Entertaining Guests Since 1876 - The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874 set off one of the last great gold rushes in the country. In 1876, miners moved into the northern Black Hills. That's where they came across a gulch full of dead trees and a creek full of gold...and Deadwood was born. Practically overnight, the tiny gold camp boomed into a town that played by its own rules that attracted outlaws, gamblers and gunslingers along with the gold seekers. Wild Bill Hickok was one of those men who came looking for fortune. But just a few short weeks after arriving, he was gunned down while holding a poker hand of aces and eights - forever after known as the Dead Man's Hand. Calamity Jane also made a name for herself in these parts and is buried next to Hickok in Mount Moriah Cemetery. Other legends, like Potato Creek Johnny, Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen, created their legends and legacies in this tiny Black Hills town.
With ongoing restoration, Deadwood, South Dakota is being transformed back into the frontier town that once drew legends and legions in search of their fortune. The entire town is a Registered National Historic Landmark, but don't let that fool you. Behind all the historic facades is plenty of modern-day fun. The famous and infamous have left their marks here and you can discover the lure of Deadwood for yourself!
In 1988, South Dakotans voted to allow limited-stake gaming in the town of Deadwood. A year later, the first Deadwood slots were pulled and the cards were dealt, touching off a rush of fortune seekers just like in the days of the Black Hills Gold Rush. Since the legalization of gaming, over one billion dollars in tax revenue has gone to support historic preservation, tourism and state and local governments in South Dakota.
In addition to history and gaming Deadwood is a gathering point for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the midst of the Black Hills National Forest , directly on the multi-use Mickelson Trail, near downhill ski slopes, and close to snowmobile and ATV trails, Deadwood is the perfect base camp for summer and winter outdoor sports. Deadwood also boasts year-round special events, concerts and comedy shows, live music, saloons, fabulous shopping, spas, many restaurants and luxurious accommodations.
Historic Deadwood
Wild Bill Hickok buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery
Old Style Saloon No. 10
Historic Deadwood to Cheyenne stagecoach in the Days of '76 Museum
Try your luck on a slot machine
Plan a spa day
Ski or snowboard
It the trails for thousands of miles of off-road adventure
Hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails and with many rental available
60+ concerts and comedy shows per year
Year-round special events
Plan a trip around special events, like FREE concerts on Main Street.
Local
See and Do
- Historic Deadwood Deadwood (0.0 miles) - Entertaining Guests Since 1876 - The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874 set off one of the...
- Days of '76 Museum Deadwood (0.1 miles) - Live re-creations of the town’s rich history started in 1924 through the Days of ‘76 celebration...
- Adams Museum Deadwood (0.9 miles) - The Adams Museum is the Black Hills’ oldest history museum. In 1930 pioneer businessman W.E. Adams...
- Historic Adams House Deadwood (1.0 miles) - The meticulously restored 1892 Victorian mansion with original contents chronicles Deadwood’s tran...
