Deadwood holidays
In the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, Deadwood was established practically overnight as a gold mining town in the 1870s. Thanks to the city’s designation as a national historic landmark, holidays to Deadwood feel like time travelling to the glory days of the Wild West — minus the bloodshed, of course. Victorian-inspired saloons, historical re-enactments and stagecoach tours are just a few ways to get into the spirit.
Deadwood holiday highlights
Living history
Travelling medicine shows, gunslinger standoffs and the Trial of Jack McCall, one of the Old West’s most infamous murderers, are all woven into the fabric of Deadwood’s lore. Via the Deadwood Alive performance troupe, visitors can experience living history on a holiday to Deadwood. Fun fact — the trial of Jack McCall has been performed for entertainment since the 1920s.
Entertainment after dark
Since its earliest days as a mining camp, Deadwood has carried a reputation for lively nightlife. Venues hosting live music and karaoke nights line Main Street, and visitors can take their chances on a game of poker or stroll historically inspired casinos. Saloon culture thrives in Deadwood, and some spots double as historic sites.
Where to stay
True to its Wild West origins, Deadwood developed along a Main Street where most lodging, food and services are located. Most bed and breakfasts, inns and hotels are near Main and Wall Streets, including the Historic Bullock Hotel, Deadwood’s oldest. You’ll find other options scattered along Highway 85, just south of downtown.
Deadwood: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-7 (MST) and UTC-6 (MDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – February
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Things to do in Deadwood
Places to eat
Deadwood cuisine is as American as the Old West. You’ll find steakhouses, burger joints, pizzerias and sports pubs all along Main Street, most offering primarily meat-heavy menus. There are also a few upscale restaurants tucked away inside the casinos. It’s best to make reservations for those, especially during peak tourist season.
Shopping
You’d be remiss not to pick up a Western-style cowboy hat while in Deadwood. You’ll find plenty in the boutiques and gift shops around town. Also be on the lookout for Native American jewellery and crafts, Western apparel, leather work and lots of trinkets made from Deadwood’s signature mineral, gold.
Take in the culture
With so much history in Deadwood, it’s no surprise that its museums are largely focused on the past. Learn all about Deadwood’s gold mining days at the Black Hills Mining Museum, or check out a century’s worth of pioneer paraphernalia at the Days of ’76 Museum. For a more eclectic collection, don’t miss the Adams Museum.
FAQs about Deadwood holidays
Deadwood may be small in scale, but there’s a lot to do. A weekend-long holiday in Deadwood is an ideal stretch of time to roam the picturesque Main Street, catch a few historic re-enactments, explore Victorian-era Mount Moriah Cemetery and enjoy the nightlife.
While this city is generally considered safe, the best way to have a stress-free holiday to Deadwood is to follow a few simple precautions. Before heading out, plan your journey to avoid getting lost. Be aware of your surroundings as you wander, and share your travel plans with a friend or family member.
The town’s motto says it all — ‘Entertaining guests since 1876’. Holidays to Deadwood are packed with fun things to do. The town’s calendar boasts special events year-round, from steer roping in August to a songwriter’s festival in October. And with dozens of lodging and dining options, planning a holiday is easy.
Plan your Deadwood trip for February and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. -15ºC (5ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
The locals here mainly speak English. Every city has its own unique lingo, so it's worth picking up some common phrases to use during your city break in Deadwood.
With temperatures hitting highs of 28ºC (82ºF), July is the hottest month in Deadwood.
Your city break in Deadwood can differ in price based on anything from your chosen hotel to trip length. To land the best deals on Deadwood flights and hotels, be flexible with when you go and look out for sales and discounts.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while on your trip to Deadwood. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider bringing some cash for things like minor purchases and public transport fares.
With around 15 cm of rainfall, May is the rainiest month. If you're going on your Deadwood holiday then, you might want to plan for some indoor activities. Dine at one of the best spots in town, check out an art gallery, or shop till you drop at the local stores.
Despite extreme weather fluctuations, Deadwood doesn’t have an off-season. Flights and hotels to Deadwood are likely to be slightly more expensive during the event-heavy summer months, but cosy lodges and the trail networks of Black Hills invite winter recreation seekers.
