Our list of the 10 best things to do in Deadwood takes visitors on a tour of one of the most historic gold mining towns in the old west.
From historic locations to artefacts and sights heavily linked to legendary wild west figures, Deadwood has all you need for a dream western travel itinerary. In fact, there are so many rich, historic locations in Deadwood, narrowing it down to just a few can be quite the challenge.
That is why we created our list of the 10 best things to do in Deadwood, to help you out. So, if you plan on visiting this fabled town for yourself, I highly recommend reading on.
Deadwood At A Glance
Founded in 1876, during the Black Hills Gold Rush, Deadwood was a gold mining boom town that gained its name from the dead trees in the gulch surrounding the town.
It served as a home for many of the famous faces of the old west, including Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, and Wyatt Earp.
Despite the countless historical events the occurred in the town, its heyday only lasted for three years, as a fire destroyed much of the town in September 1879. However, while many of the residents moved on at that point, gold mining continued in the town all the way up until 2002.
The entire town of Deadwood was listed as a National Historic Landmark District in 1961, due to its historic buildings and legacy.
Located on the outskirts of Black Hills National Forest, Deadwood also lies in a section of western South Dakota that is perhaps the most visited part of the state.
Within 90 minutes of the town, you have almost all of the top attractions in South Dakota, which includes Badlands National Park, Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Rapid City, Wind Cave National Park, Wall Drug, and the unfinished Crazy Horse Memorial.
Best Time To Visit Deadwood
The best time to visit Deadwood is between mid-June and early September.
This is the warmest time of year in the town, and avoids the rainy season, which runs from Spring to early Summer, ensuring you can enjoy all of the attractions and history, without worrying about the weather.
This period is also when two of the most famous events in the area, the Days Of ’76 Festival and Sturgis Bike Week take place. Occurring in late July and early August, respectively, these events mean our suggested window truly adds maximum value to your stay.
10 Best Things To Do In Deadwood
As we move on to our list of the 10 best things to do in Deadwood, I am going to suggest a range of options. These will primarily focus on Deadwood’s legendary wild west history but will also include things to appeal to travellers interested in the other things the town is known for.
Explore Historic Downtown Deadwood
Historic Downtown Deadwood is the main hub of the original town. While many of the original buildings in Deadwood were destroyed in a fire in 1879, this is the place to explore for those seeking the authentic experience.
Recreated buildings offer a glimpse into the original aesthetic of the town, while markers signify the locations of many of the original buildings, such as the Saloon Number 10 Marker.
There are even markers to identify where famous events took place or legendary wild west figures were killed.
Take A Tour Of The Broken Boot Gold Mine
Located on the outskirts of town, the Broken Boot Gold Mine was once among the largest, most profitable gold mines in the area.
With Deadwood being one of the many wild west towns that thrived thanks to the mining industry, it is the ideal place to appreciate the foundations of the town.
Guided tours will take you down into the mines and show you the conditions in which the miners would have worked. Guides will explain the methods used, show you tools, and take you through all the ins and outs of a day in the life of a gold miner in the late 1800s.
With a fantastic, rustic aesthetic on the surface and the ability to take loose rocks and stones home with you as makeshift souvenirs, the Broken Boot Gold Mine is an attraction that delves into the history of Deadwood, without focusing so much on social life in the town.
Learn About The Legendary Wild Bill Hickok
“Wild” Bill Hickock is one of the most legendary figures from the old west. Known as a lawman, gunfighter, gambler, and even an actor, his incredible life came to a premature end at the age of 39 on the 2nd of August 1876 in the town of Deadwood.
Shot in the back of the head while playing poker by Jack McCall, his final hand of aces and eights has since gone down in infamy and spawned the phrase the “Dead Man’s Hand”.
The town has countless memorials dedicated to his honour and prominent locations linked to him for visitors to discover.
You have the Wild Bill Bar, a saloon that stands on the same spot as the one where he was playing poker when he was killed. Here you can sit and take a drink in a wild west saloon, learn about its history and that of the infamous shooting, and study the various historic artefacts that line its walls.
Just across from the saloon you then have the Mount Moriah Cemetery. Here you will find the Grave Of Wild Bill Hickock, as well as those of numerous other wild west legends, giving you the chance to pay your respects and appreciate a somewhat morbid historical attraction.
Around the town, you then have multiple Wild Bill Hickock statues in locations with significance to him, and he even appears on the Welcome To Deadwood Sign.
With many boasting plaques, they all help to build a picture of the final months of his life in the town where he spent them.
Pay A Visit To The Brothel Deadwood
The Brothel Deadwood is a former brothel that has been converted into a museum detailing the history of the working women of Deadwood during its heyday. While the museum itself may be small, its guided tours are among the most enjoyable attractions Deadwood has to offer.
Guides will take you through the property, beautifully intertwining explanations of how brothels and the women who worked in them operated in the 1800s with accounts of stories from women who worked at this very location.
