Discover Deadwood - Where the Wild West Lives On

Day 1: Wild West Welcome & Main Street Saga

• Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Deadwood and check into your pre-booked accommodation (budget for this itinerary is exclusive of lodging). Head straight to Historic Main Street for an immediate immersion. Start with a self-guided walk, soaking in the architecture and atmosphere. Your first stop should be the legendary Old Style Saloon #10 (657 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732), famous as the spot where Wild Bill Hickok was shot. Explore the exhibits and grab a morning beverage. Around noon, keep an eye out for Deadwood Alive street performances, which often include reenactments of famous gunfights.
  • Practical Tips: Parking is available in city lots or hotel garages (expect $5-10/day). Wear comfortable walking shoes. Entry to Saloon #10 is free; budget $10-15 for a coffee or soft drink for two. All activities are within a few blocks.
  • Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy lunch on Main Street. Recommendations include Deadwood Social Club (565 Main St) for its relaxed atmosphere and Italian-American menu (budget $30-50 for two), or Mavericks Steak & Cocktails (part of Gold Dust Casino, 688 Main St) for a heartier meal (budget $40-60 for two). Afterwards, delve deeper into Deadwood’s rich history at the Adams Museum (54 Sherman St, Deadwood, SD 57732), home to artifacts and stories of the town’s early days. From the museum, take a self-guided Historic Deadwood Walking Tour (maps available at the visitor center) to discover key landmarks and hear fascinating tales.
  • Practical Tips: Adams Museum admission is $8 per adult ($16 for two). The museum is a short 0.2-mile walk from Main Street.
  • Time Needed: Lunch (1 hour), Adams Museum (1.5-2 hours), Walking Tour (1-1.5 hours).
• Evening (5:00 PM onwards) For dinner, consider the casual yet delicious fare at Mustang Sally’s (680 Main St), known for its burgers and pizzas (budget $40-60 for two). For a more upscale dining experience, The Grill at Deadwood Mountain Grand (1906 Deadwood Mountain Grand St, approximately 1 mile drive/taxi from Main Street) offers steak and seafood (budget $80-120 for two). After dinner, immerse yourselves in the lively casino atmosphere at places like Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort (360 Main St) or enjoy live music back at Saloon No. 10.
  • Practical Tips: Set a limit if you choose to gamble (e.g., $20-30 per person).

Day 2: Gold Mines, Graves, and Canyon Views

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day with breakfast. For a classic diner experience, drive approximately 4 miles out of town to Cheyenne Crossing Store & Restaurant (20043 US-14A) (budget $20-30 for two), or opt for a quick coffee and pastry at a Main Street cafe. Your first historical stop is Mount Moriah Cemetery (1000 Mt Moriah Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732), the final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, and other frontier legends. Next, experience a true gold rush adventure at the Broken Boot Gold Mine (1200 Comstock Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732). Take a guided tour into an authentic 1878 gold mine and try your hand at gold panning.
  • Practical Tips: Mount Moriah Cemetery is free, though donations are appreciated. It’s about a 0.5-mile winding drive from Main Street. Broken Boot Gold Mine admission is $11 per adult ($22 for two). It’s approximately a 1-mile drive from the cemetery.
  • Time Needed: Cemetery (1-1.5 hours), Gold Mine (1.5-2 hours).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Grab lunch back in Deadwood or pick up something to go for a picnic. Then, embark on a breathtaking scenic drive through Spearfish Canyon. Take US-14A (Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway) approximately 15 miles west from Deadwood. Stop at picturesque spots like Roughlock Falls (requires a short, easy 0.5-mile round trip walk from parking) and Bridal Veil Falls. The entire drive offers stunning views of towering limestone cliffs, lush forests, and serene waterfalls.
  • Practical Tips: Lunch budget $30-50 for two. Spearfish Canyon is free to explore; factor in gas cost for the drive (~40-50 miles round trip). Wear comfortable shoes for short walks to the falls.
  • Time Needed: Lunch (1 hour), Drive and stops in Spearfish Canyon (2.5-3 hours).
• Evening (5:00 PM onwards) Return to Deadwood for dinner. Consider Lee Street Station Cafe (128 Lee St) for homestyle cooking (budget $40-60 for two), or Mine Shaft Restaurant at The Lodge at Deadwood (300 Cliff St, ~0.7 miles from Main Street) for a relaxed atmosphere (budget $50-70 for two). After dinner, check local listings for any live shows or events happening in town, or simply enjoy a quiet drink at a saloon.
  • Practical Tips: Check hotel or visitor center for current entertainment schedules.

Day 3: Bison, Trails, and Farewell

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe (budget $20-30 for two). Your first stop today is Tatanka: Story of the Bison (100 Tatanka Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732), located approximately 1.5 miles from Main Street. This impressive interpretive center, developed by Kevin Costner, features a colossal bronze sculpture of 17 bison and provides fascinating insights into the history and cultural significance of bison to Native Americans. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing walk on a section of the George S. Mickelson Trail. Access it near the Deadwood Trailhead (off US-385, ~0.5 mile from Main Street). A leisurely 1-2 mile round trip walk offers beautiful Black Hills scenery and fresh air.
  • Practical Tips: Tatanka admission is $10 per adult ($20 for two). The Mickelson Trail is free to walk; bike rentals are available in town (~$30-40 per day) if you prefer cycling, but not necessary for a short scenic walk.
  • Time Needed: Tatanka (1.5-2 hours), Mickelson Trail walk (1 hour).
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM) Enjoy your final Deadwood meal. For a quick and delicious lunch, try Pizza Lab (695 Main St) where you can build your own pizza (budget $25-40 for two), or revisit a favorite spot from previous days. Spend some time on Main Street for last-minute souvenir shopping – look for unique Deadwood memorabilia, local crafts, or South Dakota specialties to take home.
  • Practical Tips: Souvenir budget is variable; consider setting aside $30-50 for both.
  • Time Needed: Lunch (1 hour), Shopping (1 hour).
• Evening (Departure) Depart from Deadwood, filled with memories of its wild frontier spirit, historic tales, and the natural beauty of the Black Hills.

