10 Things to Do in Deadwood That You Shouldn't Miss

April 2, 2018 Sachiko Swiger

Deadwood (Lakota: Owáyasuta; "To approve or confirm things") is a city in South Dakota, United States, and the county seat of Lawrence County. It is named after the dead trees found in its gulch. The population was 1,270 according to the 2010 census. The entire city is a National Historic Landmark District, for its well-preserved Gold Rush-era architecture.
Restaurants in Deadwood

1. Adams House

22 Van Buren St, Deadwood, SD 57732-1432 +1 605-578-3724
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 360 reviews

Adams House

The Historic Adams House was built in 1892 by Deadwood pioneers Harris and Anna Franklin. Local contemporary press described the home as "the grandest house west of the Mississippi." The elegant Queen Anne-style house heralded a wealthy and socially prominent new age for Deadwood, a former rough and tumble gold mining town. Harris and Anna Franklin’s son Nathan bought the house for $1 in 1905. In 1920, Nathan Franklin sold the house to W.E. and Alice Adams for $8,500. Adams' second wife Mary closed up the house in 1936, two years after W.E.'s death, leaving the contents and furnishings intact. By 1987, an infirm Mary Adams Balmat sold the mansion to a couple who renovated the house and operated it as a bed and breakfast inn until 1992 when they sold the home to the City of Deadwood’s Historic Preservation Commission.

Reviewed By Paul G - Tucson, Arizona

I read the one terrible review and wondered if the individual had visited the same house that I did. To have this magnificent home lay undisturbed for 51 years, the contents intact and no sign of vandalism just boggles the mind. Add in the fact...MoreThank you for writing a fantastic review about the Adams House. We are so pleased you enjoyed this magnificent historic home. We hope to see you in Deadwood again! We are so grateful the house withstood time and was restored to its original grandeur.

2. Adams Museum

54 Sherman St, Deadwood, SD 57732-1364 +1 605-578-1714
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 539 reviews

Adams Museum

The Adams Museum is the Black Hills’ oldest history museum. In 1930 pioneer businessman W.E. Adams founded the Adams Museum in downtown Deadwood with the purpose of preserving and displaying the history of the Black Hills. The Adams Museum is home to some of the Black Hills’ greatest treasures including Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget, beloved American illustrator N.C. Wyeth’s pencil sketch drawing of Western legend Wild Bill Hickok, the mysterious Thoen Stone record of the Ezra Kind party’s discovery of gold in the Hills in the 1830s and a one-of-a-kind plesiosaur (marine reptile). In addition to exhibits on all three levels, the Adams General Store is located on the main floor.

Reviewed By Ron T - The Villages, Florida

Very good historical and educational items on display. There were also numerous out of the ordinary items. It doesn't take long to view the displays so I wouldn't schedule much time for the museum.Thank you for your nice review of the Adams Museum. We are pleased you found the collections on display to be educational and that you enjoyed the out of the ordinary artifacts as well. We appreciate your time in Deadwood.

3. Mt Roosevelt Monument

North of Deadwood, Deadwood, SD
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

Mt Roosevelt Monument

Reviewed By Deanne A - Arizona

This is a short hike - one mile round trip. But super worth while. The gravel and bumpy road is about 2 miles off the main road, to reach the trailhead. From there, it's about half a mile each way with a loop option, which I did. It's a little steep, but only a 200 ft elevation gain that's gradual over the first 1/2 mile. That gets you to the tower and there is a path to left of the tower to a further overlook that's really worthwhile. From there take the left path (left of the tower after the lookout) for a further lookout which uses the loop trail before joining the main trail again. All just a total of a mile, but totally worth it.

4. Tatanka: Story of the Bison

1 mile north of Deadwood on US 85, Deadwood, SD 57732 +1 605-584-5678
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 289 reviews

Tatanka: Story of the Bison

Reviewed By bjm1271 - Lyndhurst, New Jersey

If you have any interest in Native American history or even a fan of the movie Dances with Wolves, I recommend visiting if in the area. We drove up from Keystone to spend the day in Deadwood. The introduction video was really interesting in seeing what the original plans were and how much time and effort Kevin Costner put into this. Tours are available. The outdoor walk to the statues is short and should be easy for all ages. The statues and the level of detail are amazing.

