8 Best Things to Do in Deadwood, SD

March 29, 2020 - Updated

The town of Deadwood, South Dakota can be found along the northern border of Black Hills National Forest, defined by its Wild West history and scenic surroundings, offering an interesting and exciting place to explore for a while. There is an abundance of outdoor opportunities in and around Deadwood that accompany the area’s Gold Rush history. The town’s dynamic history comes to life with several sites like historic Main Street and Mount Moriah Cemetery, highlighting the stories of infamous characters, such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok.

1.Broken Boot Gold Mine

Back in 1876, the search for gold brought a flood of madams, muleskinners, merchants, and miners to the Deadwood Gulch. The fascinating tale of one of the last great gold rushes in the United States is brought to life at the Broken Boot Gold Mine of Deadwood, which was established in the year 1878. Experienced guides help today’s visitors discover the magic and mystery of the old-time techniques of gold mining, with tours available every thirty minutes. After the tour, guests can also try gold panning themselves, just as numerous prospectors once did at the same site over one hundred years ago.

1200 Pioneer Way, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 605-578-9997

2.Tatanka: Story of the Bison

Tatanka: Story of the Bison tells the story of the millions of bison that once roamed across North America’s Great Plains. It’s estimated that not even one thousand bison roamed the area. Tatanka was created by Kevin Costner as a centerpiece for two different cultures, one of which depended that depended on these buffalo and the other that saw them as a “means to an end,” recognizing and accepting the mutual history, as well as representing a chance “to move forward.” Visitors will more than life-sized sculptures, an interpretive center, movie costumes, the Sweetgrass Grill, a gift shop, and much more.

100 Tatanka Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 605-584-5678

3.Mt. Roosevelt Monument

The Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower, or also known as Deadwood’s Mount Roosevelt Monument, was constructed in 1919 by Seth Bullock, the first Sheriff of Deadwood. This monument was built to honor Bullock’s closed friend for numerous years, President Theodore Roosevelt. The idea was to establish a memorial to Roosevelt’s life, as well as a place where people could take in the wide open spaces that Roosevelt and Bullock were so fond of throughout their lives. The Mount Roosevelt Picnic Area consists of five different sites for picnicking, with a nature trail starting from the one with restroom facilities.

FSR 133, Deadwood, SD 57732

4.Terry Peak

Terry Peak, just outside of Deadwood, is home to the highest lift service found anywhere between the Alps and the Rocky Mountains with a summit of approximately 7,100 feet, providing nearly three times more snow than elsewhere throughout the region. With one Terrain Park and twenty-nine trails, the Terry Peak Ski Area offers plenty of adventure and action. The ski area ensures ideal conditions all season long with the help of man-made powder in case of a more lean snowy winter season. For lodging, the Nevada Gulch Lodge and the Stewart Lodge provide a bar, a cafeteria, and home comforts.

21120 Stewart Slope Rd, Lead, SD 57754, Phone: 605-584-2165

5.Silverado

The Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex combines hotel accommodations, delicious food, and thrilling and fun gaming. The gaming complex offers a wide array of popular casino games, including slot machines, Three-Card Poker, Blackjack, Texas Hold’Em, Roulette, and Craps. There is also a Poker Room and Winner’s Circle. As for dining, the Silverado Grand Buffet is the only casino in Deadwood with a Las Vegas-style buffet, featuring more than eighty feet of buffet, wood-fired pizzas, salad bar, dessert bar, and live food stations preparing made-to-order dishes. On Fridays and Saturdays, diners can enjoy all-you-can eat prime rib and crab.

709 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 605-578-3670

6.Mineral Place Hotel and Gaming

The Mineral Place Hotel and Gaming is a modern place where visitors can try their luck at striking gold. Visitors and locals alike can test their skills and luck with a variety of casino games, such as roulette, three-card poker, and blackjack. Mineral Place also is home to the latest in slots. SItuated in historic Deadwood, the grand hotel offers first-class dining and one of the best and biggest casinos around. The Gem Steakhouse serves the most variety of steaks within the Black Hills region. Other amenities include a gift shop and in Wild West fashion, a liquor store.

601 Historic Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 800-847-2522

7.Mount Moriah Cemetery

The historic Mount Moriah Cemetery is set on a mountain plateau that overlooks the scenic Deadwood Gulch. Established back in the year 1878, the cemetery is the final resting place of many pillars, madams, murderers, and western legend of the early economic development of Deadwood, South Dakota. There is more to Mount Moriah Cemetery than just being a graveyard. Visitors have a chance to explore a late Victorian-era cemetery with the northern Black Hills as its backdrop. The paved roads throughout the grounds make it easy for people to explore the site. Information can be found at the Visitor Center.

10 Mt Moriah Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 605-722-0837

8.His and Hers Ale House and Wine Bar

The His and Hers Ale House and Wine Bar is located in historic Deadwood, South Dakota and was founded by a couple who wanted to bring something unique to the town’s historic Main Street. Randy and Molly Brown aimed to create a venue that’s all-inclusive with great wine and great beer, where people can have a couple drinks before dinner or an event, meet up with friends, or listen to some local musicians. The His and Hers Ale House and Wine Bar offers the most rotating taps in Deadwood with twenty-four rotating beers and a constantly growing wine list.

696 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 605-717-2455