Deadwood South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Deadwood, South Dakota.
1. Historic Main Street
HEART OF THE TOWN
Historic Main Street is the heart of Deadwood, featuring Victorian architecture, museums, and reenactments alongside modern casinos and souvenir shops. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls through this historic town center and experience whiskey tastings at local establishments. The street perfectly balances the town's Wild West heritage with contemporary attractions that appeal to all ages.
2. Mount Moriah Cemetery
RESTING PLACE OF LEGENDS
Mount Moriah Cemetery is a historic cemetery on hilly terrain with scenic views and the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The cemetery provides visitors with a glimpse into Old West history while offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Walking through this hallowed ground allows tourists to connect with Deadwood's legendary past and the colorful characters who shaped its history.
3. Adams Museum
DEADWOOD'S FIRST MUSEUM
The Adams Museum is a multilevel museum with interactive exhibits on local history, including themed displays and unique artifacts. It caters to all ages with a child-friendly zone that makes history accessible and engaging for younger visitors. The museum houses an impressive collection that chronicles Deadwood's evolution from a gold rush town to the historic destination it is today.
4. Historic Adams House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The Historic Adams House was built in 1892 by Deadwood pioneers Harris and Anna Franklin and was described by local press as 'the grandest house west of the Mississippi.' This elegant Queen Anne-style mansion has been meticulously preserved to showcase the luxury and opulence of Deadwood's prosperous era. Visitors can tour the home to experience the lifestyle of the city's elite during the late 19th century.
5. Days of '76 Museum
CELEBRATING PIONEER SPIRIT
The Days of '76 Museum features live re-creations of Deadwood's rich history through exhibits that began with the Days of '76 celebration and award-winning rodeo in 1924. The museum was established to honor Deadwood's pioneers - the prospectors who settled the area during the gold rush. Its comprehensive collection includes artifacts, carriages, and memorabilia that bring to life the experiences of early settlers in the Black Hills.
6. Broken Boot Gold Mine
ORIGINAL GOLD RUSH EXPERIENCE
The Broken Boot Gold Mine offers visitors an authentic tour of one of Deadwood's historic gold mines where they can try their hand at panning for gold. Knowledgeable guides lead tourists through narrow tunnels while sharing tales of the miners who once sought fortune in these very passages. The experience provides insight into the challenging conditions faced by miners during the Black Hills Gold Rush that put Deadwood on the map.
7. Tatanka: Story of the Bison
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Tatanka: Story of the Bison is a museum dedicated to American Buffalo history, Native American culture, and 'Dances with Wolves' memorabilia. The site features striking outdoor bronze sculptures depicting Native Americans hunting bison, creating a powerful visual narrative. Visitors can explore an authentic Lakota encampment and learn about the spiritual and practical significance of bison to indigenous peoples of the Great Plains.
8. Saloon No. 10
WILD BILL'S FINAL HAND
Saloon No. 10 is a historic establishment famous as the location where Wild Bill Hickok was shot while holding the infamous 'dead man's hand' of aces and eights. Today, it functions as both a museum and active saloon, featuring gaming tables and authentic Wild West memorabilia. Visitors can enjoy drinks while watching reenactments of the famous shooting that has become central to Deadwood's lore.
9. Deadwood Distilling Company
CRAFT SPIRITS EXPERIENCE
Deadwood Distilling Company creates handcrafted spirits using locally-sourced ingredients and traditional methods inspired by the town's frontier heritage. Visitors can take guided tours of the distillery to learn about the production process from grain to bottle. The tasting room offers samples of their signature whiskeys, vodkas, and specialty liqueurs that capture the bold spirit of Deadwood.
10. Mt. Roosevelt Monument
FRIENDSHIP TOWER LOOKOUT
The Mt. Roosevelt Monument features a short scenic hike leading to a stone tower known as 'Friendship Tower,' built by Seth Bullock to honor his friend President Theodore Roosevelt. From its elevation, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills landscape and nearby states. The monument combines natural beauty with historical significance, making it a peaceful retreat from the bustle of downtown Deadwood.
11. Deadwood Mountain Grand
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING COMPLEX
Deadwood Mountain Grand is a premier entertainment and casino complex housed in a restored historic gold ore processing plant. The venue hosts nationally recognized musical acts and comedians in its state-of-the-art event center throughout the year. In addition to gaming, the complex offers upscale dining options and luxury accommodations that blend modern amenities with nods to Deadwood's storied past.
12. Midnight Star Casino
HISTORIC GAMING ESTABLISHMENT
The Midnight Star Casino is located on Deadwood's Historic Main Street, offering a variety of slot machines across multiple floors. The establishment features elegantly designed interiors that harken back to Deadwood's glamorous gold rush era with modern gaming conveniences. Visitors can try their luck at various games while enjoying the ambiance of one of Deadwood's classic gaming venues.
13. Cadillac Jack's Gaming Resort
FULL-SERVICE CASINO EXPERIENCE
Cadillac Jack's Gaming Resort is the Black Hills' premier full-service casino and hotel, featuring 22 table games with $1,000 limits. The resort offers a complete entertainment experience with multiple dining options, comfortable accommodations, and a lively atmosphere. Guests can enjoy round-the-clock gaming action in a facility that combines Western charm with contemporary amenities.
14. 1880 Train
VINTAGE STEAM RAILWAY
The 1880 Train offers a 2.5-hour journey around the scenic Black Hills in a vintage, steam-powered coach. This historic narrow-gauge railroad provides passengers with breathtaking views of the surrounding pine forests, granite outcroppings, and mountain streams. Narration during the ride shares the region's rich history, from Native American heritage to gold rush fever, making it both entertaining and educational for all ages.
15. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the carved faces of four American presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln—sculpted into the granite face of the Black Hills. The monument stands as a symbol of American democracy and the nation's first 150 years of history, drawing visitors from around the world. The site includes a museum, visitor center, and evening lighting ceremony that adds drama to the already impressive 60-foot high sculptures.