A lot of riders who trek the Mickelson love to do an overnight stay at one of Hill City's many hotels, motels, B&Bs and campgrounds.

While you're here, visit the art galleries, restaurants, taverns and attractions packed into this historic Western town. Here's a short to-do list:

• Say hello to "Stan", a real T. rex skeleton. He's one of the many fossils on display at the Black Hills Museum of Natural History. The museum is operated by the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research.
• See bronze sculptures being made. Black Hills Bronze, a fine-art foundry that creates pieces for sculptors from the Black Hills and beyond, is located in Hill City.
• Watch logs become lumber. Rushmore Forest Products, one of two major sawmills in the Black Hills, offers guided tours. (Call 605-574-2512 to schedule a tour.)
• See the role of railroads in the state's history. The South Dakota State Railroad Museum is located at the 1880 Train depot.
• Witness an Old West shootout. The action starts every evening at 7 p.m. on Main Street.
• Do your Christmas shopping. Mistletoe Ranch, next to the Prairie Berry Winery, is a year-around store that sells every kind of Christmas collectible you can imagine – and several that you wouldn't believe!