The cache is located at the Minnekahta Trailhead on the Mickelson Trail, at the 16.2 mile post. It is accessible right off US Hwy 18, between Hot Springs and Edgemont, SD
The George S. Mickelson Trail is a rail trail in the Black Hills region of South Dakota and is maintained by the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks. The main trail route extends 108.8 miles (175.1 km), from Edgemont to Deadwood, The trail is named after George S. Mickelson, the South Dakota governor who helped spearhead the project. The first segment of the trail was opened in 1991, and the entire route was completed in 1998, and is the first rails to trails project in South Dakota.
Nearly all of the trail follows the route of an abandoned railroad branch line constructed by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in 1890-91 and last operated by the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1983. The trail's route is mountainous, forested, and scenic, traversing the heart of the Black Hills and largely within the boundaries of the Black Hills National Forest.The trail alignment includes four tunnels and more than 100 converted railroad bridges. There are fifteen established trailheads spaced along the route.
Minnekahata was originally a water stop and the junction of the Hot Springs branch of the original railroad. The water in this area is so hard that water had to be brought in by tank cars, and pumped into the water tower to have it available for the steam locomotives. In the early 1890s, tourists came by train to enjoy the warm water spas of Hot Springs.
You are looking for a bison tube. Bring your own writing stick as there isn't one in the cache. Please return the cache exactly as found, being sure to re-hide it well so it is not accidentally found. There is level parking, and the cache is very close by. If there are people here resting or gearing up for the trail, please wait until they're gone or come back another time so to not jeopardize the hide.
As with all of our caches, enjoy the area, be safe and have fun.