For history buffs who want to step back in time to the Wild West, there’s no better place to visit than Deadwood, South Dakota. What started as a gold rush town in 1876 became a quintessential Western movie set: gamblers, outlaws, tough sheriffs, you name it. Legendary names like Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane spent time here, and today’s modern tourism industry won’t let you forget it. While there are many historic places worth a look in town, here are the "must-sees."
This town is truly one-of-a-kind - a place with live entertainment, Wild West re-enactments, gambling, shopping, and plenty of good places to eat.
First off, where to stay? Consider booking a room in the historic Bullock Hotel, billed as Deadwood’s “first and finest.” The town’s first sheriff Seth Bullock is said to still haunt the place, though maybe not while you enjoy time in your room’s Jacuzzi.
On anybody’s list of places to visit in Deadwood should be Saloon No. 10, where Wild Bill Hickok met his end. On top of a stellar menu and vintage bar atmosphere, Saloon No. 10 has a gift shop, live nightly music, and even historic re-enactments.
Some of the big Wild West names are still here in the Mount Moriah Cemetery, including Calamity Jane, the gunslinging, beer-swilling frontierswoman who, it was said, had a thing for Wild Bill Hickok. He’s buried here as well.
Hearkening back to the town’s gold rush history is Broken Boot Gold Mine. Tours leave every 30 minutes for the underground mines where men sought their fortune over 100 years ago.
If you need a breath of fresh air away from town, consider a trip up to the Friendship Tower, commemorating the friendship between sheriff Seth Bullock and President Teddy Roosevelt. The hike is under a mile and provides stellar views of the Black Hills surrounding town.
There are so many things to do in Deadwood, even if you don’t particularly care about history. You can learn more about what Deadwood offers on the city’s official visitor’s website.
Have you visited Deadwood? What were some of your favorite memories there? Let us know in the comments!
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