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Updates July 2024
Tucked away in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota lies the storied frontier town of Deadwood, where the spirit of the Wild West lives on. A visit here transports you back to the raucous gold rush days, as you can still encounter legendary figures like Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, Preacher Smith, and Poker Alice roaming the streets. Immerse yourself in the town’s captivating history and let the timeless allure of the American West sweep you off your feet.
Deadwood attracts many curious fans from the award-winning American Western television series by the same name. The series depicts “Deadwood” in the 1870s. Many venture here hoping to experience the real Deadwood, where the actual real-life legends lived and died. They wish to learn more about the 100+ years of history.
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Where is Deadwood, South Dakota? How do I get there?
Deadwood is a convenient location if you plan to visit the Great 8 of South Dakota. An easy day trip away is Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Wind Cave and Jewel Cave.
The closest commercial airport to Deadwood is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), approximately 50 miles southeast of Deadwood. From the airport, you would rent a car and drive to Deadwood. Rental cars are available at the airport. By car from Rapid City, take I-90 west 45-miles to Sturgis and merge onto US Route 14A West and drive for 12 miles until you reach Deadwood.
The best way to get into Deadwood from Wyoming is to take exit 17 past the Spearfish exit on I-90 towards Deadwood and drive for 8-miles to the main street. Once you arrive in Deadwood, navigating around the town is straightforward. The historic downtown area is relatively compact and walkable, with signs directing visitors to major attractions like casinos, museums, and historic landmarks.
Bonanza in the Hills Gold rush era
With the discovery of gold in 1874 near French Creek, brought an influx of prospectors, entrepreneurs, and homesteaders came to the Black Hills. They established Deadwood in 1876. Stagecoach lines quickly became the mode of transportation for goods and supplies. Soon, the Dakota Territory fell into lawlessness. Gold seekers, gunslingers, and gamblers hoping to stake their claim and seeking their fortune arrived in droves. Romance blossomed with the bordellos.
1961 marked the founding of Deadwood’s National Historic Landmark District. Most of the buildings and streets are a living heritage protecting the gold mine era town. The vibrant town has prevailed through turbulent times. The motto, “No Rules, No Regrets,” lives on in this little iconic town. Although it mainly caters to tourists, the casinos help to keep the historical town’s restoration and preservation efforts afloat.
1st Stop Needs to be the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Our first stop at any destination we visit is always the Welcome Center or the Visitor Center. Built in 1897, the railroad depot now serves as the visitor center. The well-appointed center has clean restrooms, historical exhibits and knowledgeable docents. The volunteer behind the counter advised us the times of the shoot-outs, gave us a map with directions, with lots of historical and brochure information.
Note: Until 8:00 pm, pay to park meters are on Main Street, in city parking lots or at the Visitor Center in the railroad depot. They do ticket vehicles without the parking stubs. If you are really lucky enough to find street parking, it is just $1/hour.
What Things to See and Do in Deadwood, South Dakota
A busy tourist destination during the summer, the parking areas in town fill quickly. Our best advice is to arrive before noon. While the historic buildings are worth strolling, it’s important to note that it is mainly casinos, bars and tourist souvenir shops on the main streets. Several casinos await you if you enjoy gambling. It’s just not what we were looking to do. Instead, we wanted to learn more about the history of this frontier town.
If you are looking for good food, always eat where the locals eat. The Deadwood Miners’ restaurant is just the place to go if you are looking for a home-cooked meal. We stopped to enjoying a delicious breakfast, before heading to the main street attractions and shops.
1. Take a Guided Walking Tour, Stagecoach or Trolley Ride
There are lots of ways to explore what Deadwood offers. The Lawman’s Patrol happens six days a week, Monday thru Saturday. The narrated walking tour lasts about an hour, the cost is minimal and budget friendly. They covered all the key historic downtown landmarks during the tour.
