people and wildlife. You have to see it to appreciate the reduction in fire danger and the habitat improvement for wildlife.

Twenty five years ago when I worked in the woods with a chainsaw, we attempted to knockdown the slash to little effect. Today’s mechanized loggers remove all of the slash and stack the waste for disposal. The forest immediately fills the void with new plants that benefit all species, perhaps soon, allowing the return of a wild population of Black Hills black bears.

Columnist: Bob Speirs Bob Speirs – owner and operator of Crow Creek Wildlife Manage-ment Service in Spearfish, South Dakota has been writing award winning articles, stories and poems that entertain and educate hunters for over 15 years. Known for his outstanding whitetail management and hundreds of satisfied customers, Bob’s unique perspectives and insights help to educate and entertain hunters everywhere!

Birch? Aspen? What’s the Difference?Although the spruce and pine trees are the

dominant trees found in the Black Hills, the birch and aspen trees are two of the species that provide some of the brilliant fall colors and can also be found throughout the Hills. These two types of white-bark trees are often confused with one another. With a little information, you can easily tell the difference.

Aspen trees (genus Populus) and Birch trees (genus Betula) are most likely confused because of the fairly unique white-bark aspect but the bark is actually very different. Birch bark is marked with many horizontal lenticels and can be white to grayish-black in color. The papery bark easily peels and flakes off of the trunks of these trees. The Aspen bark is smooth and white, marked only occasionally by stark black knots or scarring.

In the spring and summer, both trees have beautiful green leaves. Birch leaves are easily identified by the double serration pattern along the edge of each leaf. This means that the “saw teeth” appearance has smaller teeth with larger teeth interspersed throughout. Aspen leaves are much rounder than Birch leaves. They have very subtle, rounded serration.

There are many types of deciduous (non-evergreen) trees in the Black Hills. Aspen and Birch are two white-bark species and although they may appear very similar at first glance, they are very different. In the fall of the year, both add to the brilliant fall colors of the Black Hills!

Aspen Bark

Aspen Leaf

Birch LeafBirch Bark

47inherit the wild

Your Adventure Begins Here!Only Minutes away from Mt. Rushmore, Crazy

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Veteran Western Performer Whips Up a Show in Hill City

With the sharp crack of a whip on Main Street in Hill City, a larger than life South Dakota personality will be coming to town this spring.

Big Dave Murra, the 7’ 2” entertainer who has been performing in West-ern shows around the Black Hills for the last 27 years, will move his family friendly, Western comedy show from Keystone to Hill City.

Murra has partnered with Vic Alexander, owner of Heart of the Hills Exxon, Heart of the West Conoco and Hill City Super 8 Motel, to move his show to a new venue between the Twisted Pine Winery and the old Handbag Store location on Main Street. Alexander is building a facility there to house the show.

The building will be designed to look like an Old West livery and feed stable and will hold 50-60 people at a time. The three-to four-week-long construction be-gan a couple of weeks ago.

Alexander is excited to bring this type of entertain-ment back to main street Hill City. He said visitors have missed the old shoot-out Western show held on Main Street for more than 20 years.

“People come into the (Super 8) motel all the time and ask when and where the shoot-out will be,” Alexander said. “It‘s been shut down for three years, but now we can say there’s a show right across the street.”

Originally from Rapid City, Murra is an old pro at per-forming. He’s been performing his comedy Western show at the Red Garter Saloon in Keystone for 17 years and has held a varied slew of other performance jobs at haunted houses, in gun fights and at renaissance fairs. He was also involved in promotions for the movie “Dances with Wolves” though he was considered too big to be cast in the actual film. However, according to Murra, his major claim to fame is his ability to spin two guns in two different directions at the same time for three minutes — all while telling jokes. This talent has won Murra seven first place trophies at the World Champion Gun Spinning Competition that used to be held in Deadwood.

“It’s one thing that no one can copy,” Murra ex-plained.

The show will open sometime in May and run through September. There will be performances five or six days a week with three or four 30-minute shows per day — which will coincide with the times the 1880 Train arrives in Hill City.

