15 Best Things to Do in Deadwood, SD

Looking for the best things to do in Deadwood, South Dakota? This Wild West town has so much to offer!

Founded in 1876 during the Black Hills gold rush, this cute small town in South Dakota is now a well-preserved National Historic Landmark.

Nestled in the beautiful Black Hills National Forest, Deadwood is one of the best places to see in South Dakota

Walk the historic Main Street to be amazed by the architecture and Old West themes.

Drink at the saloon, try your hand at the casino, and even tour a historic brothel. Just don’t shoot your poker partner!

Afraid these Deadwood activities aren’t very family-friendly? Don’t worry!

The whole family will love the nearby hiking opportunities, entertaining shows, and many informative museums.

Let’s take a closer look at what to do in Deadwood, SD!

15 Best Things to Do in Deadwood, SD

Walk the Historic Main Street

With all the charming, 1800s buildings, you will feel as if you have stepped onto a movie set.

In fact, many movies have been filmed here throughout the years.

Check out the many bars, restaurants, and hotels, or attend an event in Outlaw Square.

This is one of the best places for shopping in Deadwood, SD, too.

Many of the other Deadwood attractions on this list are located on Main Street!

Visit Mount Moriah Cemetery

Mount Moriah Cemetery is a beautiful, wooded cemetery overlooking Deadwood Gulch.

This scenic location is the final resting place of many of Deadwood’s famous residents,

making it one of the top things to do in Deadwood.

Most notably, you will find the graves of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock, who all left their mark on history.

Continue walking through the cemetery to find the Jewish and Chinese sections as well as multiple Potter’s fields.

There is also a mass grave where victims of disease outbreaks were buried.

One Of The Best Things To Do In Deadwood Is To Check Out The Adams Museum

The Adams Museum is one of the oldest museums in the area, dating back to 1930.

Its goal is to preserve the history of the Black Hills region.

Some of the best exhibits here include a plesiosaur fossil, a gold nugget that belonged to Potato Creek Johnny,

and a pencil sketch of Wild Bill Hickok by N.C. Wyeth.

In the Legends Gallery, you will find memorabilia and personal belongings from many infamous Deadwood residents.

In the Risky Business exhibit, you will learn about the crime and seedy activities that occurred in Deadwood during its heyday.

If you want to learn about Deadwood’s history, this museum should be on your SD itinerary.

There is a suggested donation of only a few dollars per person.

Admire the Historic Adams House

For more history, head to the beautiful historic Adams House.

This Queen Anne-style house was built in 1892 by pioneers Harris and Anna Franklin.

It was later the home of W.E. Adams, one of the most influential leaders of Deadwood.

After Adams died in 1934, the house was left intact and was eventually restored and turned into a museum in 2000.

Take a tour of the opulent house and discover why it was known as one of the grandest homes of its time.

Pan for Gold at the Broken Boot Gold Mine

If you want to learn more about Deadwood’s gold rush, the Broken Boot Gold Mine gives great guided tours.

This gold mine was established in 1878, and today, you can head underground like the miners of the past.

As you explore the old mine shafts, you will learn about the mine’s history and the mining techniques used.

After the tour, you can pan for gold. You get to keep whatever flakes you find, which make for a great souvenir.

Learn About the Past at the Days of ’76 Museum

The Days of ’76 Museum honors the first pioneers of Deadwood and holds many great exhibitions.

You will find a huge collection of horse-drawn vehicles, including wagons, stagecoaches, and carriages.

There is also clothing, firearms, Native American artifacts, photographs, and other memorabilia on display.

If you visit Deadwood in July, the Days of ‘Deadwood ’76 Rodeo and Parade is a must-see event!

This is one of the best things to do in Black Hills, SD.

Over the course of five days, you can watch awesome rodeo events such as barrel racing and steer roping.

The parade includes people in period costumes, horseback riding, and horse-drawn wagons and stagecoaches.

Hike to the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower

If you want some time out in nature, the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower is a beautiful location.

It is one of the best places to see fall foliage in South Dakota!

The hike to the tower is an easy 0.6-mile hike among ferns and beautiful aspen and birch trees.

The stone tower was built in 1919 by Seth Bullock to honor his friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt.

The tower is 31 feet tall and offers incredible panoramic views of the Black Hills.

Pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables near the trail as you soak in the beauty of nature.