If the Lawman’s Patrol walking tour is not your style, try the Deadwood Trolley or Deadwood Stagecoach rides. The bright red trolley is hop on/hop off for only $2 dollars per ride ($5-day pass). It makes designated stops at most of the major hotels, the visitor’s center and welcome center. If you are lucky, the driver will contribute narration along the way. The Deadwood Stagecoach, run by Deadwood Alive, does a loop around the main street. Tickets are available at Outlaw Square for $14 dollars, Tuesday to Saturday-11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is really a nostalgic way to experience this wild west town.
2. Mingle with Gunslingers on Main Street Deadwood
Deadwood is synonymous with the Old West, so attending the main street gunfight is a must-do. They replay the events of the 1800s every day on the main street. Today we are told the scheduled shootouts are 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The reenactments are free and happen just outside Saloon No. 10. We grabbed an ice cream at Big Dipper Main Street Expresso before finding a place on the curb to watch the show unfold. The street quickly filled with families with younger kids just as the show was about to get started. It was exciting as the players began the card game that leads into a shootout. I was a little shaken at the first shot, responsible for the jerky video on my phone. The re-enactors after the show will pose for photographs. It’s a little corny, but worthwhile to see at least once.
3. Mosey up to the Bar at Saloon No. 10
Prior to traveling to Deadwood, I had read some historical accounts. I learned of the assassination of Wild Bill Hickok on August 2, 1876. It occurred in Historic Saloon No.10. A place of legend in Deadwood. Apparently, as James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok played poker in the Nuttal and Mann’s Saloon No. 10, he was shot in the back of the head while holding Aces and Eights. Forever referred to as the “Dead Man’s Hand.” The feel of this colorful past is still alive and well in the Saloon today.
The original Wild Bill Saloon No. 10 burned down in the 1879 fire that devastated much of downtown Deadwood. The current Wild Bill Bar, filled with Wild West memorabilia, is not the original establishment. The bar’s most photographed item is the supposed chair where Wild Bill Hickok was sitting when he was fatally shot. For a small fee, visitors can take a 20-minute tour of the downstairs basement and discover Hickok’s legacy, including the card table where he was playing when he was gunned down. For me the historical information provided on the tour is priceless.
Interesting Fact: Following the downtown fire, the street level was raised 10 feet to prevent future flooding. Apparently, flooding was a huge issue. As a result, the current downstairs tour showcases the original floor level of the bar.
4. Wander Through Untamed Deadwood
Seth Bullock, the sheriff of Deadwood, was born in 1849. He and his business partner, Sol Star, owned and operated the town’s first hardware store. Tragically, the store was destroyed by a fire in 1894. Undeterred, Bullock and Star replaced the structure with a three-story luxury hotel – a first for Deadwood. The 64-room Bullock Hotel, which boasted steam heat and indoor bathrooms in each room, still stands as a landmark in the town today.
Deadwoods, cobblestoned main street offers an array of activities for all ages. However, adults can venture into the Deadwood Distilling Company Shop to sample their specialty moonshine spirits, which come in an astounding variety of flavors – from butterscotch and vanilla to apple. Tastings are complimentary, allowing visitors to explore the unique offerings. For those preferring wine, the Belle Joli Winery Tasting Room, just down the street, provides the opportunity to savor locally grown grape varietals.
The venue stage at Outlaw Square is a family gathering place that holds events, concerts, and local gatherings. It’s a good place to sit and relax taking a break before watching a shootout.
5. Attend the Trial of Jack McCall
Every Monday through Saturday at 8 pm in the summers, Deadwood Alive performs the Trial of Jack McCall at the historic Masonic Temple. The free show “Capture of Jack McCall” happens at 7:35 pm outside Saloon No. 10, helping to kick off the main attraction. Tickets are 10 dollars to attend the live performance. This show first started in the 1920s, thus making it the longest running historical play.