Right now, Murra and Alexander’s biggest hurdle is the construction of the show’s facility and the search for another actor.

“All I have to do is teach someone a couple of lines and I can do most of the rest,” Murra said.

Along with another actor, Murra may involve his 13-year-old daughter in the show.

“I don’t want her to work too hard, though,” Murra joked.

Murra stresses safety and has not had an accident in his approximately 30 years of performing. He plugged up the cylinder of his show guns in 1989 so they can-

not be loaded or fired and there is no risk of an accidental shooting. Murra’s show may include a shoot-out, but it will be with rubber band, squirt or cap guns instead of actual firearms. Using the whip for advertising was another safety move, though there are other benefits.

“It sounds like a gun going off, but it’s a lot cheaper,” Murra said.

Alexander jumped at the chance to provide a Hill City venue for this highly-rated Keystone performer. Murra’s popularity is evidenced by the praise he receives from his many fans, including a 2013 review on TripAdvisor that reads, “The first time we saw Dave walking down the middle of the street, cracking that long whip was almost 18 years ago and to see him again this year was just as impres-sive and entertaining … Big Dave Murra is the best part of Keystone.”

And Alexander hopes that Big Dave’s Western Comedy Show could soon be one of the best parts of Hill City.

Story by Kacie Svoboda; Photos by Charley Najacht

Big Dave Murra, right, is often head and shoulders over everyone, including Vic Alexander, who recruited Murra to Hill City to perform

a Western show. Murra’s 30-minute show, formerly performed in Keystone, will be performed six days a week.

49inherit the wild

50 Outdoor Heir

Taste Your Way through the Hills Conveniently lo-

cated together, the shared boudoir of the Naked Winery and Sick-N-Twisted Brewery offers a fun and tasty destination for the whole family. Under one roof travel-ers can find wine and beer tastings for the grown-ups, ice cream tastings for the little ones and an ever-ex-panding menu of food offerings sure to be a hit with all ages. Stone oven pizzas for sharing and personal flatbread pizzas are made fresh to order. (If you dare, kick your pizza up a notch with the house’s red pepper relish!) The kitchen also offers gourmet stuffed pretzels, soup, sand-wiches, meat and cheese platters and other daily specials.

Whether you’re new to vino or an experienced wine lover, delicious selections from the Naked Winery racks will tickle your palette and your funny bone with their memorably naughty names. These traditional grape wines are deemed “na-ked” because they contain no additives, honey or sugar, setting the Naked Winery’s many varietals apart from other wines.

Naked Winery owner Kim Livingston always dreamed of owning a winery. She and co-owner/husband Rob opened both the Hill City Naked Winery and Custer Naked Winery Tasting Room in 2011. While the winery has always offered beer tastings, Rob and Kim used their own ap-preciation for craft beers and home brewing and created Sick-N-Twisted Brewery in August of 2012. Tapping the talents of brewmastes George Wadeson and Bob Kenzy, the line of beers offered now include 14 high-quality and unusual tap beers including two wheat beers, an imperial IPA, a hopped red ale, a porter and other intriguing beers that have made it from the experimenta-tion stage to the glass. A large, summer of 2015 expansion of the brewing capabilities at the Hill City location will create many new brews for beer lovers to try. Beers can be sampled in flights of five 6oz. glasses or by the pint at both the Hill City and Custer locations.

You can look forward to the adventure of fine

craft beers, fantastic wines and great food every day, all year-round at Naked Winery/Sick-N-Twisted Brewery any time you’re traveling in the Black Hills.

For wine and beer aficionados interested in the many stops along the Black Hills Wine & Brew Trail, here’s what you can look forward to:

Belle Joli Winery- Cold-climate grape varietals grown in Belle Fourche, SD

Crow Peak Brewing Co.- Signature brews includ-ing spruce tip beer & many others

Dakota Shivers Brewing- Craft brews in historic Lead, SD

Firehouse Brewery- Uniquely flavored, handcraft-ed beers in downtown Rapid City

Firehouse Wine Cellars- Quality wines crafted onsite, guest tours available

Hay Camp Brewing- Nano-brewery specializing in small batch beers

Knuckle Brewing Co.- Sturgis-based brewery located in the iconic Knuckle Saloon

Miner Brewing Co.- Craft beers including an oat meal stout and seasonal specialties

