Black Hills History Tours, Vol. 3: On the Narrow Gauge and Beyond

From military expeditions to gold mining boomtowns, outlandish business ventures to stunning national parks, the Black Hills teem with history as rich as their natural beauty. Inspired by field trips that he organized at Black Hills State University, David A. Wolff has distilled decades of experience exploring, researching, and teaching the history of this majestic region into accessible and informative self-guided tours.

Thousands of gold miners hoped to make their fortunes in the Black Hills, but only a handful of mines carried such riches. Peerless among them was the Homestake, which became one of the largest gold mines in the world. On the Narrow Gauge and Beyond details the impact that the Homestake, the railroads, the timber companies, Fort Meade, and other crucial enterprises had on the Northern Black Hills. Featuring maps by the South Dakota Department of Transportation and dozens of photographs, Wolff’s historical synopsis provides just the right amount of context for each site on the route, along with precise mil e age and directions. By tour’s end, you will have completed a mini-course in Black Hills history!

“Wolff's book is filled with historical and current information about South Dakota's northeastern Black Hill. . . . There's something for everyone On the Narrow Gauge .” — Bill Markley , Roundup Magazine , April 2026

David A. Wolff is professor emeritus of history at Black Hills State University, where he specialized in South Dakota and the Black Hills. He is the author of three books on Black Hills and mining history. His honors include BHSU's Distinguished Faculty Member Award.