Made famous by the television series of the same name, the town Historic Deadwood, or simply Deadwood, was built in the 1870s, in the period called the Black Hills Gold Rush that developed in the Black Hills region after the discovery of some mineral deposits. Today, Deadwood is a town in full western style, particularly suitable for those who want a full immersion into the traditions and atmospheres of the most turbulent yet fascinating period in the history of the United States: the Far West. Let’s find out the best things to do in Deadwood, SD.
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Where is Deadwood and how to get there
Deadwood is located in South Dakota, in the Black Hills region, a short distance (about 1 hour) from the famous Mount Rushmore monument. Other tourist destinations of some interest quite close by are Rapid City (45 minutes), an urban center of reference for the entire Black Hills area, and Badlands National Park (about 1.5 hours), a natural area characterized by gullies and rock formations with very unusual shapes and colors.
Nearby airports
The nearest airport is Denver, which is about 6 hours away by car, requiring at least one stop along the way. Alternatively, you can fly to Rapid City on an internal flight. In both cases, you can read this article to help you if you want to rent a car:
Best things to do in Deadwood SD
Whether you plan to stay only as long as necessary in the area, or if you have planned an entire day in the city, you cannot miss a walk along Historic Main Street. Particularly during the summer months, Main Street comes alive with actors in costume who re-enact key moments in the city’s history. In particular you should attend one of the famous gunslinger duels called Main Street Shoot Outs, free shows that take place three times a day. For updated schedules and locations, please check the official website of the event.
Would you like to see one of the city’s most popular theatrical performances live? Then don’t miss the Trial of Jack McCall, which traces the trial of the murderer of the legendary frontier hero James Butler Hickok, also known as Wild Bill, who was killed while playing poker at Nuttal and Mann’s Saloon No. 10.
If the town’s history intrigues you, and you’d like to learn more about the area, consider a visit to The Adams Museum and the Historic Adams House, a historic home that dates back to the 1930s, and that has remained almost intact to this day, retaining much of its original furnishings.
A symbol of the heyday (in every sense of the word) is the Broken Boot Gold Mine, which operated from 1876 to 1904 and became a tourist attraction after years of closure. There’s a tour every half hour that takes you underground to explore the paths where miners once worked in search of the precious ore.
While it may seem a bit macabre to some, visiting Mount Moriah Cemetery has its own reasons for interest. First of all from a scenic point of view, since it stands on the slopes of the Mount Moriah, from where you can see the city and the valley below, secondly from a historical point of view, as here you can visit the graves of two icons of Wild West history: Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok.
Where to stay in Deadwood
Here are some tips if you want to stay in this quaint town:
- The Lodge at Deadwood: the Lodge at Deadwood 1899 Inn is the perfect solution if you are looking for a hotel room as well as some entertainment. The hotel has its own casino and a swimming pool with attractions and games for children. The location is also great because you will be surrounded by greenery and nature, while remaining just minutes from the city center.
- 1899 Inn: this is a bed and breakfast in a historic house, with well-appointed furniture and a truly unique atmosphere for your stay.
- Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort: this hotel is located on the outskirts of the city near the course of a river. The rooms are quite spacious in the classic style of American hotels. A shuttle service is available to take you to downtown Deadwood.
