Hidden Gems

Sometimes the best gems are hidden in plain sight. That is the case with Tracy Park at least. After all, this peaceful spot right off the Mickelson Trail shares both pieces from the past and value for the present.

At the forefront of the park is a historic cabin that was moved to this location from Allen Gulch, formerly known as Teacher Gulch in the 1890s. According to the plaque inside the cabin, “The home was built by Bill Tracy around 1890. The park was named after his youngest daughter, Charlotte, who lived in Hill City in this house for many years. This is the oldest building remaining from Hill City’s pioneer days.” 

The plaque also revealed that “The building has survived for well over a hundred years is a testament to the builders. All logs used were sawn by hand, and dove-tailed mortised corners held the structure together. Wooden pegs made by hand were used instead of nails (which were hard to come by on the frontier).” 

So much more history is hidden within those ancient walls. There are framed photos of Hill City Main Street from 1908, 1930, 2000 and 2001 along with descriptions of what different buildings were. In addition, there is old information about popular tourist sites as well as some history of gold mining in the Black Hills. There is even information about the history of the Alpine Inn and the Hill City Schools.

Beyond the history, Tracy Park offers a family-friendly atmosphere. There are public restrooms, water fountains, vending machines and picnic tables for the community to take pleasure in. Meanwhile, friends can gather together beneath the pavilion to enjoy each other’s company as well as the summer weather. 

Through the center of the park winds a bubbling creek perfect for a quiet walk alongside. The water sparkles in the sunlight, and a close look reveals blue dragonflies zipping across the water. If you are extra lucky, you might even be able to spot a mallard duck and her line of fuzzy ducklings swimming close behind. 

A bridge crosses the creek and leads to a playground promising adventures yet to be had. There are five towers connected by bouncy wooded bridges and tunnels leading to several slides. Down below there are smaller slides for younger kids and a sand digger. There is also a swing set with two regular swings and one baby swing. Just outside the playground ring is a bench where parents or grandparents can sit and watch their kids play. 

All in all, Tracy Park is a perfect place for picnics, family fun and quiet time. It truly is a gem hidden in plain sight.