There’s no town in the country quite like Deadwood, South Dakota. Founded in 1876 when prospectors struck gold, Deadwood is an authentic “Wild West” town that’s a well-preserved piece of American lore and legend. The entire downtown, in fact, is deemed a National Historic Landmark District, for its stunning, Gold Rush-era architecture and historical sites. A Wild West town of infamous reputation, a day trip to Deadwood is easily one of the best and most memorable you can take in South Dakota.
Deadwood is a city in South Dakota known for striking big in the Gold Rush.
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Deadwood had its heyday from 1876 to 1879, with the town’s gold deposit boom ultimately leading to the Black Hills Gold Rush.
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Today, visitors can relive the magic of that fabled era at Deadwood’s Broken Boot Gold Mine, where underground tours are conducted every 30 minutes during the summer months.
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The town itself is a golden treasure; it’s home to numerous landmarks and historical sites.
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Around town, you’ll find all sorts of markers where you can read about Deadwood’s most notorious historical happenings.
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You can even watch a dramatic reenactment of the infamous shooting of Wild Bill Hickok inside Saloon No. 10.
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In fact, historical reenactments are big in Deadwood, where the eponymous Deadwood Alive Gunslingers treat visitors to regular performances, right on Main Street.
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In true Wild West fashion, visitors can also enjoy a tour on the Deadwood Stagecoach, which travels up and down Historic Main Street. Watch out for bandits!
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You can also opt to explore Downtown Deadwood via trolley, which runs seasonally and stops at the town’s most well-known attractions.
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Speaking of which, Mount Moriah Cemetery is perhaps the town’s most iconic attraction. This cemetery houses the graves of infamous Wild West figures such as Wild Bill and Calamity Jane.
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Visiting Calamity Jane’s headstone in person really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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If you’re looking for a proper, sit-down meal in Deadwood, definitely head to Deadwood Social Club.
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Here you’ll have the best steak and potatoes of your life… and we aren’t exaggerating!
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Mustang Sally’s is another Deadwood favorite.
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If you’re craving a classic burger and fries, definitely check out this charming diner.
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While you’re dining in Downtown Deadwood, however, be prepared to witness happenings out on the street that will make you feel as though you’re in a real-life Old West film.
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But that’s all just a normal day in Deadwood, South Dakota, folks.
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Not much has changed in Deadwood in the last 150 years.
John Elk/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images And that’s precisely what makes this authentic little Old West town such a South Dakota treasure.
Have you ever been to Deadwood, South Dakota before? What a place! Visit the Deadwood website to learn more and plan your day trip to this South Dakota gem!
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And that’s precisely what makes this authentic little Old West town such a South Dakota treasure.
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Address: Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