By combining these historical and specific details, they create a personal, informative experience that seems to immerse visitors in what they are seeing and hearing better than almost anywhere else you will find.
Go And See The Deadwood Alive Show
Deadwood Alive is a theatre company that features highly trained and skilled actors and gun fighters recreating famous faces and events from Deadwood’s heyday.
Witness the Trial Of Jack McCall or experience a shootout on Main Street, to help you step back in time in the most immersive way.
You can even take a guided Lawman’s Patrol walking tour, where you will travel around all of the most prominent parts of the town and be regaled with stories about its past and history. With all of the actors kitted out with authentic attire and weapons, it is a truly incredible experience.
Take A Ride On A Deadwood Stagecoach
The Deadwood Stagecoach ride gives you the chance to travel around the town in what was once the primary form of transportation for its residents. Run by the team from Deadwood Alive, you will be driven up and down Main Street by actors in character and costume.
Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds on this authentic experience and hear stories about the town.
With little chance of a real life gunfight breaking out, you can engage in this wonderful experience in a way that is much more relaxing than the figures of the past may have found it.
Uncover The History Of Deadwood At The Adams Museum
Having first opened in 1930, The Adams Museum is the oldest history museum anywhere in the Black Hills. Founded by former Deadwood Mayor William Emery Adams, it was designed to help the city attract tourists and keep its old west stories alive for future generations to enjoy.
Its artefacts cover the Black Hills Gold Rush and Deadwood legends like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok.
They include issues of the Deadwood Dick stories, relics like the J.B. Haggin Locomotive, Thoen Stone, and Potato Creek Johnny’s Gold Nugget, as well as various rotating exhibitions.
With educational programs on offer as well, The Adams Museum is the definitive destination for anyone who really wants to learn all there is to know about Deadwood history.
Appreciate The Stylings Of The Adams House
Linked to The Adams Museum, although located around a 5 minute walk away, The Adams House was the residence of the former Mayor of Deadwood, W.E. Adams. Built in 1892 in the Queen Anne style, it is a stark contrast to the majority of the residences in the town.
While the exteriors have been extremely well maintained, the interiors have been faithfully restored and the property is decorated throughout with personal items and furniture owned by the mayor and his family during their time living in the house.
It is a fabulous way to not only clearly see the divide that was present between the rich and the poor during the era but also to demonstrate how much more advanced many parts of America were even then, when compared to the more rural mining towns, such as Deadwood.
Examine The Artefacts At The Days Of ’76 Museum
The Days Of ’76 Museum is a museum dedicated to the Days Of ’76 Festival, which takes place in the complex next door. First held in 1924, the Days Of ’76 Festival is designed to pay homage to pioneers and prospectors who first settled the Black Hills in 1876.
Held annually in late July, the festival hosts rodeos and vibrant celebrations, ensuring the founders and their struggles are never forgotten.
While the event is a sight to behold in itself, the museum goes even deeper into the history and offers an alternative for those visiting at other times of year.
Its displays include everything from authentic artefacts to diagrams, illustrations, and photographs of both the town’s founding years and the events from years past. It is a truly fabulous place to embrace the history of Deadwood, no matter when you visit.
Get A Better Understanding Of Local Native American Culture At The Tatanka Story Of The Bison
Located to the north of the main town, Tatanka Story Of The Bison is a fabulous place for visitors to learn more about the history of the Native American people of the region.
The museum itself boasts historical artefacts and exhibits, as well as life size sculptures, telling the story of the way of life and events experienced by local Natives throughout history. It is then surrounded by fields filled with bison sculptures, tepees, and more.
Throw in a fabulous gift shop where you can purchase hand made Native American trinkets, keepsakes, and souvenirs, and Tatanka Story Of The Bison is the premier destination to learn about the Native American experience in Deadwood.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Deadwood – Historic Franklin Hotel
The Historic Franklin Hotel is one of the most iconic buildings in Deadwood, located right on Main Street. A 4-star hotel, the property is the perfect place to combine style, convenience, and history during your stay.
Rooms are all spacious, air conditioned, and feature a private bathroom and a seating area with a TV. Many rooms also boast fabulous views of Historic Downtown Deadwood.
The property also has a casino, bar, and a steakhouse restaurant, as well as a 24 hour front desk. Free Wi-Fi is available in all of the communal areas, while free parking is also offered to all guests.
Conclusion
Deadwood is a wild west town with such a rich legacy that only a handful of others in the country, such as Cody or Tombstone, can compete with. Whether you are interested in its founding, the famous faces, or its vibrant culture, there are plenty of spots you can go to get your fill.
Our list of the 10 best things to do in Deadwood should have given you all the information you need to work out what attractions match your personal interests, so you can build your dream travel itinerary.
All you have left to do now then is start getting everything booked, so you can look forward to experiencing it all for yourself.