I’ve Driven Through All 50 States and This Small Town Was One of My Favorite Stops—With Old Saloons and Mountain Views

Key Points

• Deadwood, South Dakota, is a historic Wild West town in the Black Hills known for its old-fashioned saloons, colorful past, and lively Main Street.

• Visitors can enjoy historical reenactments, scenic hiking trails, local restaurants, casinos, and easy day trips to Mount Rushmore.

• September and October offer beautiful fall foliage, fewer crowds, seasonal festivals, and comfortable conditions for outdoor adventures.

When I took a road trip through South Dakota, visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial was at the top of my list. But I didn’t expect to fall for Deadwood, a nearby Western town that became one of my favorite stops. With its historic Main Street, old-fashioned saloons, and mountain scenery, Deadwood has plenty of personality beyond its famous past.

Located in the upper Black Hills of western South Dakota, Deadwood was founded during the Black Hills Gold Rush in 1876. The town quickly became known for its gamblers, outlaws, and gunslingers, including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Today, it holds onto its colorful history while offering visitors a mix of outdoor recreation, local restaurants, entertainment, and attractions.

To get a local perspective, I spoke with Julie Koth, who moved to Deadwood with her husband, Tom, in May 2012. She opened Madame Peacock’s Beer & Bling, a local business that Julie’s daughter, Alex, has since taken over. Having lived in Deadwood, run a business there, and traveled extensively both domestically and internationally, Koth has experienced the town from several perspectives.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Deadwood, South Dakota.

Best Things to Do

Deadwood’s history is impossible to miss. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark, and walking along Main Street is one of the easiest ways to take in its past. Historic storefronts, saloons, casinos, and museums line the street, creating an atmosphere that feels distinctly different from other small towns in the Black Hills.

Learn more about the area’s history at the Adams Museum, which houses exhibits and artifacts related to the Black Hills and Deadwood’s gold rush days. For a more interactive experience, Deadwood Alive brings the town’s history to life with professional actors performing historical reenactments along Main Street three times a day, three days a week (not performed on Sundays). The performances feature some of the area’s most recognizable characters and entertain kids and adults alike. Check the online calendar for daily schedules so you don’t miss the action.

No visit to Deadwood would be complete without stopping at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Located above town, the historic cemetery is the final resting place of several famous figures from the American West, including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. It’s also a good opportunity to take in views of Deadwood Gulch and the surrounding Black Hills.

While the town’s history is a major draw, there’s plenty to do outdoors, too. Deadwood is encircled by the Black Hills National Forest, with miles of hiking trails ranging from easy forest walks to more challenging climbs. One local favorite is the hike to Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower, which offers views of the surrounding landscape. The nearby George S. Mickelson Trail is another option for visitors who want to explore the region on foot or bike.

Koth recommends visiting in early autumn, particularly September and October, after the summer crowds have vanished. “The weather is beautiful for a hike on one of the many trails through Deadwood where you’ll experience gorgeous foliage and encounter wildlife like bighorn sheep possibly wandering around downtown,” she says.

Fall also brings several events to town. The Deadwood Jam takes place in September at Outlaw Square, with free live performances spanning multiple genres of music. Oktoberfest is another popular event, featuring traditional German food, beer games, and even wiener dog races.

Deadwood is also a great home base for exploring the rest of the Black Hills. Mount Rushmore is an easy day trip, and visitors can also make the drive to Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and other nearby attractions.

“Deadwood is the perfect place to use as a ‘Base Camp’ for a Black Hills vacation,” Koth says. “There is absolutely something for everyone!”

She points to the variety of experiences available, from museums and outdoor recreation to historical reenactments and casinos. Gambling is legal in Deadwood, and visitors can try their luck at slots, poker, or sports betting. The town has also developed a reputation as a popular destination for bachelorette parties and groups looking for a lively weekend.

Where to Eat and Drink

Deadwood’s food scene is another reason to spend more than an afternoon in town. You’ll find everything from classic Western saloons and casual burger joints to steakhouses and restaurants serving more creative dishes. Many of the restaurants are within walking distance of Main Street’s hotels, shops, and casinos.

Koth says it’s difficult to choose a favorite restaurant because it depends on what you’re in the mood for. For breakfast, she used to order the lobster Benedict at Legends Steakhouse in the Historic Franklin Hotel. But there’s a newer addition to town that has caught her attention: country singer Ian Munsick’s Cowboy Bar & Western Grill. On her first visit, she ordered the peach cobbler waffle with a side of cowboy candied bacon and said she was blown away.

For lunch, Koth recommends the Cajun beef soup at Mavericks or a burger from Mustang Sally’s. Both are good options if you’re looking for something casual between exploring downtown and heading out to see more of the Black Hills.

For dinner, she recommends the bison ravioli at The Social Club, located above Saloon No. 10. It’s a local favorite, and Koth also considers it home to the best martini in town.

Of course, no visit to Deadwood would be complete without stopping into one of its historic saloons. Saloon No. 10 is especially well known for its connection to Wild Bill Hickok, who was playing poker there when he was shot in 1876. Today, visitors can stop in for a drink, see historical memorabilia, and experience another piece of Deadwood’s past. It was one of my favorite stops in town!

Where to Stay

Deadwood has several lodging options, from historic hotels along Main Street to larger properties with casinos, restaurants, and entertainment. If you want to be close to the action, staying downtown makes it easy to explore the historic district on foot.

For a stay with a storied past, consider the Historic Franklin Hotel, now part of the Silverado Franklin and gaming complex. The property has welcomed visitors since 1903 and recently underwent a renovation that updated its guest rooms and common spaces while retaining its historic character. Its Main Street location also makes it a convenient choice for visitors who want to be close to Deadwood’s restaurants, casinos, and entertainment.

Another more modern option is the Hampton Inn Deadwood at Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort, where we stayed during our time in town. You get the luxuries of a chain hotel, including free breakfast, a fitness center, and more, while also being attached to a casino, which makes it easy to play slots, poker, and other games.

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