Craving Wild West history, Black Hills beauty, and gaming action? Head to Deadwood, South Dakota! This legendary town blends frontier lore with modern-day fun. Walk the same streets as Wild Bill Hickok, explore historic saloons, and enjoy casinos, hiking, and scenic drives—all in one unforgettable destination.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Deadwood is in the late spring through early fall (May–September) for outdoor activities, festivals, and historic reenactments. Winter is also popular for snowmobiling, nearby skiing, and cozying up in historic lodges.
How to Get There
- By Car: Deadwood is located off US-85 and US-14A, about 1 hour from Rapid City and 5 hours from Sioux Falls.
- By Plane: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the nearest airport, with rental cars available for the scenic drive through the Black Hills.
- By Bus/Shuttle: Some tour companies and regional transit offer shuttles from Rapid City to Deadwood—check ahead for schedules.
Where to Stay
- Historic Bullock Hotel – Stay in the oldest hotel in Deadwood, said to be haunted by Seth Bullock himself.
- The Lodge at Deadwood – Modern resort with casino, on-site dining, and stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Martin & Mason Hotel – Victorian-style rooms in an 1890s building, located just steps from downtown attractions.
Top Attractions
⮕ Pan for Treasure and History at Broken Boot Gold Mine
© Broken Boot Gold Mine
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What is the history of gold mining in Deadwood?
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In 1876, the search for gold brought a flood of madams, muleskinners, merchants, and miners to Deadwood Gulch.
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This was one of the last great gold rushes in the United States.
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What is the Broken Boot Gold Mine?
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The Broken Boot Gold Mine was established in 1878 and brings the fascinating tale of Deadwood’s gold rush to life.
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The mine offers visitors an authentic experience of historical gold mining.
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What can visitors experience at the Broken Boot Gold Mine?
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Experienced guides help visitors discover the magic and mystery of old-time gold mining techniques.
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Tours are available every thirty minutes, allowing guests to learn about the history and workings of the mine.
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Can visitors try gold panning?
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After the tour, guests have the opportunity to try gold panning themselves, just as prospectors once did at the same site over one hundred years ago.
1200 Pioneer Way, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 605-578-9997
⮕ Learn the Legacy of the West at Tatanka: Story of the Bison
© James Mattil/stock.adobe.com
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What is Tatanka: Story of the Bison?
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Tatanka: Story of the Bison tells the story of the millions of bison that once roamed across North America’s Great Plains.
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Today, it is estimated that fewer than one thousand bison roam the area.
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Who created Tatanka and why?
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Kevin Costner created Tatanka as a centerpiece to acknowledge two different cultures—one that depended on bison for survival and another that saw them as a "means to an end."
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The site serves as a way to recognize and accept mutual history while also providing an opportunity to move forward together.
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What can visitors see at Tatanka?
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Guests will encounter more-than-life-sized sculptures depicting the bison and their historical significance.
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The site also features:
- An interpretive center providing historical context
- Movie costumes from Kevin Costner’s productions
- The Sweetgrass Grill offering food and refreshments
- A gift shop with unique souvenirs
- And much more
100 Tatanka Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 605-584-5678
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ Take in Patriotic Views from Mt. Roosevelt Monument
© kerkezz/stock.adobe.com
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What is the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower?
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The Mt. Roosevelt Monument, also known as the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower, was constructed in 1919.
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It was built by Seth Bullock, the first Sheriff of Deadwood, to honor his close friend, President Theodore Roosevelt.
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Why was the monument built?
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The monument was established as a memorial to Roosevelt’s life and legacy.
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It was also intended to be a place where visitors could appreciate the wide-open spaces that Roosevelt and Bullock both cherished.
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What can visitors find at the Mount Roosevelt Picnic Area?
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The Mount Roosevelt Picnic Area features five different picnic sites for visitors to enjoy.
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A nature trail begins at the picnic area that includes restroom facilities, offering a scenic hiking experience.
