est. 1910

The first record of this building is in 1910, but there are many stories and theories that surround the origination of the bar. One had it as a horse stable, which pictures from the 1960’s show the one side was higher with a dirt floor. Another one was that the building was located at Mystic 7 miles down the road and was moved to the current location. All may be theories, but the remnants sure do carry on with the good ol’ times and traditions of our past. The Moonshine Gulch Saloon remains a classic destination for everyone’s visit to the Black Hills. Our rich history and story continue to present the old days as they once were. Even country music stars, Big and Rich filmed their “Big Time” music video on the property because of its iconic look and feel of a time long since passed.

Take a step back in time

Not much changed in the 50 years between these two photographs.

About Rochford

In August 1876, three hunters accidentally discovered what became the Montezuma Gold Mine. Hopeful placer miners from Lead and Central City flocked to the area, staking claims along Little Rapid Creek. The first cabin that established the future site of Rochford was started in February 1877 when M. D. Rochford built a cabin there. In March 1877, an official mining district was set up in the area. In May 1878, Rochford, who was the county commissioner, and R. B. Hughes laid out the town in a gulch. Mining operations in the area included the Silver Reef, Resumption, Pride of the West, Oro Cache, Rattler, Mountain Treasure, Justin, Glenwood, Little Woodchuck, Ethan Allen, Wide West, and Surprise Fraction, as well as branches of the Homestake Mining Company. The town made its profit from the local Evangeline and Minnesota gold mines, which each had a 20-stamp mill; and the Stand-By mine. The Stand-By 40-stamp mill planned in 1879 used a flume to haul water and create power. There was a large office at this mill that the locals nicknamed “The Mansion,” though it was torn down some time before 1950.This mine and mill contributed to much of Rochford’s growth. A sawmill produced 900,000 feet (270,000 m) of lumber for the operations. The mill’s building was delayed in March 1880 due to the freight train’s inability to make it to the mill, due to a snowfall of 4 feet (1.2 m). Though the mill was running 60-stamps by May 1880, it closed in 1881, and from there began running intermittently until 1936.

Just take the Rochford Road

The Black Hills

1.2

Million Acres

700

Miles of Trails

30

Campgrounds

20

Lakes

The Black Hills are a small and isolated mountain range rising from the Great Plains of North America in western South Dakota and extending into Wyoming. They are a true destination for Western South Dakota with historic Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, and the beautiful monument Mount Rushmore. The Sturgis motorcycle rally is a yearly event held in the area and draws 100s of thousands of bikers to the area who make Moonshine Gulch Saloon a stop during their rides. You can find endless bike, ATV, and snowmobile trails that take you through some of the most breathtaking views in Western SD. Schedule your trip today and make sure you stop by and visit us at Moonshine Gulch Saloon.

The Mickelson Trail

109

Miles of Groomed Trail

15

Accessible Trailheads

100+

Converted Rail Bridges

4

Rock Tunnels

The Rochford Trailhead is located straight out our front door, about a quarter mile down the road. You can’t miss it!

The main trail route extends 108.8 miles from Edgemont to Deadwood, with approximately nine miles of additional branch trails, including a three-mile paved link from Custer to the Custer State Park completed in 2007. Intermediate points along the route include the towns of Custer and Hill City, and a short branch provides access to the city of Lead. 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. 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 Rochford Trailhead is located straight out our front door, about a quarter mile down the road so stop on in to the Moonshine Gulch Saloon for a quick bite to eat or one of our many refreshments. You can’t miss it!