Naked Winery- Unique traditional grape wines w/no additives, honey or sugar

Prairie Berry Winery- Five generations of wine-making from SD grape and fruit wines

Shade Winery- Signature wines from eastern SD vineyards

Sick-N-Twisted Brewery- Fourteen unusual & high-quality beers on tap year-round

Stone Faces Winery & Distillery- Offering a com-bination of grape and fruit wines

Twisted Pine Winery- Large selection of SD wines, plus wines from around the world

SHERIDAN LAKE

Originally known as Golden City, the town of Sheridan was an early mining camp and was the first county seat of Pennington County (mid-late 1870s). Situated on Spring Creek, the town was re-named for U.S. Army General Philip Sheridan and was the home for many miners that worked the claims in the area. When the county seat moved on to Rapid City in 1878, residents began

to move out. A fire in the mid-1880s destroyed many of the buildings. It is believed that by 1920, there were only about 10 residents and the town was essentially a ghost town.

An earthen dam (134 feet high) was constructed on the creek in 1939. The town was submerged and Sheridan Lake (reservoir) was born. Operated by the United States

Forest Service, the lake is one of the great recreation areas in the Black hills and is located just a few miles from Hill City in the Heart of the Hills. Accessible only by foot, the dam’s water levels remain fairly constant since the lake is not used for flood control or irrigation.

Lake facilities include a marina, swimming beaches, campgrounds, picnic spots and overlook areas. Many winter activities also take place at Sheridan Lake.

The town of Sheridan now resides about 20 feet below the sur-face of the Lake. The only complete structure believed to remain of Sheridan is a home that was once owned by Johnny and Kit Good . It was re-located approximately six miles to the south just before the town was flooded. At the time of print, the actual structure location could not be 100% verified. The home reportedly had an unusually high number of outside doors.

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Background Photo Courtesy SD Dept. Tourism

53inherit the wild

Black Hills PlayhouseThe Black

Hills Playhouse is a professional summer stock theatre located in gorgeous Custer State Park. The inviting and unpretentious atmosphere of the rural theater in Custer State Park is something you simply won’t find in the big city. From buffalo wandering through camp and the smell of the pines to the friendly faces of welcoming staff, this is a unique and relaxing place.

This year, the Black Hills Playhouse celebrates its 70th Anniversary Season of professional theatre productions in Custer State Park. Generations of families and visitors have attended, and for many, the Playhouse is an annual tradition with special memories of friends and family, nature, and art in a unique environment.

The BHP provides an essential training ground for early career professionals to bridge the gap between education and the professional world. The mission of the BHP is to enhance and inspire lives through professional theatre and learning experiences based in the Black Hills.  Each year the BHP employs approximately 65 theatre professionals including university professors, seasoned actors, technicians, and college students. It produces 4-5 plays each season from June through August in an intimate 327 seat, air-conditioned venue.

A Brief History:The BHP was founded in 1946 by Dr. Warren M. “Doc” Lee, who was the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of South Dakota. He had an idea to create a summer stock theater to provide employment opportunities for artists and high-quality theatre

experiences for South Dakotans. Doc Lee heard that the lessee at the State Game Lodge was looking for entertainment for guests in

Custer State Park. The Park Superintendent at the time gave permission for the company to live at Camp Lodge, a Civilian Conservation Corps. camp which had been abandoned in 1941. Camp Lodge had running water, its own electric plant and a walk-in cooler in the kitchen. Doc

Lee took it sight unseen, raised money for the company and brought 15 people out the first year. There were few living comforts, but the company was willing to compromise on almost anything—except quality of the performances.

In 1946 the BHP company members lived at Camp Lodge, but played at the Coolidge Inn, located in the Park. From 1947 - 1951, the company played at the Frontier Theatre, a large canvas army tent at Legion Lake built by the company members. In 1951 the Mess Hall at Camp Lodge was converted into a theatre, but it burned ten days before the start of the season, forcing the company to convert the Post Exchange into a theatre. This space served until 1956 when the current theatre built by the State Game, Fish and Park Commission opened. Many years of professional theatre in Custer State Park have been organized by Doc Lee, Leonard Anderson, Jan Swank, Bruce Halverson, Michael Burgraff, and Dan Workman.

