Black Hills National Forest

US Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-9200

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
605-673-9227

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Amy Ballard (605) 343-1567, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

RAILROAD HISTORY FEATURED AT MOON WALK

RAPID CITY, SD: JULY 8, 2005

Join the Black Hills National Forest on Saturday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. for a walk around the abandoned town site of Oblivion near Hill City. Speakers Rick Mills and Bob Warder will lead visitors on this easy 1/2 mile round-trip walk.

Rick Mills, local author and railroad historian, and Bob Warder of the 1880 Train will discuss railroad history in the Black Hills along the 1880 Train route. The town of Oblivion contained the Nelson Sawmill that served the lumber operations up and down Palmer Gulch.

A reproduction of the unique harp switch that was used to maneuver the trains will be displayed and discussed. Oblivion was the original destination of the 1880 Train and movie sets from Gunsmoke and the Orphan Train were displayed here.

To reach the Moon Walk site, travel approximately 20 miles west of Rapid City or 6 miles east of Hill City on Highway 385. Turn south on Twin Springs Road and travel .7 miles to Forest Road 354.1H. Turn left on Forest Road 354.1H and travel .1 mile to the parking area.

For more information or if you would like to be placed on an internet mailing list to receive the Moon Walk news releases and directions please call the Mystic Ranger District in Rapid City at 605-343-1567.