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Cool Things to do in Deadwood SD

July 7, 2021

Relive the days of the Wild West with a trip to Deadwood, South Dakota where you can experience reenacted shoot-outs between famous gunslingers, gamble at one of their many casinos, immerse yourself in the surrounding nature of the Black Hills, and hunt for ghosts.

What is Deadwood Famous For?

Deadwood, South Dakota is a former mining boomtown that saw a massive population surge during the Black Hills Gold Rush beginning in 1874. It quickly became a haven for outlaws, gamblers, and prostitutes, including Wild West legend Wild Bill Hickok.

Wild Bill Hickok

Famous Wild West gunslinger, James Butler Hickok, also known as Wild Bill, only stayed in Deadwood for a few weeks before he was shot in the back on August 2, 1876, by Jack McCall. He was holding a pair of aces and eights, a hand immortalized as the “Dead Man’s Hand.” His likeness is everywhere you look in Deadwood. History buffs and fans of Wild Bill lore can tour the place where he was killed, Wild Bill Bar, right in the heart of Deadwood.

Deadwood Gambling

There are 19 gambling establishments listed on Deadwood’s website, many of them offering a variety of state-of-the-art gaming options, complimentary drinks, and other entertainment options.

Mount Moriah Cemetery

Historic Mount Moriah Cemetery is the final resting place for Wild West legends such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. It’s a popular tourist attraction in Deadwood, situated on a wooded bluff overlooking the city. There’s a bit of a steep climb walking through the grounds, but the views from the top are well worth it.

$2.00 entry fee

Go early to avoid crowds

Sanford Underground Research Facility

In Lead, South Dakota, and just five minutes outside historic Deadwood is a massive hole in the ground that’s impossible to miss when passing through this otherwise quiet town. The curious pit is part of Sanford Underground Research Facility, the deepest underground laboratory in the United States. Its facility occupies the former Homestake Mine, the largest and deepest gold mine in North America until it closed in 2002. Today scientists are working 4850-feet underground on various experiments to help understand cosmic curiosities such as dark matter, life potential on other planets, and the origins of the universe. 

While you can’t tour the Sanford Lab itself, you can learn all about it at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center where you can explore free exhibits and take a guided trolley tour through Lead.

Free Admission to the Visitors Center | $15 per adult or $10 per child 6-17 to ride the trolley

Deadwood Ghost Tours

Deadwood is often referred to as the “City of Ghosts,” and there are several ghost tours in town offering you a chance to confirm their presence.

The Historic Bullock Hotel - $10 tours at 5 pm and 7 pm during the summer months. Call to confirm.

The Historic Fairmont Hotel Ghost Tours, Paranormal & Brothel Tours - 80min tours of a former 1898 Victorian brothel, bar, and gambling hall.

Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour - A Deadwood walking tour featuring its history and hauntings, created by a local historian and long-time resident.

Is Deadwood SD Worth Visiting?

If you have an appreciation for Wild West history and you love to gamble, you’ll most likely love your experience in Deadwood. For those who aren’t interested in gambling, there are still several cool and unique things to do in Deadwood.

My favorite part of visiting Deadwood was exploring nearby Spearfish Canyon and the many other Black Hills Hidden Gems. With so many things to do in the Black Hills, Deadwood makes a great base camp for travelers. There are many outlying attractions to choose from, including the Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore, Needles Highway, and Devils Tower.

Deadwood SD Hotels

There are several hotels to choose from in historic Deadwood. Among the most notable is The Historic Bullock Hotel, rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Sheriff Seth Bullock. The hotel has been featured on popular paranormal TV series, including Unsolved Mysteries and Ghost Adventures. 

If you’re looking for a quieter stay or you can’t find a room right in the heart of Deadwood, I highly recommend staying at The Historic Town Hall Inn in the neighboring town of Lead, South Dakota. 

While it wasn’t my initial plan to stay at The Town Hall Inn, I’m really glad I did. The inn owners are kind and welcoming, the rooms are both spacious and spotless, and the building has an interesting history as it was the center of town operations starting in 1912. The rooms are also named for their former purpose, so you could be staying in a former courtroom. Pretty cool!

Things to do Near Deadwood South Dakota in the Black Hills

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Image Credits:

Deadwood street scenes and Wild Bill’s Bar - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Deadwood gambling - Wayne Hsieh/https://www.flickr.com/photos/whsieh78/37586919740/; Mount Moriah Cemetery - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Sanford Underground Research Facility - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Deadwood Ghost Tours - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Deadwood night aerial image - Jacob - stock.adobe.com; The Historic Bullock Hotel - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Crazy Horse Memorial, Wonderland Cave, and Needles Highway - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; Nomad Goods product images courtesy of Nomad Goods; Trail Ridge Road - Elaine Skylar Neal/Travels and Curiosities; for Pinterest Pin image credits, click on the related pin