Thanks to the support of many, Doc Lee’s dream continues. Since 1946, thousands of artists have been employed at the BHP, and over 980,000 tickets have been sold.

The 70th Anniversary Season promises to be spectacular and features the comedy A Couple of Blaguards, classic drama To Kill A Mockingbird, romantic musical She Loves Me, must-see extravaganza Shrek the Musical, and dynamic comedy, Moonlight & Magnolias. The goal of the Black Hills Playhouse board, staff and alums, in partnership with the State of South Dakota and the University of South Dakota, is to preserve and strengthen this South Dakota cultural treasure for future generations. More information on the Black Hills Playhouse and 70th Season can be found online at www.blackhillsplayhouse.com or by calling 605-255-4141.Original performance site for the Black Hills Playhouse

Located in

Black Hills!

Between Hill City and Custer • HWY 16/385 605.673.4681 • www.crazyhorsememorial.org

55inherit the wild

Crazy Horse Memorial in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota is the place to visit in 2015. It is the 3oth year of the annual Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch on June 6 and 7 and they will be celebrating in the fall with a second Volksmarch during the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup on September 27.

Another event that gains in popularity each year is the annual Crazy Horse Stampede Rodeo and Gift from Mother Earth celebration. June 19 - 21 is the 25th anniversary of outdoor rodeo that features the Great Plains Indian Rodeo Association (GPIRA) and Professional Rodeo Cowboy Associ-ation (PRCA) events on the Crazy Horse Memorial grounds.

In addition, 2015 will bring another milestone in Crazy Horse Memorial’s 67-year history. The experienced Crazy Horse Mountain Crew will be starting carving work on the hand and finger of Crazy Horse as his spirit is being carved out of a gigantic mountain the Black Hills. The face of Crazy Horse was completed and dedicated in l998. Since then the mountain crew has been working on “roughing out” the horses head from the granite mountain. When it is finished the gigantic mountain carving will be 563-feet-high and 641-feet-wide. The 29-foot finger of Crazy Horse will pointto where as Crazy Horse once remarked…”where my deadlie buried.” 1.3 million visitors a year come to the Memo-rial from all over the world to learn about the history andculture of the Native American Indian.

Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski envisioned not only the mountain carving when he came to South Dakota at the invitation of Chief Henry Standing Bear, but also an Indian Museum of North America, an Indian University of North America and a medical training center. The large museum containing artifacts and the culture of North American

Indian tribes was built in 1973 and expanded several times since. The Crazy Horse Summer Indian University of North America program completed its 5th program in 2014 award-ing 32 students the first 12 to 15 credits of their college education.

Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski turned down government funds because he knew the full vision would never be carried out. The project is guided by members of the family and the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation Board. The sculp-tor’s wife Ruth passed away in 2014 after carrying on the project since Korczak’s death in 1982. The project is now led by a three person team which includes two of Korczak and Ruth’s ten children Jadwiga and Monique who have worked on the project all their lives. President and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Laurie Becvar, created and supervised the uni-versity program and was selected in 2013 to be a part of the three person Executive management Team that supervises all aspects of the continuously growing educational and humanitarian project.

2015 Crazy Horse Memorial

Volksmarch

Indian Museum of North America

© Crazy Horse Memorial Fnd.

© Crazy Horse Memorial Fnd.

Custer State Park Adventures

Custer state Park WildlifeCuster State Park is one of the few places in the

world where you’re able to see an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat. You’ll encounter a va-riety of wildlife throughout the park’s 71,000 acres, including along trails, in the campgrounds and beside the road. Wildlife Loop Road is particularly known for its common sightings of buffalo, pronghorn and prairie dogs, but keep a keen eye out for white-tailed and mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep and a host of birds and smaller wildlife as well. For the best results, travel the loop during the early morning or later in the evening, when wildlife are most active.

fishingFishing is allowed anywhere in Custer State Park.

