If you hail from the Mount Rushmore State, you have probably visited and toured abandoned mines in South Dakota, but have you ever hiked to one that is hidden and little-known? Whether you have or haven’t, you are going to want to lace up your hiking boots and follow this trail that’ll take you to one of the lesser-known mines around these parts, the Empire Mine in South Dakota.
Located near Rapid City, the Samelius Trailhead is a 4-mile out and back trail that leads to one of the coolest abandoned mines in South Dakota.
AllTrails/Mathew Tschetter
Established in 1933, the Empire Mine was made up of the former Golden Slipper (discovered in 1911) and the Forest City (discovered in 1893) mines before being bought out and re-named by a new, native New Yorker owner.
AllTrails/Perfect Foundation Living That explains how the Empire Mine in South Dakota got its name!
Like most mines of its time, the Empire Mine eventually ran dry and was abandoned.
AllTrails/Rachael S Unlike other mines, this abandoned mine in South Dakota has remained surprisingly well-preserved, and the hike to it is stunning from start to finish.
Best used between May and September, the Samelius Trail will not only take you straight to the Mine but also through the pristine, picture-perfect Black Hills landscape.
AllTrails/Danielle Gabrielson
You never know what surprises you will find along the Samelius Trail!
AllTrails/Jay Hrachovec Relics of the past are abundant along this hike.
Please note: The Samelius Trail boasts an elevation gain of 757 feet and may not be suitable for beginning hikers.
AllTrails/Michael Gross
Access to the Samelius Trailhead can be found just 6 miles east of Hill City via Highway 16.
Google/Howard Phoenix If you’ve ever wanted to hike to abandoned mines in South Dakota, move this trail to the top of your bucket list ASAP!
Do you have a favorite attraction, event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured here on Only in South Dakota? Remember to nominate it here! For even more can’t-miss Mount Rushmore State hikes, this abandoned railroad trail in South Dakota.
AllTrails/Mathew Tschetter
AllTrails/Perfect Foundation Living
That explains how the Empire Mine in South Dakota got its name!
AllTrails/Rachael S
Unlike other mines, this abandoned mine in South Dakota has remained surprisingly well-preserved, and the hike to it is stunning from start to finish.
AllTrails/Danielle Gabrielson
AllTrails/Jay Hrachovec
Relics of the past are abundant along this hike.
AllTrails/Michael Gross
Google/Howard Phoenix
If you’ve ever wanted to hike to abandoned mines in South Dakota, move this trail to the top of your bucket list ASAP!
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Address: Samelius Centennial Trailhead, Silver City, SD 57702, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
abandoned mines in south dakota July 16, 2022 Jackie Ann Can I hike to abandoned places in South Dakota? Once you’ve hiked to the Empire Mine in South Dakota, you’ll want to explore all of the other abandoned places in South Dakota. Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, you can hike to the old Bob Ingersoll Mine, a fascinating piece of South Dakota’s past. The trail is less than a mile long and the mine is surprisingly well-preserved, and you can even explore some of the buildings. Can I hike to historical sites in South Dakota? South Dakota is full of historical hikes that will both enchant and educate you. One of our favorite historical hikes in South Dakota is the hike to the Mount Roosevelt Memorial Tower in the Black Hills area. Also known as the “Friendship Tower,” the tower was built by the local sheriff, Seth Bullock who wanted to commemorate his friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt. Not only are the views along the trail impressive, but once you reach the tower and climb the staircase, you’ll be dazzled with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. What are the creepiest places in South Dakota? Like any other state, there are plenty of haunted places in South Dakota that you can visit that will bring out the paranormal investigator in you. One of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in South Dakota is Spokane, a Custer County ghost town where you can take a quick and easy one-mile hike to. Like many ghost towns in South Dakota, Spokane was once a thriving mining town that was abandoned once the lands ran dry.
The OIYS Visitor Center
abandoned mines in south dakota
July 16, 2022
Jackie Ann
Can I hike to abandoned places in South Dakota? Once you’ve hiked to the Empire Mine in South Dakota, you’ll want to explore all of the other abandoned places in South Dakota. Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, you can hike to the old Bob Ingersoll Mine, a fascinating piece of South Dakota’s past. The trail is less than a mile long and the mine is surprisingly well-preserved, and you can even explore some of the buildings. Can I hike to historical sites in South Dakota? South Dakota is full of historical hikes that will both enchant and educate you. One of our favorite historical hikes in South Dakota is the hike to the Mount Roosevelt Memorial Tower in the Black Hills area. Also known as the “Friendship Tower,” the tower was built by the local sheriff, Seth Bullock who wanted to commemorate his friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt. Not only are the views along the trail impressive, but once you reach the tower and climb the staircase, you’ll be dazzled with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. What are the creepiest places in South Dakota? Like any other state, there are plenty of haunted places in South Dakota that you can visit that will bring out the paranormal investigator in you. One of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in South Dakota is Spokane, a Custer County ghost town where you can take a quick and easy one-mile hike to. Like many ghost towns in South Dakota, Spokane was once a thriving mining town that was abandoned once the lands ran dry.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Once you’ve hiked to the Empire Mine in South Dakota, you’ll want to explore all of the other abandoned places in South Dakota. Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, you can hike to the old Bob Ingersoll Mine, a fascinating piece of South Dakota’s past. The trail is less than a mile long and the mine is surprisingly well-preserved, and you can even explore some of the buildings.
Can I hike to historical sites in South Dakota?
South Dakota is full of historical hikes that will both enchant and educate you. One of our favorite historical hikes in South Dakota is the hike to the Mount Roosevelt Memorial Tower in the Black Hills area. Also known as the “Friendship Tower,” the tower was built by the local sheriff, Seth Bullock who wanted to commemorate his friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt. Not only are the views along the trail impressive, but once you reach the tower and climb the staircase, you’ll be dazzled with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.
What are the creepiest places in South Dakota?
Like any other state, there are plenty of haunted places in South Dakota that you can visit that will bring out the paranormal investigator in you. One of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in South Dakota is Spokane, a Custer County ghost town where you can take a quick and easy one-mile hike to. Like many ghost towns in South Dakota, Spokane was once a thriving mining town that was abandoned once the lands ran dry.
