Plane traveling across open skies with golden clouds in the background

Smart Travel Tips for Visiting Deadwood, SD

Planning a trip to Deadwood, SD? This historic Black Hills town is full of charm, but a few local tips can make your visit even better. From free trolleys to must-have guides, here are 10 smart travel tips to help you explore Deadwood like a pro!

Explore Deadwood Like a Pro

Travel booklet on top of a map and other travel items

Get the Deadwood PastPort Book

Available at visitor centers (501 Main St or 3 Siever St), this little book is totally free and includes trolley passes, fun historic info, and a stamp-collecting challenge. Complete it for a free prize! It’s available seasonally (mid-May to September), so grab it early.

Trolley passing by the local shops and streets of a historic town

Use the Trolley Instead of Driving

The Deadwood Trolley is a cheap & easy way to get around town (just $2 per ride or free with the PastPort). Parking can be tight in downtown Deadwood, especially during events, so skip the stress and let the trolley do the driving.


Pro tip: the trolley doesn’t always run exactly on time, so give yourself a 10–15 minute buffer.

Tokens stacked on top of one another and scattered across a table

Buy a Day Pass or Tokens Ahead of Time

You can buy day passes or $1 tokens at visitor centers or city offices if you’re visiting outside of PastPort season. This saves you from needing cash each time you hop on the trolley.

View of local shops in a busy small town with people coming and going

Avoid Parking on Main Street During Events

Main Street closes for parades, reenactments, and big events, so avoid trying to park there. Use the free parking lots and ride the trolley in instead.

Clothes for various temperatures hung up for traveling

Pack for Variable Weather

Deadwood sits at over 4,500 feet elevation. That means summer days can be hot, but mornings and evenings are often chilly. Bring layers, even in July. And storms roll in quickly—bring a light rain jacket just in case.

Main street of a mountain town with less traffic

Time Your Visit to Avoid Crowds

Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends, especially during the summer and fall. If you want shorter lines at restaurants and less traffic, come mid-week. Spring and fall also offer great weather with fewer people.

Overhead view of a local shop with customers purchasing local goods

Carry Cash for Small Stops

While most places take cards, small shops, historic sites, and parking meters may be cash-only. Keep a few bucks on you for tips, trolleys, or that must-have souvenir from a mom-and-pop shop.

A wide open landscape of the mid-west United States showing varying altitudes

Be Prepared for Altitude

If you’re coming from sea level, take it easy the first day or two. Stay hydrated, go easy on alcohol, and take breaks if you’re hiking or walking uphill (Mount Moriah, for example, is a steep climb!).

An a-frame cabin with tall windows that can be rented out to travelers

Book Lodging Early During Events

Big weekends like Days of ’76, Deadweird (Halloween) & Sturgis Rally fill up fast. Book your stay with Deadwood Connections months in advance or you’ll pay premium rates—or miss out altogether.

A stack of newspapers and informational guides on a table

Visit the Info Centers First

The Deadwood Welcome Centers are staffed with friendly locals who know current trolley routes, event schedules, and parking tips. They often have coupons, too. Make it your first stop!