A valid South Dakota fishing license is required.

Anglers will find rainbow, brown and brook trout in the park’s waters. Only one trout can exceed 14 inches, but there is no minimum size restriction. (Stockade Lake has a 15-inch minimum size limit on large and smallmouth bass.)

It is legal to use artificial lures, flies, worms or other bait.

Minnows cannot be used except on Stockade Lake. A variety of sport and panfish are found in Stockade Lake including northern pike, bass, perch, crappie, bluegill and bullhead.

Licenses, bait and tackle are available at each of the four resort areas. For daily limits and rules, please refer to the 2015 Fishing Handbook, available at the park office and the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center.

Peter norbeCk Visitor CenterThe Civilian Conservation Corps built the Peter

Norbeck Visitor Center as the park museum during the winter months of 1934-35. The young men of Camp Lodge, ages 17-25, created a structure that blends into the surroundings. They used their talent in construction and native materials of logs and rocks to create a building to educate the public on the park’s natural and cultural history.

Interpretive exhibits and displays allow visitors to gaze into the eyes of a 1,900-pound bison and wit-ness tree rings dating back 330 years. Displays reveal much about the history of the area, from Black Hills geology to the efforts of an 1876 gold panner.

The Peter Norbeck Visitor Center is the main location for the park’s educational programs. Each guest should visit the center to learn more about the park.

The Wildlife Station Visitor Center is located along Wildlife Loop Road and is the place to stop for questions that come up during your drive down the scenic road. If you saw a beautiful prairie flower or a new critter, staff will help you identify it. Staff can also direct you to the area where the park’s buffalo herd was last seen.

WWW.CusterstatePark.Com | information: 605.255.4515

Programs at a glanCeDaily

9 a.m. Wildlife Loop Road Caravan

10 a.m. Junior Naturalist Program

11 a.m. Patio Activities

1 p.m. Story of the Bison

2 p.m. Patio Activities

3 p.m. Junior Naturalist Program

6 p.m. Wildlife Loop Road Caravan

9 p.m. Evening Programs

Sunday

9:30 a.m. Hook ‘em & Cook ‘em

1 p.m. Canoeing Basics

Tuesday9:30 a.m. Hook ‘em & Cook ‘em

1 p.m. Canoeing Basics

Thursday9:30 a.m. Hook ‘em & Cook ‘em

1 p.m. Canoeing Basics

Calendar of eVentsJune

National Trails Day - June 6Prairie Trail Hike, 9 a.m. Meet at Peter Norbeck Visitor Center

Little Devil’s Tower Hike, 1 p.m.Meet at Sylvan Lake General Store

Badger Clark Trail Hike, 4 p.m. Meet at Badger Hole Historic Site

Nature Day Camp: Kids Fishing Day (ages 7-12) June 10, 9:30 a.m. - noonAngostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs

Nature Day Camp: Kids Fishing Day (ages 7-12)June 17, 9:30 a.m. - noonRocky Point Recreation Area near Belle Fourche

Father’s Day Bluebird Box Workshop June 20, 6 p.m.Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs

Nature Day Camp: Kids Fishing Day (ages 7-12)June 24, 9:30 a.m. – noonCuster State Park Game Lodge Campground

JulyNature Day Camp: Track Detectives (ages 7-12) July 8 , 9:30 a.m. – noonAngostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs

Nature Day Camp: Nature Explorers (ages 7-12) July 15, 9:30 a.m. – noonRocky Point Recreation Area near Belle Fourche

Nature Day Camp: Track Detectives (ages 7-12)July 22, 9:30 a.m. – noonCuster State Park Game Lodge Campground

AugustNature Day Camp: Nature Explorers (ages 7-12)August 5, 9:30 a.m. – noonAngostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs

Nature Day Camp: Nature Explorers (ages 7-12) August 12, 9:30 a.m. – noonCuster State Park Game Lodge Campground

10th Annual South Dakota Bat Festival August 15, 6 p.m.Custer State Park Game Lodge Campground

Tatanka Theatre

September

50th Annual Buffalo RoundupSeptember 25

22nd Annual Buffalo Roundup Arts FestivalSeptember 24-26

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In Memory of Rock 1941-2014

With a heart of gold and a constant willingness to help others, Rock was a steadfast supporter of Black Hills tourism and the community of Custer. He will be missed.

