A Hike Along Forest Service Trail In South Dakota Leads You Straight To An Abandoned Village
If you are a lifelong South Dakotan, you may think you already know all of our towns and that you have seen them all, but have you really? While there is a good chance you have covered the majority, we are willing to bet you have never taken this hike to an abandoned place in South Dakota that leads you straight to a once-vibrant village.
Do you have a favorite hike to an abandoned place in South Dakota? What are your favorite unique hikes in South Dakota? Let us know in the comments! For another easy South Dakota hike, check out our previous article: Your Kids Will Love This Easy Waterfall Hike Right Here In South Dakota.
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hike to an abandoned place in South Dakota
Are there any other abandoned places in South Dakota?
You’ll find plenty of abandoned places in South Dakota, including the abandoned town of Scenic. Once a bustling town, Scenic was eventually bought for nearly $800,000 and is today used by a church. You can still visit the town, where several buildings still stand, a reminder of yesteryear.
You might also want to visit Capa, a ghost town in South Dakota. The town dates back to 1904 and was a popular railroad town. Once a bustling and a thriving town with 500 residents, the post office eventually shut down for good, resulting in the shuttering of the entire town. Today, some of the abandoned buildings still remain in the town that has become a hotspot for curiosity seekers.
Can I take any other historic hiking trails in South Dakota?
You’ll find some pretty cool historic hiking trails in South Dakota, including the Ingersoll Mine Hike. Short and sweet at just a half of a mile round trip, the trail leads to a mine that once held mica, beryl crystal, and feldspar. Once you arrive at the old mill and mine, you can explore both of them. Just make sure you bring a flashlight or wear a headlamp.
For another historic hiking trail in South Dakota, set off on the 1.5-mile out-and-back trail Split Rock Creek Trail. The historic trail features quartzite that dates back more than 1.5 billion years.
What are the best unique hikes in South Dakota?
Unique hikes in South Dakota are, fortunately, pretty easy to find. If you’re up for a bit of a trek, follow the 10.5-mile Castle Trail in Badlands National Park. The picturesque trail features rock formations that resemble castles. The lightly-trafficked trail is home to numerous wildlife, too, including rabbits, big horn sheep, and birds.
For a unique and a jaw-dropping hike, head out on the Buzzards Roost Trail. The 1.6-mile trail, which requires a climb of 374 feet, features sweeping views of the landscape below.