The authentic role play is a comical reenactment of the unofficial miner’s court trial of Jack McCall. During the trial performance, audience members are included as witnesses. In his first original trial, McCall was acquitted after falsely claiming that Hickok had killed his brother, when in fact, McCall’s true grudge stemmed from losing badly at poker. However, McCall was later retried in an official federal court, found guilty, and subsequently hanged.
6. Deadwood Hidden Gem-Mount Moriah Cemetery
If you are visiting Deadwood, make sure you see Mount Moriah Cemetery, where Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok are buried. Walking to the cemetery isn’t really an option as the short drive climbs up a steep bluff. There is limited parking directly across from the small visitor’s center. We paid the $2.00 fee each and followed the self-guided map to find the different graves. There are very steep grades to walk up to get to the main cemetery. We spent an hour finding the graves of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, and Potato Creek Johnny, to name a few. There are benches on the ridge top. We enjoyed the magnificent panoramic views of historic Deadwood. This late in the evening, it was peaceful and quiet.
We kindly remind you to treat Mt. Moriah Cemetery as a sacred place, giving it the respect it deserves. Regrettably, we observed some visitors stepping over fences and gates solely to take selfies, which is highly disrespectful. The townspeople greatly appreciate if you remember to only photograph the site and leave behind cherished memories, rather than physical traces of your visit.
7. Great History Lesson @ the Adams Museum
The Adams Museum offers a fascinating tour to learn more about the legends of Deadwood. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. The museum’s Bill Hickok Collection is truly extraordinary, featuring Hickok’s 1860 Colt conversion pistol that he wore the night he was gunned down. Another highlight is the massive 5-ton J.B. Haggin engine, built in 1877 for the Homestake Mining Company – possibly the first narrow 22-inch gauge locomotive in the Black Hills. The “Riches & Responsibilities: A Natural History of the Black Hills” exhibit includes an engaging augmented reality sandbox that changes color as visitors manipulate the sand, creating an interactive and educational experience, especially for children. It was cool to watch the sand change color as the elevation of the sand increased or decreased.
8. Peek into the Past @ Adams House
The 45-minute guided tour of the Historic Adams House costs $10. This remarkable Queen Anne mansion was built by the Franklins in 1892, and a tour through its period-furnished rooms gives visitors a vivid sense of early 1900s life. Unfortunately, we only got to see the first and second floors. The most memorable item was the cookie jar containing perfectly preserved, 60-year-old cookies – a rather unsettling relic left behind after the home was shuttered following W.E. Franklin’s death. However, I thought the docent volunteer skillfully balanced the tragic and humorous stories of the home’s history. The Historic Adams House is open daily, with guided tours available from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
9. Have a Passion for History-Deadwoods Days of ’76 Museum
A “must see” when in Deadwood is the Days of ’76 Museum. For those with a passion for the history of the places they explore, this museum offers a wealth of knowledge about Deadwood and the Black Hills region. The “Deadwood: A Story of Movement and Change” exhibit on the lower level I found particularly impressive. It features an extensive collection of carriages, wagons, and stagecoaches that played a crucial role in the settlement of the American West. Visitors will gain a great deal of insight by perusing the museum’s impressive catalog of numbered and dated artifacts, each with a detailed description. Finally, we really enjoyed the captivating film about the colorful life of Buffalo Bill Cody. It provided a fitting conclusion to our museum experience.
The Days of ’76 Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Adult admission is $10.00, kids (6-12) $5 and under 5 are free. The best buy is to purchase a combination ticket that includes the both the Days of ’76 Museum, and Adams House. Just a side note the front desk personnel did not come across as very friendly.
10. Crazy for Gold @ Broken Boot Gold Mine
This roadside attraction of Broken Boot Gold Mine doesn’t look like much sitting along the edge of Hwy-14 just outside Deadwood. However, I must say it was a delightful surprise! We purchased our tickets online prior to arriving using discount coupons. The short tour into this small mine felt like a time capsule in to the past. Following the path of the ore car, our knowledgeable guide regaled us with fascinating historical tales. The tour lasts 45-minutes and is jam-packed with interesting tidbits. The passageways are quite narrow, and the ceiling is low, so wearing the hard hats is a nice touch.