FREE!There are many free attractions in the Black Hills that your kids may love!

Here are just a few. ENJOY!

Rapid CityStory Book Island

Outdoor Campus WestDinosaur Park

S.D. Air & Space Museum (Ellsworth AFB)

SpearfishD.C. Booth Fish Hatchery – Spearfish

Black HillsMickelson Trail – from the

Southern Hills to the Northern Hills and all points between

Black Hills Playhouse

When you head for the Black Hills, escape to Hot Springs–home to warm mineral waters, underground caverns, wild mustangs, prehistoric fossils and soft sandy beaches. You will also fi nd budget-friendly hotels, unique sandstone architecture and family adventures in every direction. Plan your trip to Hot Springs. It’s a Black Hills vacation all its own.

A BLACK HILLS VACATION ALL ITS OWN

HOT SPRINGS Part of Your American Journey in South Dakota

1-800-325-6991 • HotSprings-SD.com

Request a Free South Dakota Vacation Guide • 1-800-S-DAKOTA • TravelSD.com

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Experience the history of motorcycling... the sport, the lifestyle and the rally!

Open Year-Round7 Days a Week

Closed Some HolidaysHours Vary by Season

$5 Adults • $4 Seniors 65+ • Children Under 12 Free

999 Main Street • Sturgis, SD 57785(605) 347-2001 • www.sturgismuseum.com

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64 Outdoor Heir

FIFTY YEARS YOUNG:Rushmore Tramway Adventures

Times do change. Fifty years ago, the chairlift that took you up in the atmosphere for a fantastic view of Mt. Rushmore was one of the more thrilling adventures available to tourists in the Black Hills or other vacation destinations. Now, with var-ious thrilling adventures available na-tionwide, the chair lift seems almost relaxing in comparison. And it is relaxing. You can take a ride to the top, enjoy the view, and enjoy some great food in one of the most scenic eateries anywhere; The Garden Cafe. The evolution of Rushmore Tramway adventures does only include the Garden Café. Thrill seekers will love ziplining, the Aerial Adventure Park, and the Alpine Slide! Any business that plans on operating for fifty years has to change and modify with the times and the demands of the consumer. Rushmore Tramway Adventures has certainly done that. Times do change. And over the last fifty years, that business in Keystone that gave you a ride on a chair lift has changed, too. Spend some time at Rushmore Tramway Adventures. Outdoor Heir Approved!

Black Hills Secret Destination:

Hippie HoleSecret destinations in the Black

Hills are not uncommon. In the last issue of Outdoor Heir, Poets Table was highlighted. In this issue, Hippie Hole…

These locations are not really se-crets. They are just off of the beaten path and for one reason or another, they are not destinations promoted heavily by the state for various rea-sons. Whenever you choose a trail,

always make sure that you and your party can physically handle the terrain and make sure it is legal to be on the property!

Hippie Hole, on Battle Creek, is located south of Rapid City in the vicinity of Rockerville. There are two main trails in to the area. One route, off of Hwy 40, is fairly strenuous while the other route, off of S. Rocker-ville Road, is much less taxing. Both hikes will require you bring the necessary supplies (first aid kit, water, etc.). Watch for wildlife and plant life, especially poi-son ivy (remember – three leaves)!

Once you arrive at Hipple Hole, you can play in the water, scout the area, or just relax. It is a beautiful place with a beautifully peaceful waterfall.

As always, do not jump into water without knowing the depth and underwater terrain. It can be very dangerous.

Enjoy your time at Hippie Hole. It’s a place that is secret even to many locals!

photo by SD Dept. of Tourism

Poison Ivy

South Dakota Made

Gutzon Borglum was an American artist and sculptor famous for creating Mt. Rushmore, a carving on Stone Mountain near Atlanta and much more.