FSR 133, Deadwood, SD 57732
⮕ Hit the Slopes or Hike the Trails at Terry Peak
© luckybusiness/stock.adobe.com
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What is Terry Peak?
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Terry Peak, located just outside of Deadwood, is home to the highest lift service found anywhere between the Alps and the Rocky Mountains.
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The summit reaches approximately 7,100 feet, providing nearly three times more snow than other areas in the region.
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What activities are available at Terry Peak?
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The Terry Peak Ski Area offers an exciting winter sports experience with:
- One Terrain Park for freestyle skiing and snowboarding
- Twenty-nine trails catering to all skill levels
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How does Terry Peak maintain ideal skiing conditions?
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The ski area ensures ideal conditions all season long by supplementing natural snowfall with man-made powder during lean snow seasons.
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What lodging options are available?
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Visitors can stay at either the Nevada Gulch Lodge or the Stewart Lodge, which provide:
- A bar for après-ski relaxation
- A cafeteria for dining options
- Comfortable home-like amenities
21120 Stewart Slope Rd, Lead, SD 57754, Phone: 605-584-2165
⮕ Try Your Luck and Catch a Show at Silverado
© Silverado
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What is the Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex?
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The Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex offers a combination of hotel accommodations, delicious dining, and thrilling gaming experiences.
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What casino games are available?
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The gaming complex features a wide array of popular casino games, including:
- Slot machines
- Three-Card Poker
- Blackjack
- Texas Hold’Em
- Roulette
- Craps
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Guests can also enjoy the Poker Room and the Winner’s Circle.
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What dining options are available?
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The Silverado Grand Buffet is the only casino in Deadwood with a Las Vegas-style buffet.
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The buffet features:
- More than eighty feet of buffet selections
- Wood-fired pizzas
- A salad bar and dessert bar
- Live food stations preparing made-to-order dishes
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On Fridays and Saturdays, diners can enjoy an all-you-can-eat prime rib and crab feast.
Silverado, 709 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 605-578-3670
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Unwind and Play at Mineral Palace Hotel and Gaming
© Mineral Place Hotel and Gaming
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What is the Mineral Palace Hotel and Gaming?
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The Mineral Palace Hotel and Gaming is a modern gaming destination where visitors can try their luck at striking gold.
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Located in historic Deadwood, the hotel offers first-class dining and one of the largest casinos in the area.
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What casino games are available?
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Visitors and locals can test their skills and luck with a variety of casino games, including:
- Roulette
- Three-Card Poker
- Blackjack
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The casino is also home to the latest slot machines for an exciting gaming experience.
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What dining options are available?
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The Gem Steakhouse serves the largest variety of steaks in the Black Hills region.
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What additional amenities does the hotel offer?
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Guests can visit the gift shop for souvenirs and other items.
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In true Wild West fashion, the hotel also features an on-site liquor store.
601 Historic Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 800-847-2522
⮕ Walk Among Legends at Mount Moriah Cemetery
© Cliff/stock.adobe.com
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What is Mount Moriah Cemetery?
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The historic Mount Moriah Cemetery is located on a mountain plateau overlooking the scenic Deadwood Gulch.
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Established in 1878, the cemetery serves as the final resting place for many figures who played a role in the early economic development of Deadwood.
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Who is buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery?
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The cemetery is home to the graves of pillars of society, madams, murderers, and Western legends.
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What makes Mount Moriah Cemetery unique?
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More than just a graveyard, it offers visitors the opportunity to explore a late Victorian-era cemetery set against the northern Black Hills.
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How can visitors explore the site?
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Paved roads throughout the grounds make it easy for visitors to walk around and explore.
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Additional historical information can be found at the Visitor Center.
10 Mt Moriah Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732, Phone: 605-722-0837
⮕ If You're Fascinated by Frontier Days, Then Don't Miss the Days of '76 Museum
© Days of '76 Museum
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What is the Days of '76 Museum?
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The Days of '76 Museum is dedicated to honoring the memory of the first pioneers of Deadwood.
