Deadwood, South Dakota
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, small-town charm
Step into the Wild West in Deadwood, a National Historic Landmark known for its gold rush roots, colorful legends, and lively entertainment. From shootout re-enactments to historic saloons, Deadwood blends history with high-energy fun in the heart of the Black Hills.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Stroll Historic Main Street – Wander past preserved gold rush-era buildings. Experience the sights, sounds, and stories of miners, outlaws, and pioneers in this lively historic district.
- Watch a Wild West Re-enactment – In summer, watch free daily performances with gunslingers, shootouts, and narrated tours that bring the Old West and its legends vividly to life.
- Tour the Broken Boot Gold Mine – Explore the 1878 mine to learn all about Deadwood’s storied gold rush history. Try panning for gold or take a candlelight ghost tour of historic tunnels.
- Step Inside Saloon No. 10 – Visit the site where Wild Bill Hickok was killed during a hand of poker. Kids can join a re-enactment of the legendary card game.
- Visit the Adams Museum – Discover the oldest Black Hills museum, featuring artifacts like Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget, a plesiosaur fossil, and a mining locomotive.
Itinerary Idea: Explore Deadwood’s haunted past on a ghost tour that winds through historic streets and sites like the Brothel Museum, Lucky Nugget Casino, and Wild Bill’s Trading Post. Hear chilling tales of outlaws and restless spirits as your guide shares the city’s darker history.
Photo Credit: Dafydd Parri/Flickr