Deadwood Things to Do

Deadwood offers visitors a fun combination of historical sites, nightlife, and nearby attractions.

History

Mt Moriah Cemetery (Boot Hill) might be the only cemetery you pay to get into. That’s because it contains the graves of Calamity Jane, Potato Creek Johnny, Preacher Smith, Seth Bullock, and Wild Bill Hickok. There’s also an interesting Jewish section. For a glimpse at upper-class lifestyle at the turn of the 20^th century, visit the Adam’s House. The restored home chronicles the city’s transition from a rough mining camp to a modern commercial center. For a self-guided tour, The History and Information Center has maps with numbered stops and detailed information about each place. Stop by the #10 Saloon and see where Jack McCall shot Wild Bill Hickok in the back. The whole family will enjoy a ride on the 1800 steam train.

Attractions

Make sure to visit Mount Rushmore National Monument, just an hour’s drive from Deadwood. Nelson’s Garage, a car and motorcycle museum, features automobiles from well-known movies and television shows. Included are James Bond’s Aston Martin from “The Living Daylights,” the Ferrari driven on “Magnum, P.I.,” the Trans Am from the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies, Herbie from Disney’s “The Love Bug,” Evel Knievel’s stunt-jumping motorcycle, a jeep from the TV series “M.A.S.H.” and a pickup once driven by John Wayne. Costumes and props used in more than 80 Hollywood films are also on display. You may bump into actor Kevin Costner in Deadwood. He fell in love with the area while filming “Dances with the Wolves” and bought a saloon in town that he visits occasionally. If you like to gamble, Deadwood has about twenty-five Wild West themed casinos. The ‘Kool Deadwood Nites Festival’ takes place every year at the end of August. It features a parade of classic cars, BBQ’s, shootouts by street performers, and free concerts with music from the 50’s and 60’s. Learn the history and importance of bison to the Lakota tribe at Kevin Costner’s Tatanka exhibit located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Deadwood.

Deadwood Things to Do – Attractions & Must See