- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Deadwood
Founded in the 1876 gold rush, Deadwood's entire district is a National Historic Landmark. Its Victorian architecture reflects its boomtown past, with figures like Wild Bill Hickok buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery. What is Deadwood famous for is how it saved these buildings. In 1989, limited-stakes gaming was legalized specifically to fund historic preservation, a unique model in the US.
Surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest, Deadwood is a hub for outdoor adventure. The 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail follows a historic railroad bed, perfect for biking. Nearby Spearfish Canyon offers stunning vistas and waterfalls. ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts find hundreds of miles of designated trails just outside of town, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
The town's culture is rooted in its living history. Historic saloons like Saloon No. 10 offer gaming and live music alongside museum-quality artifacts, including the chair Wild Bill was supposedly shot in. From May to September, free daily shootouts reenact historical events on Main Street, performed by skilled actors who stay in character all day.
- DeadwoodUnited States
- DeadwoodUnited States
- DeadwoodUnited States
- DeadwoodUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- May-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, busy tourist season
- Wintercold, snow possible
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LayeredClothing
- #Sunscreen
- #RainJacket
- #Camera
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days for extended stay
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #MountMoriahCemetery
- #HistoricMainStreet
- #AdamsMuseum
- #DeadwoodGulchGaming
- #TheTrialOfJackMcCall
- #WildBillHickokGrave
- Visit Mount Moriah Cemetery
- Explore the Gold Rush history
- Try local craft beer
- Attend a live reenactment
- Stroll along Historic Main Street
Things to do in Deadwood
Discover
Exploring Deadwood reveals a rich past on Historic Main Street. Discover Old West artifacts at the Adams Museum and pay respects to legends like Wild Bill Hickok at Mount Moriah Cemetery, which offers panoramic views of the Black Hills.
Experience
Try gold panning at Broken Boot Gold Mine or watch daily shootouts on Main Street. Experience the Wild West with stagecoach tours and seasonal events like Wild Bill Days, offering live music and parades for an immersive cultural experience.
Historic Main Street
Preserved 19th-century street with shops and saloons.
Mount Moriah Cemetery
Historic cemetery, resting place of Old West legends.
Adams Museum
Museum preserving Black Hills and Deadwood history.
Broken Boot Gold Mine
Historic mine offering underground tours and gold panning.
Main Street Shootouts
Live, daily reenactments of Old West gunfights.
George S. Mickelson Trail
Rail trail for hiking and biking through the Black Hills.
Tatanka: Story of the Bison
Cultural site with bronze bison sculptures and exhibits.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), an hour's drive away. The connection from the Deadwood airport to city center is via shuttle or car rental. Note that no passenger train to Deadwood operates, which is key when planning how to get to Deadwood.
Getting Around
The historic downtown is highly walkable. For public transport in Deadwood, use the Deadwood Trolley, which covers the city for a small fee. Many casinos also operate a Deadwood shuttle bus. A car rental in Deadwood is best for regional exploring.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Deadwood, know that driving in Deadwood involves steep, narrow roads. Use city lots, as Main Street parking is limited. Watch for wildlife on highways, especially at dawn and dusk. Cell service can be spotty in the hills.
Where to Stay in Deadwood
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Deadwood by tasting local specialties like bison burgers and chislic. The culture here revolves around hearty steakhouse dinners after a day's adventure. It's the perfect way to eat and refuel in the Old West.
Enjoy
Dine at Mavericks for a modern steakhouse vibe, book ahead. Taste history at Saloon #10, one of the best bars in Deadwood, with its sawdust floors, go early. Grab a coffee at Pump House, a cozy and unique spot, check their hours.
Mavericks
Modern steakhouse inside the Gold Dust Casino.
Deadwood Legends Steakhouse
Fine dining in the historic Franklin Hotel.
The Deadwood Social Club
Fine dining located above the famous Saloon #10.
The Gem Steakhouse & Saloon
Old West steakhouse in the Mineral Palace Hotel.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Deadwood's history through its must-see events. The Days of '76 Rodeo, a tradition since 1924, honors the town's pioneers with parades and a PRCA rodeo. Wild Bill Days celebrate the famous gunslinger with reenactments and free concerts.
Enjoy
Discover Deadwood's creative side with its diverse music scene. The Deadwood Jam is a free two-day outdoor festival featuring rock and blues. For a unique experience, explore things to do like the Wild West Songwriters Festival for intimate acoustic sets.
Days of '76 Rodeo
July event honoring pioneers with parades and a PRCA rodeo.
Wild Bill Days
June celebration of Wild Bill Hickok with free concerts.
Kool Deadwood Nites
Classic car shows, a parade, and free concerts in August.
Deadwood Jam
Free two-day outdoor music festival in September.
Deadwood Oktoberfest
October festival with Wiener Dog Races and German music.
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
March event featuring a parade and a popular pub crawl.
Deadwood Snocross
Professional snowmobile racing in January at the Event Complex.
Stepped Back in Time
Deadwood is a cool step back in time. The whole Historic Main Street has this Old West feel, and it's easy to imagine the gold rush days. Loved that you could just walk everywhere, from the casinos to the historical sites.
Fun Weekend Getaway
Had a blast here for a long weekend. The casinos are small but fun, and the history is everywhere. We found a great spot for a steak and spent a lot of time in Saloon No. 10. The live music and historical displays there were great.
A Must for History Lovers
Deadwood is a must-see for any history fan. The walk up to Mount Moriah Cemetery to see the graves of Wild Bill and Calamity Jane was totally worth it. The whole town lives and breathes its past, which is fascinating to experience firsthand.
Great Mix of Old and New
What a great spot for a weekend trip. It's got this perfect mix of old-timey streets and modern places to eat and stay. We really enjoyed the Adams Museum-it gives you the full story of the town. Super interesting and different.
Perfect Black Hills Stop
We stopped here while driving through the Black Hills. The kids got a kick out of the street reenactments. It's a fun, walkable town with plenty to see for a day or two. The architecture alone makes it worth the visit.
Loved the Architecture
Visited during a quieter season and it was perfect. You can really take in the architecture and history without the crowds. Found a good coffee shop and just wandered. The detail on buildings like the Bullock Hotel is incredible.