Deadwood is a small town in the Black Hills of South Dakota in the northern central United States. It’s often recognized for a colorful history. The city of Deadwood, and the region of the Black Hills, are famous for being a major stomping ground in the Wild West.
Immerse oneself in history. Walk down the street, surrounded by a variety of saloons, a brothel, and a living museum. Save money and see free shows that include a handful of live Wild West shootouts. Shows begin as early as 1:45 pm and go into the early hours of the evening, with the last show is at 8 pm.
Deadwood is one of the smaller tourist towns that I’ve been to. How small you might ask? Well, from one edge of town to the other, there’s 3.83 square miles of land. Downtown consists of a main street and five other streets surrounding it.
It does not take long to walk the depths of Deadwood. Nor did it take a while for the whispers of the past to reverberate through the walls of town. The past speaks in the ears of visitors on every corner. Leaving the imagination to run wild.
If you’re moved by the history of town, then I’d recommend stopping at the historic Mt. Moriah Graveyard. Mt. Moriah is home to the celebrity graves of several Wild West legends. Such as, James “Wild Bill” Hickock, Martha “Calamity Jane” Canary, and Seth Bullock.
Stop in for a drink in the last bar where “Wild Bill” Hickock had his final drink, Saloon #10. Shot dead in 1876, while playing poker. Wild Bill’s death inspired the infamous “Deadman’s Hand.” Deadman’s Hand consists of two pair with black 8’s and black aces. The famous lawman was holding the cards when shot dead at the poker table more than a century ago.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
During the summer, hear the roar of motorcycles as they thunder through town. Each year Deadwood hosts an annual motorcycle rally in August. Hear the loud chorus, and rumble, of Harley’s, Honda’s, Victory’s, and more from all corners of town.
The Sturgis Rally began this year on August 5th, with the last day on the 14th. The rally begins in Deadwood. All riders caravan for 50 miles, to the nearby town of Sturgis. The rally serves as a fundraiser for a variety of local charities.
Getting There & Accommodations
Getting to Deadwood is easy if you have a car. The easiest route without is through a rental car and Google Maps. It is possible with busses and public transportation, but the route is difficult. There’s nothing direct and there’s no major bus station either. Find busses to the nearby major city, Rapid City, through Busbud for the best prices.
Find the best, and most affordable, accommodations through Booking.com. Unfortunately, there are no hostels offered in Deadwood, or Rapid City. Yet, choose between several cheap hotels and guestrooms with Booking.
If you like to go on tours, then you’re in luck! Find the best tour packages that include Deadwood, and Mount Rushmore, through Viator. Viator offers in depth packages that fill up a day of history for any interested tourists. They also offer tours to the nearby Wind Cave National Park.
Final Thoughts
Deadwood, South Dakota is a wild place with a colorful past. There’s a lot to do and much to see in this region of the United States. The daily events are enough to keep the entire family entertained. This is a place I’d love to spend more time in. I look forward to coming back one day.
