Deadwood, South Dakota

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Deadwood, South Dakota

Follow in the footsteps of legends like Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane as you explore the beauty and rich history of Deadwood, part of our Mount Rushmore motorcoach group tour.

History of Deadwood

When gold was discovered in the Black Hills of South Dakota in 1874, it started one of the last great gold rushes in the United States. By 1876 miners settled in the Black Hills soon discovering a gulch covered in dead trees and other debris and hidden beneath, a river full of gold- Deadwood was born.

In practically no time at all the tiny gold camp flourished into a town attracting the likes of outlaws, gamblers and gunslingers along with the gold seekers. Among those who came to Deadwood were Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Potato Creek Johnny, Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen.

While Deadwood has faced several major fires and numerous economic hardships over the years, 1989 brought limited-wage gambling, saving Deadwood from becoming another Old West ghost town and instead turning it into a thriving commercial center in the heart of the South Dakota Black Hills.

Step into the Wild West in Deadwood, SD

Historic Deadwood, Black Hills, South Dakota

Main Street, Deadwood, South Dakota

Watch Gunslingers on Deadwood's Main Street

Main Street at Night, Deadwood, South Dakota

Step into the Wild West in Deadwood, SD

Historic Deadwood, Black Hills, South Dakota

Main Street, Deadwood, South Dakota

Watch Gunslingers on Deadwood's Main Street

Main Street at Night, Deadwood, South Dakota

Visiting Deadwood

Today Deadwood is the same frontier town that once drew legends and legions in search of their fortune. It’s a town wild at heart. Step back in time at one of the historic attractions or belly up to the buffet and enjoy a Wild West feast during your time in South Dakota’s Deadwood.

Attractions in Deadwood

A National Historic Landmark, Deadwood is overflowing with history, heritage and culture. Learn about the Mount Moriah Cemetery where Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane's graves are located, or witness a historical shootout on Deadwood’s Main Street.

Shoot Outs-Main Street Deadwood Historic Street Show

Step into the Wild West and witness the shooting of Wild Bill Hickok, watch gunslingers on Deadwood’s Main Street, or the trial of Jack McCall, the man who notoriously shot Bill Hickok during one of Deadwood’s historic street shows or reenactments.

Gaming in Deadwood

See how the west was really won at one of Deadwood’s historic gaming halls. Boasting world-class gambling facilities, head to Saloon #10, where it all started and where it still happens. With floors covered in sawdust, the old style saloon and gaming casino is as wild as the Old West. Looking for something a little more contemporary? Head to First Gold Hotel and Gaming where you can stake your claim at the First Gold, or try your luck at a number of progressive slot machines including the “Wheel of Fortune.”

Shopping in Deadwood

Whether you’re looking for a keepsake to remember your time in Deadwood, or a gift for a loved one, Deadwood is home to a wide range of collectibles, gift items, clothing and especially famous for its Black Hill’s Gold.

Homestake Mine

Stop at the visitor center of the Homestake Mine in Lead, SD. Toward the end of the big Black Hills gold rush, mining magnate, George Hearst purchased one of the most promising claims in the Lead/Deadwood area for $70,000 and incorporated it as the Homestake Mining Company. Before it closed in 2002, the Homestake Gold Mine was the oldest, largest and deepest mine in the Western Hemisphere, reaching more than 8000 feet below the town of Lead.

Dining in Deadwood

Ranging from casual to up-scale, Deadwood’s collection of cafes, restaurants, and saloons offer tempting cuisine. You might try a local favorite like a Buffalo Burger.

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