Olaf Seim and James Nelson began excavating the mine in 1878, initially finding only fool’s gold. However, the mine went on to produce 15,000 ounces of real gold before closing in 1904. For a brief period, the mining of iron pyrite, used in the production of sulfuric acid, proved profitable for Olaf and James. Thirty years later, the town purchased the property, recognizing its potential as a tourist attraction.
Tour tickets are $6 for adult, $5 for senior or military, $4 for each child 6-17 and free for children under 5. If you are interested in gold panning the cost is $8 a person. Tours happen approximately every 30-minutes daily from Memorial day thru Labor Day. The mine opens from 8 am to 6 pm. They also offer a candlelight tour that I would love to do the next time we are in Deadwood. This is a hidden gem worth stopping to see!
11. Outdoor Adventures: Hike to the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower
This small town has plenty of adventures for the outdoor enthusiast. Biking the106.5-mile George S. Mickelson Trail follows in the footsteps of the early pioneers, such as Calamity Jane. One of the best-kept secrets in Deadwood is the small creeks such as it Whitewood Creek and Deadwood Creek hold good numbers of trout in the early spring. Fly-fishing in the early season often is rewarding.
Hiking trails abound in Deadwood. Our favorite was the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower. We hiked to the tower in the early morning to beat the afternoon heat and thunderstorms. The trailhead is 2.5 miles on the outskirts of the town center. The short 0.8-mile loop trail takes about 10-15 minute to reach the top and is quite steep. Lots of loose rock on the trail. I would suggest having a good pair of hiking boots. Inside the tower, a spiral staircase gives visitors panoramic 360 vistas of the Black Hills from the top balcony.
Note: When hiking pack a few snacks and always remember to bring plenty of water.
Behind the memorial is an interpretive kiosk that tells the interesting story. Upon President Roosevelt’s death in 1919, Sheriff Seth Bullock built the 31-foot stone tower to honor his friend. Bullock renamed the mountain Mount Roosevelt. The spectacular views make this hike a good place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
12. The Worlds Oldest Profession-Tour the Brothels of Deadwood
Exploring historical sites on my travels often inspires new our stories. For example, taking a tour of the Brothel Deadwood was a fascinating experience that definitely raised some eyebrows. The Brothel is open to the public year-round daily from 11am to 6pm. The most famous brothel in Deadwood was Pam’s Purple Door, run by Madam Pam Holiday, though it is now a 5-bedroom rental property. Brothels had been operating in the area since the 1870s, shutting down only briefly in the 1950s, and continued to do business well into the 1980s because of a legal technicality. Deadwood’s prostitution industry was finally shut down for good on May 21, 1980, following a raid by the FBI and South Dakota agents.
The tour begins on the second floor of the former bordello called the Shasta Rooms. A sign on the wall stated “Soiled Doves Whorehouse” was hilarious. It spelled out the rules: one stating “spurs were not to be worn in bed.” Carla, our tour guide, told us amusing anecdotes about the establishment’s history. She also covered the more sordid side of the business in a funny way. Each of the room’s furnishings accurately depicts life from 1940 to 1980. Well worth the price of admission, this is a hidden gem for adults only!
Final Thoughts on Deadwood Will Make You LOVE the Wild West
There’s nothing like Deadwood to make you fall in love with the wild west. Any follower of HBO’s Deadwood series will appreciate this trip. Casinos aside, the town of Deadwood’s most notorious historical figures are captivating, to say the least. Many of the tours will give you a truthful reflection of the times. If you want to experience the wild west spirit, Deadwood will definitely transport you back to the gold rush era.
Have you been to Deadwood? What activities did you like best? Did you have a favorite thing to do in Deadwood? Share in the comments below your thoughts.