5. Broken Boot Gold Mine

Upper Main St, Deadwood, SD +1 605-578-1876
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

Broken Boot Gold Mine

Pan for gold in this historic gold mining area.

Reviewed By GALAXY67 - CUYAHOGA FALLS

WE were in Deadwood,part of the sturgis rally,and decided to tour this goldmine,it was like $6 or so,we liked that u got to go pretty deep in the mine,great to hear the guide explain how gold was mined back in the early century,take plenty of photos,our guide was very knowleadgeable,takes about 45 minutes,you wear a hard hat,at the end of the tour,you are issued a real one share mine certificate,great tour!!

6. Mount Moriah Cemetery

Deadwood, SD 605-578-2600-605-578-2082
Excellent
48%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Mount Moriah Cemetery

Small cemetery dating back to the time of cowboys, deputies and the old West.

Reviewed By Robert V - Ave Maria, Florida

St. Moriah cemetery is up a steep, winding, narrow road from this tourist trap town, but when you reach the very top of this mountain, you can enjoy a lazy, easy, flat walk down an old cemetery road free of traffic, for a nice fee. Visiting the headline-getting graves of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock was interesting, although the seeming necessity to protect these two side-by-side graves with wire took away some of the solemnity. The overlook down into the deep gap of the town was also a benefit of this visit. Sadly, this cemetery proved to be best part of the visit to this saloon town!

7. Days of '76 Museum

18 76th Dr, adjacent to the Rodeo Grounds, Deadwood, SD 57732-7451 +1 605-578-1657
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

Days of '76 Museum

Live re-creations of the town's rich history started in 1924 through the Days of '76 celebration and award-winning rodeo. The celebration began as a way to honor Deadwood's pioneers - the prospectors, miners, muleskinners and madams who poured into the Black Hills in 1876 to settle the gold-filled gulches of Dakota Territory. Deadwood's newest museum documents the celebration and rodeo. The Days of '76 Museum features exceptional displays of carriages, firearms, American Indian artifacts and illustrates Deadwood's enduring friendship with Buffalo Bill Cody. The Days of '76 Museum is wheelchair accessible. The Mercantile gift shop is located on the first floor.

Reviewed By Terri W

My husband and I love history! We spent 3 hours in this museum and could have stayed longer just absorbing everything they had on display and the stories/facts that went along with them. The staff was amazing and extremely knowledgeable. Carrie, was especially generous with her time and answered all our questions. Thanks again for making our trip so much more enriching and enjoyable! Must see when in Deadwood!

8. George S. Mickelson Trail

Deadwood, SD +1 605-584-3896
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 81 reviews

George S. Mickelson Trail

112-mile rails-to-trails project which goes through the Black Hills.

Reviewed By John C

Rode from Dumont to Hill City (approx 30 miles). Trail is in great condition. Almost as good as blacktop. Lots of bridges and several tunnels. Multiple signs noting area facts or historical markers. Very little traffic when we were there. The trail was very safe. I would rate this trail usable for everyone. Make sure you have water and snacks. There are no stops for services except restrooms. Being October it was chilly in the morning. Bring gear that can be removed and carried as needed. All that is left is go do it!

9. Cadillac Jack's Gaming Resort

360 Lower Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732 +1 605-578-1500
Excellent
46%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 255 reviews

Cadillac Jack's Gaming Resort

Reviewed By Kathleen B - Torrington, Wyoming

My husband and I spent the night at the Springhill Suites in Deadwood. The casino is attached via a glass walkway and is very convenient. It is a small and intimate place, with free drinks for active gamers ordered from your slot machine! Extremely friendly staff and enjoyable atmosphere.

10. Historic Old Town

Main Street, Deadwood, SD +1 800-344-8826
Excellent
48%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 818 reviews

Historic Old Town

Reviewed By Ron S - Sheridan, Wyoming

There is so much history here that you could not list it all here. No matter if it is HOT or COLD outside this town is way cool.. you might even like to check out Cool Deadwood Nights with FREE concerts from some famous singers of the past but fair warning if you are thinking about it make plans fast and get your stay ASAP because they sell out fast... lol. Quieter now .......
Enjoy your stay, we did

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