Mystic

Gold to Rails to Trails

State: South Dakota County: Pennington County Founded: 1876 Abandoned: 1920s Peak Population: 500

Mystic was a Black Hills gold mining town that later served as a railroad stop. When mining declined, so did Mystic. Today the old railroad bed is the popular Mickelson Trail, passing through the near-ghost town.

Gold Mining

Mystic was founded during the Black Hills Gold Rush. Miners worked the hills around the town.

Mickelson Trail

The railroad that once brought life to Mystic is now a 109-mile recreational trail. Mystic is a trailhead.

Timeline

  • 1876 - Founded Gold rush settlement
  • 1920s - Decline Mining ended

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Summer

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 1 hour

Quick Facts

  • On 109-mile Mickelson Trail
  • Black Hills Gold Rush town
  • Popular cyclist stop

Location

Address: Mystic, South Dakota

Coordinates: 44.05, -103.8667