3-Day History Buff Itinerary in Deadwood, South Dakota

Morning

Start your visit with a walk down Deadwood’s historic Main Street, where beautifully restored 19th-century buildings that once housed saloons, gambling halls, and hotels line the bustling district.

Along the way, stop at the Adams Museum, the oldest museum in the Black Hills, to explore exhibits highlighting the town’s gold rush days and notorious figures like Wild Bill Hickok.

For a true taste of Deadwood’s legendary past, head to Saloon No. 10, a replica of the original bar where Hickok was famously shot, and don’t miss the re-enactment of his dramatic final moments.

Afternoon

Make your way up to Mount Moriah Cemetery, either by hiking or driving, to visit the final resting places of Deadwood legends such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock. This historic site provides a peaceful place to reflect while also offering a scenic trail with sweeping views of the town below.

Afterward, stop at the Deadwood History & Information Center, where interactive exhibits, maps, and timelines bring the story of the Black Hills Gold Rush to life and showcase how it shaped Deadwood’s colorful past.

Evening

Wrap up your first day with a lively Deadwood Alive  street performance featuring gunfights and stories from the Old West.

These free re-enactments on Main Street bring history to life, with actors portraying outlaws and lawmen.

Dinner: Dine at Jake’s Fine Dining  at the Midnight Star, a historic gaming hall once owned by actor Kevin Costner, offering Old West-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting.

Morning

Begin day two with a short drive to the Broken Boot Gold Mine, where guided tours bring the Black Hills Gold Rush to life by showing how miners once worked underground, complete with the chance to try your hand at gold panning.

Then, step into the elegance of the Adams House Museum, a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion built in 1892, where original furnishings and artifacts offer a rare glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Deadwood’s upper class.

Afternoon

After lunch, explore the Days of ’76 Museum, home to Western memorabilia, Native American artifacts, and stagecoaches that celebrate Deadwood’s early settler traditions and annual parade.

Then head just outside town to Tatanka: Story of the Bison, founded by Kevin Costner, where exhibits and a striking bronze buffalo hunt sculpture highlight the deep connection between Native American culture and the bison’s role in the Old West.

Evening

In the evening, stroll through Deadwood’s historic gambling halls like The Bullock Hotel and The Gem Theater, where you can experience Old West-style gaming.

Wrap up the night with dinner at The Deadwood Social Club, known for its upscale Italian and steakhouse dishes served in a historic saloon setting.

Morning

Start the morning with a quick 10-minute drive to Lead, home of the Homestake Gold Mine, once the largest and deepest in the Western Hemisphere.

Visit the Black Hills Mining Museum to learn about the mine’s rich history and its impact on the region, then stop at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center to view the massive open-pit mine and discover how it’s being transformed into a world-class scientific research facility.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, drive about 30 minutes north to Belle Fourche to visit the geographic Center of the Nation Monument and explore the Tri-State Museum, which showcases Native American artifacts and pioneer history.

On your return, take the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, a 19-mile drive lined with towering limestone cliffs and waterfalls like Bridal Veil and Roughlock Falls—scenic spots that also appeared in Dances with Wolves—a perfect way to end your history-filled adventure.

Evening

For your final evening, enjoy dinner at Legends Steakhouse inside the historic Franklin Hotel, where classic dishes are served in a timeless setting.

Afterward, take a last stroll down Deadwood’s Main Street, savoring the lively yet historic atmosphere of this iconic Wild West town.

Pause to admire the glowing storefronts and restored buildings, and reflect on the fascinating stories and characters that have made Deadwood legendary.