Explore historic gold mines and authentic saloons in this old Wild West town nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Visit Deadwood, one of South Dakota’s most scenic historic locations and resting place of the folk hero, Bill Hickok. With a wild past, the town provides sight seeing and activities that take you back to the time of gunslingers and gold miners. Explore some of the region’s natural wonders and try caving or horseback riding through the Black Hills. The town is located 187 miles (301 kilometers) west of Pierre, the capital of South Dakota. Winters here are cold and snowy, while summers are hot and dry.
Start the day with breakfast in one of the many cafés on the town’s main thoroughfare, Main Street. From here it’s a short walk to Adam’s House and Museum, where you’ll see displays and stories of legendary characters of Deadwood’s Wild West past.
Engage with history and see artifacts from first pioneers and Native Americans at the Days of ‘76 Museum. On Tatanka Drive you’ll find the Story of the Bison, a museum that features an authentic Lakota encampment and larger-than-life bronze statues depicting Native Americans hunting.
Take a tour of the Broken Boot Gold Mine and try panning for gold. The whole family will enjoy a trip on the 1880 train, which takes you on a 2.5-hour journey around the scenic Black Hills in a vintage, steam-powered coach.
Take a trip out to the Devils Tower Monument or tour the Wonderland Caverns for a look at spectacular geological formations. This cave system, originally inhabited and then mined for gold, consists of several caverns peppered with stalagmites and crystalline rocks.
In the evenings enjoy an anecdotal reenactment of the Wild West years at the Deadwood 1876 Theater. Have a drink, play some poker and see the place where wild Bill Hickok was shot at the #10 Saloon. Learn more about his story and see a reenactment of the trial of Jack McCall at the Masonic Temple.
Rent a car and drive to the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary where you’ll see the majestic animals in their natural habitat. Imagine the country as it was 300 years ago in the prairies, canyons and forests of South Dakota.
