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- 12 Things Worth Doing In Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood, South Dakota, is surrounded by Black Hills National Forest in Lawrence County. The city is popular with history buffs who come for the colorful tales of the wild Bill Hickok, who was killed in a Deadwood saloon. The charming town bears the atmosphere of the brutal Wild West where the Gold Rush occurred in the late 1800s. Tourists are fascinated by the town's gambling history and how it became a regional trading center. From culture, art, and entertainment to a unique shopping experience, here are ten activities worth trying while visiting Deadwood, South Dakota.
UPDATE: 2022/12/02 17:15 EST BY JAMES KARUGA
12 Things Worth Doing In Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood City in South Dakota is travel destination with a rich and infamous history that it inspired the "Wild West" moniker. Today, vestiges of its wild past are still visible, and that is why it attracts many tourists since there is plenty to see and do here. So, we have updated this article with fresh information on what other interesting things tourists can do, while visiting this city that was part of the legendary, American gold rush period.
12 Visit Broken Boot Gold Mine
Broken Boot Gold mine is an iconic attraction that tells the fascinating tales of the Gold Rush era. From the mine, history lovers learn about the most notable year in the history of South Dakota, 1878, when the Broken Boot Gold mine was established. The mine attracted merchants, travelers, miners, and traders to Deadwood, South Dakota, in search of gold. Daring visitors can go several meters underground with a tour guide to see the magnificent mine preserving the old wild west heritage.
11 Explore Adams House and Adams Museum
Built by Deadwood pioneers Harris and Anna Franklin, the mansion is among the oldest history museums in South Dakota. The facility harbors great treasures of the Black Hills, such as Deadwood's Wild Bill Hickok collection, and Potato Creek Johnny's gold nugget. The historic building features a 19th-century plumbing system, indoor electricity, hand-painted canvas walls, and stained-glass windows. The museum is rich in history and features stories of historical business leaders' meetings. The facility also features artifacts, exhibits, and information regarding Deadwood's notorious characters like Calamity Jane.
10 Explore Historic Main Street, South Dakota
Strolling down the streets of Historic Main Street, tourists are allowed to relive the iconic era of gunslingers. The street is lined with shops, signs, and points of interest that resurrect the wild Deadwood. Lucky visitors encounter professional actors in the midst of recreating significant moments of Deadwood's history. The most iconic historical landmark is the signpost indicating the assassination of Wild Bill Hickok by "Crooked Nose" Jack McCall.
9 Visit George S. Mickelson Trail
Stretching for over 100 miles, George S. Mickelson Trail is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Hikers can experience the tranquility of the Black Hills National Forest via the trail. Visitors who enjoy biking can rent a bike from local shops and explore the path via Nevada Gulch Road in Lead City. While on the trail, travelers also experience stunning views of rock tunnels and the Black Hill scenery.
8 Visit Mount Moriah Cemetery
Mount Moriah Cemetery, embedded deep into the Black Hills, is an iconic and beautiful cemetery since it's the final resting place of all of Deadwood's legends. Apart from witnessing the grave sites of iconic people like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Preacher Smith, and Potato Creek Johnny, historians learn about the lives of these figures via handouts and informational exhibits. Moreover, tourists also enjoy the panoramic views of Black Hills landscapes from the cemetery.
7 Visit Crazy Horse Memorial
The Crazy Horse Memorial is a popular attraction among art lovers, located in the Black Hills Deadwood, South Dakota. The magnificent memorial design by the Polish-American Sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski was trying to prove everything is possible in this world. Tourists come here to witness the progress of its construction, which began in the mid-1990s.
6 Explore The Black Hills National Forest
Located in southwestern South Dakota, Black Hills National Forest is a perfect destination for nature lovers. The forest comprises approximately 1.2 million acres of incomparable beauty. Visitors are treated to spectacular views of dazzling rock formations, incredible mountains, and beautiful pine forests. When visiting the forest, tourists are greeted by breathtaking views of foliage with yellow, red, and orange colors. Hikers can embark on a therapeutic stroll along the Sunday Gulch trail while enjoying the panoramic views of Sylvan Lake. While in the forest, tourists explore streams, grasslands, and caves such as the Rushmore cave, Wonderland cave, and the Black Hills caverns.
5 Explore The History Of Deadwood At The Days Of '76 Museum
Days of '76 Museum was established to preserve the stories and lives of miners, gold panners, and prospectors that dominated Deadwood during the Gold Rush era. The Days of '76 Museum continues to be a cultural celebration in Deadwood. The museum began as a storage space for the horse-drawn wagons belonging to the Days of 76. Today it features historic carriages, stagecoaches, and exhibits such as The Firearms Exhibit.
4 Visit Tatanka: Story Of The Bison
Tatanka: Story Of The Bison, located north of Deadwood, pays tribute to many bison that dominated Deadwood wilderness. Visitors enjoy the magnificent view of bronze sculptures depicting Indians pursuing a group of bison on horses. Besides viewing the stunning artwork, visitors appreciate the exhibits at the Northern Plains Peoples Educational Interpretive Center. They also love listening to historical Lakota interpretive presentations, which are done daily.
3 Visit Mount Theodore Roosevelt Monument
A weekend trip to South Dakota is incomplete without visiting Mount Theodore Roosevelt Monument. The 30-foot tower is located approximately three miles north of Deadwood. It was inspired by Deadwood's first mayor to honor the friendship he shared with Theodore Roosevelt. Visitors can hike up to the monument while enjoying the magnificent views of the Black Hills. The location is also ideal for tourists looking for picnic sites.
2 Watch Performances At Deadwood Alive
Deadwood Alive on 715 Main Street is a performance art theater in Deadwood City that "brings the old west alive." For over 20 years the theater has hosted educational and entertaining performances through the year, that help visitors to understand the city's rich and historical place, in America's Old West. Since 1920, gun slinging actors, have immortalized the impromptu real life trial of Jack McCall, who was on the dock for shooting to death "Wild Bill" Hickok on August 2, 1876. Deadwood Alive troupe of actors also reenacts this city's several accurate, historical incidences that occured. Also included are musical performances and guided walking tours. Tickets can be booked online here or by calling (800) 344-8826.
Entry Fees
- Adults $10
- Seniors $9
- Children (ages 6-12) $6
- Children Aged 5 And Below (Free)
1 Solve Puzzles Escape Rooms
The Deadwood Escape Rooms are an interactive, real life puzzle adventures where participants are locked in a room, and use the elements provided, to solve puzzles and find clues, for escaping a room in an hour. In a single room, participants can be 2 to 8, but still one person can book a room to play this game. Located in downtown Deadwood, the Deadwood Escape Rooms puzzles are ideal for team building and for fun activities during parties or weddings. Costs per person for each of the two puzzles available "The Wild West" and "The Vigilante's Maze" is $25. According to the management it's advisable to book the escape rooms in advance, as walk in bookings can result in delays.