This is one of the best trails for hiking in South Dakota!

Learn About Native American History at Tatanka: Story of the Bison

Tatanka: Story of the Bison is a museum founded by actor Kevin Costner

after his time spent with the Lakota People during the filming of Dances with Wolves.

This center focuses on the relationship between the Lakota People and the bison that once roamed the plains in the millions.

There are many artifacts, Native American artwork, informational displays, and photographs.

Also at the property is the 3rd largest bronze sculpture. It depicts 14 bison and three Lakota riders on horseback.

You will also find a recreated Lakota Encampment outside. During the summer, there are cultural presentations as well.

Don’t forget to check out the gift shop which is filled with goods, art, and jewelry made by local, Native American-owned companies.

Eat at the Buffalo Bodega

The Buffalo Bodega Complex in the city of Deadwood has everything you need for a fun night out!

There is a bar, a steakhouse, and a casino. On Friday and Saturday nights, you can dance to a DJ and sing karaoke.

The steakhouse is one of the best places to eat in Deadwood.

The menu includes classic American food such as burgers, steak, salads, and sandwiches.

The bar has a selection of 20 craft beers to enjoy. In summer, you can dine outside while listening to live music.

Things To Do In Deadwood Essentials Packing List

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.

Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle. 

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.

Delve into History at the Old Style Saloon No. 10

If you are looking for cool landmarks in South Dakota, visit Old Style Saloon No. 10 in downtown Deadwood.

Above the Wild Bill Bar, you will see a sign marking it as the original location of Saloon No. 10,

where Wild Bill Hickok was shot by Jack McCall during a poker game in 1876.

The original bar, along with most of the town, was burned down during a fire in 1879.

The current Old Style Saloon No. 10 is a bit farther south. It is full of Old West memorabilia, photographs, and antiques.

Most notably, you will have the chance to see Wild Bill’s Death Chair in a fancy display case.

Getting a glimpse of this famous relic is one of the top things to do in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Things To Do In Deadwood: Attend a Wild West Re-Enactment

One of the coolest free things to do in Deadwood is watching the action-packed reenactments of shootouts on Main Street.

Multiple times a day, actors dressed in period clothes put on historically accurate shows of gunfights, tell stories, and answer questions.

The Deadwood Alive actors put on a great show, and this is a must-see attraction in Deadwood if you visit from May through September.

Make sure to check the schedule online, so you know when and where to be for the shows.

This is definitely one of the best things to see in South Dakota for family entertainment.

Watch the Trial of Jack McCall

For a fun, family-friendly show, head to the Franklin Hotel Theatre for the Trial of Jack McCall.

This event is a continuation of one of the free live shows that happen on Main Street.

After Jack McCall kills Wild Bill and is captured, it is time for his trial.

This hour-long show is a humorous recreation of the real murder trial.

The play will leave you laughing, especially when an audience member is called up to join in.

It only takes place during peak season, so check the schedule and buy tickets ahead of time.

There are plenty of places for camping in North Dakota if you plan to extend your stay!

Things To Do In Deadwood: Try Your Luck At The Casino

Many casinos line Main Street, and most hotels at least have some slot machines.

While slot games are the most common, some casinos also feature table games such as roulette, craps, poker, and blackjack.

Some of the best casinos in Deadwood include Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort, the Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort,

and the Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex.

One Of The Couples Things To Do In Deadwood Is Get A Tasting At The His & Hers Ale House And Wine Bar

If you want to enjoy one of the best things to do in Deadwood, SD, for couples,

grab some drinks at the His and Hers Ale House and Wine Bar.

This is a more laid-back bar in Deadwood, perfect if you want to get away from the rowdy, Wild West-themed bars.

You will find a large selection of rotating local craft beers and wines by the glass or bottle.

There is charcuterie to match with drinks, or order yummy upscale bar food such as paninis and flatbread.

Things To Do In Deadwood: Take a Ghost Tour

If you are into paranormal activity, there are a few ghost tour options in Deadwood

that will bring you to haunted locations while guides explain their dark past.

Some of the most haunted spots in town include the Fairmont Hotel, the Bullock Hotel, and the Adams House.

The walking tours will take you around town to these locations and more.

In October, the Adams House even offers paranormal investigations inside with Black Hills Paranormal Investigations.

For another spooky adventure, check out the Candlelight Ghost Tour at the Broken Boot Gold Mine.