Day 1: Echoes of the Old West & First Rolls

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Arrive in Deadwood and immerse yourselves immediately in the town’s legendary past. Start with a stroll down Historic Main Street, soaking in the Victorian architecture and western charm. Your first stop should be the Old Style Saloon #10 (624 Main St). This iconic saloon is famous as the site of Wild Bill Hickok’s assassination. While entry is free, grab a coffee or a local brew to soak up the atmosphere ($10-20 for drinks). Check their schedule for possible Wild Bill reenactments (free, tips appreciated).
  • Practical Tip: Parking can be found in various lots around town, often free or metered. Most attractions on Main Street are within easy walking distance (less than 0.5 miles).
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM) For lunch, grab a casual bite at Mustang Sally’s (707 Main St), known for its hearty sandwiches and classic diner fare ($30-40 for two). Afterward, delve deeper into history. Head to the Adams Museum (54 Sherman St), just a couple of blocks off Main Street (approx. 0.2 miles walk). It houses artifacts from Deadwood’s past, including Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget. Then, visit the Days of ‘76 Museum (111 Hazel St), about a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk (1 mile) from the Adams Museum, showcasing rodeo and pioneer history with impressive exhibits. A combo ticket for both museums is available for $16 per person ($32 for two). Conclude your historical journey at Mount Moriah Cemetery (1000 W Main St), the final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock. It’s a short 5-minute drive up the hill from downtown. Entry is free, but consider purchasing a map from a local shop for $1-2 to find specific graves.
  • Time Needed: Allow 1.5-2 hours for the Adams Museum and 1.5-2 hours for the Days of ‘76 Museum. 1 hour for the cemetery.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards) For dinner, enjoy a relaxed, yet quality meal at the Deadwood Social Club located above the Saloon #10 (624 Main St). They offer a diverse menu with options from steaks to pasta in a great atmosphere ($70-90 for two, including a drink each). After dinner, it’s time for some casino action! Deadwood is packed with casinos. Try your luck at the Franklin Hotel & Casino (701 Main St) for its historic ambiance, or venture into Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort (360 Main St) for a larger variety of games. Allocate $50-75 for “fun money” for the evening, split between the two of you, to enjoy some slots or a few hands of blackjack.
  • Budget Check (Day 1): Food: ~$110-150. Activities: ~$32-34. Gambling: ~$50-75. Total: ~$192-259.

Day 2: Beneath the Surface & Farewell Flurry

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Start your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel up. Mustang Sally’s (707 Main St) is a great option for classic breakfast plates, or try the Deadwood Doughnut Shop (578 Main St) for a quicker, sweeter start ($30-40 for two). Afterwards, head just outside of town to the Broken Boot Gold Mine (1200 Pioneer Way), a 5-minute drive from Main Street. Take a fascinating underground tour of a real 1870s gold mine and try your hand at gold panning. It’s an excellent way to experience Deadwood’s mining heritage. The tour typically takes about 1 hour and costs $15 per person ($30 for two).
  • Practical Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s some walking and uneven terrain in the mine.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Grab a casual lunch back on Main Street. The Deadwood Mini Golf & Eatery (670 Main St) offers quick bites and a fun activity if you’re up for it ($30-40 for two). Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring any shops you missed on Main Street for souvenirs or trying another unique Deadwood attraction. Consider checking out the Celebrity Hotel & Casino (629 Main St), which houses the Deadwood Wax Museum with figures of famous people and historical characters ($10-12 per person, $20-24 for two). Alternatively, if you want more casino action, revisit one you enjoyed or try a new one like the Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex (701 Main St) for a different atmosphere.
  • Time Needed: 1-2 hours for shopping/exploring, 1-2 hours for a museum or additional casino time.
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards) For your farewell dinner, indulge in a classic steakhouse experience at The Gem Steakhouse & Saloon (670 Main St). They offer a menu of steaks, seafood, and pasta in a lively, historic setting ($80-100 for two, including a drink each). After dinner, make one last pass at your favorite casino or try a new one for a final “quick draw” of luck before heading out. Allocate your remaining “fun money” ($50-75) for a last burst of gambling excitement. Reflect on your concentrated dose of Deadwood history and fun as you prepare for departure.

  • Budget Check (Day 2): Food: ~$140-180. Activities: ~$30-54. Gambling: ~$50-75. Total: ~$220-309.

  • Grand Total Estimate for 2 People (excluding accommodation, which would need to be very budget-friendly or pre-arranged to fit the $650 budget): ~$412 - $568

  • Remaining Budget: $82 - $238 for contingency, extra gambling, or a very basic accommodation option.