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The museum highlights the lives of prospectors, muleskinners, miners, and madams who played a key role in the town’s growth.
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What exhibits can visitors explore?
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The museum features state-of-the-art facilities and several thematic exhibitions, including:
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The Firearms Exhibit – Showcasing around 120 different firearms, including historic arms and handguns from the Black Hills and American history.
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Deadwood: A Story of Movement and Change – An impressive collection of 50 historic wagons, buggies, and animal-powered vehicles.
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What is the Main Street recreation exhibit?
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A recreation of Deadwood’s Main Street allows visitors to experience the town as it once was.
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The exhibit includes:
- Panoramic photographs of the local landscape
- Vintage vehicles on display
- Representations of wooden and brick buildings
- A beautifully detailed Victorian home
- Other historical landmarks
18 Seventy-Six Drive, Deadwood, South Dakota 57732, Phone: 605-578-1657
Where to Eat
- Jake’s Fine Dining – Upscale dining at the Midnight Star Casino with steaks, seafood, and historic flair.
- The Deadwood Social Club – Located above Saloon #10, this restaurant offers gourmet meals and a great wine list.
- Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer – Local favorite for craft beer, comfort food, and fresh regional ingredients.
Local Events
- Days of ’76 Rodeo and Parade (July) – Multi-day festival featuring a PRCA rodeo, parades, reenactments, and live music.
- Deadwood Jam (September) – Outdoor music festival with national acts performing in the heart of town.
- Wild Bill Days (June) – Celebrate Deadwood’s iconic outlaw with concerts, reenactments, and vendors downtown.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Deadwood, South Dakota
- Lead (5–10 min) – Tour the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center and explore Black Hills mining history.
- Spearfish Canyon (20–30 min) – Drive, hike, or bike through this stunning canyon filled with waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
- Sturgis (25 min) – Visit the famous motorcycle rally town, museums, and biker-themed shops and bars.
- Tatanka: Story of the Bison (5 min) – Interpretive center founded by Kevin Costner, highlighting Lakota culture and buffalo history.
- Terry Peak Ski Area (20–25 min) – Enjoy downhill skiing or snowboarding in the winter, or scenic chairlift rides in the summer.
FAQ
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Where is Deadwood located?
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The town of Deadwood, South Dakota, is situated along the northern border of Black Hills National Forest.
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It is known for its Wild West history and scenic surroundings.
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Why should visitors explore Deadwood?
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Deadwood offers an interesting and exciting destination for those looking to explore its rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
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What outdoor activities are available in Deadwood?
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There is an abundance of outdoor opportunities in and around Deadwood.
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These activities perfectly complement the area’s Gold Rush history and rugged natural beauty.
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What historical attractions can visitors see in Deadwood?
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The town’s dynamic past comes to life at several historical sites, including:
- Historic Main Street – Showcasing the town’s Wild West heritage.
- Mount Moriah Cemetery – The final resting place of legendary figures.
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Visitors can learn about infamous characters such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Cool temperatures with blooming landscapes and fewer crowds. |
Historic Bullock Hotel – Stay in this legendary hotel built by Deadwood’s first sheriff. |
Explore Mount Moriah Cemetery – Visit the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for festivals and outdoor adventures. |
The Lodge at Deadwood – A modern resort with a casino and mountain views. |
Experience the Days of '76 Rodeo – Celebrate Deadwood’s Wild West heritage with thrilling rodeo events. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, fall foliage, and a quieter atmosphere. |
Deadwood Mountain Grand – A casino resort offering entertainment and great views. |
Drive through Spearfish Canyon – Enjoy breathtaking autumn scenery and waterfalls. |
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and festive, great for holiday charm and winter sports. |
Mineral Palace Hotel & Gaming – A cozy and historic stay in downtown Deadwood. |
Go skiing at Terry Peak – Enjoy excellent slopes just a short drive from Deadwood. |
Plan Your Trip
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