He was born in 1867 in St. Charles, Idaho. He graduated from Harvard Technical College.

In 1908, Borglum won a competition for a statue of the Civil War General Philip Sheridan to be placed in Sheridan Circle in Washington, D.C. At the unveiling of this sculpture, President Theodore Roosevelt declared that it was “first rate”.

Borglum sculpted numerous statues and pieces that are located all over the world.

“Don’t say ‘I can’t ’. On this work - the ‘I cant’s’ are unknown in the world’s work and unremembered in history.”

Mount Rushmore

Content and Borglum Photo courtesy of Borglum Historical Center. • http://www.rushmoreborglum.com/ • Photo of Mt. Rushmore courtesy of SD Dept. of Tourism

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A Distilled Spirit Recipe from the Isle of Emerald Green

John James Naughton was born in 1855 into a humble Irish family on the estate of the Castel Matrix, County Limerick. His father was the Castel Matrix’s caretaker and millwright. With the Irish potato famine, John at 14 stowed away on a cattle boat bound for America. He settled in the Midwest and became a successful

farmer, latter marring the love of his life Mary and having 11 children. John brought with him the receipt of how to make Potcheen. Potcheen, in Galic, refers to spirits that are distilled from a pot-still. Today, it would be called “moonshine,” “white whiskey,” or “white lighting.” Potcheen differs from moonshine in that it is made from barley, sugar and honey giving it a smooth, sweet, earthy flavor.

Fast forward to 2011, two brothers Michael and Paul Lewis, the great grandsons John, recall the stories passed down about the artisan craft of making Potcheen. To honor their great grandfather and to revive a part of

their Irish heritage, they made a pact to bring the old recipe back to life. The brothers devoted themselves to produce a top-quality product, which would be appreciated by aficionados everywhere.

After three years of planning, experimenting and hard work, the spirit was reborn as Sturgis Shine. The brothers realized that they had set on a grand journey – not just to make a triple distilled and charcoaled filtered spirit – but to rebuild the dream of creating a unique heritage liquor. Unlike the traditional raw corn used in moonshine, they sought out South Dakota made products, barley from Belle Fourche and honey from Hermosa. Through persistence, and the help of John Naughton’s original recipe, Black Hills Dakota Distillery has put bottles of this small-batch spirit on the shelves.

Your Black Hills Journey starts here! Established in 1997, The Journey Museum and Learning

Center brings together 4 major prehistoric and historic collections to tell the complete story of the Western Great Plains. Play and discover in our Learning Lab, listen to an enriching Tipi Talk, try your hand at traditional La-kota Games, or participate in Bone Talks and Rocks. Take a moment to take part in our dig boxes to search for dinosaur bones in our Paleontology Field Tent or pretend you’re an archaeol-ogist and uncover artifacts. It doesn’t matter if you’re 2 or 102, you can learn and play every day at The Journey Museum and Learning Center.

SDSM&T Museum of Geology Begin in the abyss, a star-studded darkness rep-resenting billions of years of unrecorded time. Emerge from this vast emptiness to discover a monumental geologic cross section of the Black Hills that shows how this region was formed over the course of 2.5 billion years. Touch the bone of a dinosaur that once roamed this region.

SD Archaeological Research Center Examine the lives of our early ancestors, from ancient hunters who lived in the Black Hills at the end of the Ice Age to the mining settlements of the nineteenth century. Visit an archaeological dig site and touch artifacts from the last 10,000 years and solve the mysteries of the past.

Sioux Indian Museum Take a breathtaking look into Sioux culture through high aesthetic quality items of rare histor-ic value acquired from notable Sioux individuals,

artists, and artisans who incorporate a diverse array of native and trade materials including glass beadwork, porcupine quillwork, hide painting, feather working, wood and pipestone carving and metalworking. 

Minnilusa Pioneer Museum Look into the not-so-distant past when mountain men, military expeditions and miners first set foot in the Black Hills. Illuminated story walls take you through major historical events such as the discov-ery of gold and the Battle of Little Big Horn. You may even encounter the likes of Wild Bill Hickock among others who helped pave the way to our present day.

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www.deadwoodlodge.com