If you appreciate history and nature, Deadwood South Dakota should not be missed. It boasts old heritage sites, captivating museums, as well as breathtaking landscapes from the Black Hills National Forest.
Travel back in time and experience the Wild West as it existed during the 1876 Gold Rush. Visit the gravesites of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, as well as enjoy live reenactments on Historic Main Street.
Historic Main Street
Take a stroll down Historic Main Street and you’ll pass numerous historical sites, such as the saloon where Wild Bill Hickok was shot and Calamity Jane’s final resting place. Additionally, visit the cemetery where several other legendary figures rest including Preacher Smith and Madame DuFran.
Each summer, professional actors recreate key moments from Deadwood history on Historic Main Street, creating live shows popular with tourists. These free performances, known as “Main Street Shoot Outs,” take place three times daily and offer visitors a unique perspective of Deadwood’s past.
For an unforgettable way to experience Deadwood, take a horse-drawn carriage ride down historic Main Street. This half-hour tour offers visitors an insight into the city’s history while providing them with an alternate perspective of its scenery and culture.
Another way to experience Deadwood’s history is by visiting the Adams Museum. Here, visitors can see unique items owned by residents like Potato Creek Johnny’s original 7.346 troy-ounce gold nugget, a stuffed two-headed calf and meat cleaver, as well as an iconic sketch of Wild Bill Hickok.
Visitors to Deadwood can also explore the Broken Boot Mine, a 100-year-old tunnel that offers visitors an insight into mining in Deadwood’s past. It’s an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in both regional history and the Black Hills’ beauty.
One of Deadwood’s most iconic attractions is Mount Moriah Cemetery, nestled deep within the mountains. Here rest the graves of many Deadwood legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Preacher Smith.
Tourists flock to see the graves of these legendary figures, which offer breathtaking views of Black Hills landscapes and provide insight into the town’s heritage and legends. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about its legends and heritage.
The hotel is conveniently situated near many picturesque sights in Deadwood, such as Adams Museum, Spearfish Canyon, and Terry Peak Ski Lodge. Plus its only 40 miles away from Rapid City Regional Airport.
Mount Rushmore
The Black Hills, and Deadwood in particular, have a way of transporting you back in time. It’s an old-school town with an intriguing history, vibrant culture, and plenty of experiences that you won’t want to miss out on.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of South Dakota’s major tourist attractions, featuring carvings of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Created under Gutzon Borglum’s direction, it is truly awe-inspiring to behold.
Travelers to the Black Hills mustn’t miss this incredible destination for its majestic mountains, jagged peaks, and lush green forests. It is a must-see destination for any visitor to the region.
While in the area, don’t miss visiting both Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore. These monuments are just a short drive away from Deadwood and serve as important symbols of the region’s history.
Spend a full day visiting these monuments as a family to truly understand their significance.
For those with more time to spare, the Adams Museum in Deadwood is a great option for exploring South Dakota’s history. It houses many artifacts from the 1800s as well.
One of the must-do activities in Deadwood is taking a tour of Mount Moriah Cemetery, home to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane’s graves. This is an invaluable chance to learn about these iconic Western heroes of the Old West and their legacy.
On the same block as Deadwood City Hall, a historic building that served as the railroad depot until 1950, and home to Days of ’76 Museum which honors Deadwood’s first pioneers, stands.
Mount Rushmore is easily reached from Deadwood by car, but for an even more memorable experience, consider taking a guided tour. Here, you will gain insight into the incredible history and construction behind this impressive monument.
Mount of the Presidents
When visiting South Dakota’s Black Hills, be sure to include a visit to the iconic Mount of the Presidents. Carved into a granite rock face between 1927-1941, this mountain features four monumental presidential portraits of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt that were carefully carved from its face.
Gutzon Borglum oversaw this ambitious project, employing dynamite and pneumatic hammers to carve away at Mount Everest over 14 years with some 400 workers scraping away 450,000 tons of rock from its face.
Inside the main building, you can explore a sculptor’s studio and other exhibits that tell the story of this project and the artists responsible. Additionally, there is a film depicting the carving process between 1927-1941.
On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by 60-foot statues of America’s presidents. Take a self-guided tour and then head out onto the viewing terrace for breathtaking views of these sculptures.
For me, you could spend hours at this monument taking in its history and learning about the men whose faces are etched into the granite rock. There’s an excellent information center, audio tour, restrooms, and gift shop, as well as Carver’s Cafe & Ice Cream nearby.
Once you’ve enjoyed some time at the monument, head over to Deadwood and explore its historic core. Dating back to the turn of the century, this district is full of old hotels, gambling establishments, and other buildings built on what used to be part of Deadwood’s original mining camp.
Historic landmarks include the Bullock Hotel (now a museum), Silverado-Franklin Hotel, and Adams House. Furthermore, Deadwood is home to both the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and its headquarters.
Deadwood boasts a rich history and plenty of attractions for those seeking an exciting exploration on foot or by bicycle. Popular tourist spots like the Badlands, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Devil’s Tower National Monument can all be visited during your time here.
Bear Country Wildlife Park
If you’re searching for an up-close and personal experience with wildlife, Bear Country Wildlife Park is the ideal destination. This 250-acre drive-thru park features wolves, bears, elk, and other North American creatures.
Family-friendly and packed with fun, it’s worth visiting even if you don’t plan to drive around the park. They have a zoo walk that allows visitors to view all the different enclosures and animals housed within each one.
Take a ride on the train or visit the displays of gold nuggets and old western memorabilia. Although it’s small, it is well worth visiting!
One of the best activities to do in Deadwood is exploring Mount Moriah Cemetery. This fascinating landmark provides insight into both the town’s past and its many inhabitants.
The cemetery is open every day of the year and there’s a nominal fee to enter. You’ll find many fascinating tombstones here, including those of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane!
Although this attraction is popular, it can get busy during peak season. We suggest booking a tour ahead of time if you plan to visit during this busy period.
It’s essential to warn children against bears when traveling with them, as they can be unpredictable and aggressive towards pets.
In South Dakota, bears are not uncommon creatures to see. Bear Country Park provides one of the best opportunities to witness these majestic animals up close and secure.
Hikers should check out the George S Mickelson Trail for its breathtaking 109 miles of packed gravel trail that crosses over 100 railroad bridges along its course. Not only is it ideal for long hikes, but bike and horseback riders also flock here in droves.
The Adams House is a historic house-and-museum complex that pays homage to the colorful characters who made Deadwood known as an American West town. It’s open for tours with all of its original interior decorations intact.
Conclusion
The Old West comes alive when you visit this historic town. From the days of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane to today’s modern-day attractions, Deadwood has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation or an adventure in the wild west, there is no better place than Deadwood to experience it all.
So what can one expect from a trip to Deadwood? Well first off there are plenty of things to do and see on your journey such as exploring some of its historical sites like Mount Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill Hickok was laid to rest or visiting Saloon #10 which still serves up drinks just as they did back in those days! Of course don’t forget about gambling either; with several casinos around town it’s easy enough (and legal!) To get your hands on some chips and try your luck at winning big!
But if that isn’t quite enough excitement then be sure not check out all the other activities available like horseback riding through scenic trails or taking a tour of local wineries – whatever tickles your fancy there’s sure something fun waiting for you in beautiful old west country. So why wait any longer? Pack up those bags and head out on an unforgettable journey into history – who knows what kind surprises await along the way?!
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