Deadwood wears its Wild West past like stage makeup: daily shootout reenactments on Main Street and at Saloon No. 10 draw crowds while offbeat museums such as The Brothel and the Adams Museum unpack the messier truths behind the legend. Hike up to Mount Moriah Cemetery for a quiet, panoramic reminder of the town’s notorious history.
Based on Reddit discussions, travel forums, and local blogs.
Locals and travelers generally find Deadwood an entertaining, history-rich small town — highlights include Mount Moriah Cemetery, the Adams Museum, interactive mining experiences, and unique museums like The Brothel. Main Street and Saloon No. 10 are fun and touristy (some find reenactments corny), and many visitors pair Deadwood with nearby scenic drives in the Black Hills.
Overall sentiment: positive
Visitors recommend for history buffs and gravesites (Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock) and for town views; pair with Main Street but expect a short uphill climb.
"The cemetery is actually Mount Moriah. I agree, one of the most interesting spots in Deadwood!"
Sources: reddit.com · reddit.com
Overall sentiment: mixed
Go for Old West lore, the famous 'chair' photo-op and saloon atmosphere; iconic but can be kitschy and some historic details are disputed.
"Deadwood is a fun town to visit. Main Street is touristy but fun."
Sources: reddit.com · reddit.com · wereintherockies.com
Overall sentiment: mixed
Popular for daily living-history shows (gunfights, trials, stagecoach) that are family-friendly and entertaining; some visitors find shows corny or geared toward kids.
"You can catch daily reenactments of famous shootouts and the trial of Jack McCall… very entertaining."
Sources: reddit.com · tripadvisor.com · tripadvisor.com.my
Overall sentiment: positive
Highly recommended to get historical context on Deadwood; many suggest visiting early in your trip to 'set the scene' for other stops.
Sources: tripadvisor.com · theopenroadtravel.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Visitors like the hands-on gold-panning and nearby mine tours for gold-rush history; good as short, interactive additions to a day in the area (not full-day attractions).
Sources: tripadvisor.com · tripadvisor.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Praised as an eye-opening, frank museum about prostitution history; highly recommended by several travelers but note the adult-themed content and suggested minimum age.
"This isn’t as low‑brow as you would think. It’s run by Deadwood History, Inc…. I’m quite a prude but am so glad I visited."
Sources: wereintherockies.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Good complement to the Adams Museum focusing on local heritage and parade/rodeo history; recommended by visitors interested in local culture.
Sources: tripadvisor.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Short hike to a viewpoint with good panoramas over Deadwood; recommended by locals though trails can be steep for some visitors.
Sources: reddit.com · tripadvisor.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Visitors appreciated the art, storytelling and Native American–focused interpretation (Kevin Costner project); considered a meaningful nearby exhibit.
Sources: 365traveler.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Frequently recommended day-trip options and scenic drives paired with Deadwood; Spearfish Canyon is called spectacular and the Black Hills routes are key regional highlights.
"Don’t see Mt Rushmore in the same day you see the Badlands… Don’t miss the Badlands."
Sources: reddit.com · deadwoodconnections.com · wondrousdrifter.com
Overall sentiment: mixed
Popular for gambling and late-night entertainment; visitors recommend casino-hopping but caution that Deadwood is a small town after dark with limited late-night dining and to gamble responsibly.
Sources: tripadvisor.com · reddit.com
Hours, directions, and contact info for attractions in Deadwood.
10 Mt Moriah Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
History buffs can see the graves of Wild Bill Hickok & other notable personalities of the Old West.
Open now
1200 Pioneer Way, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
Rustic local attraction featuring guided tours of underground former gold mines.
160 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754, USA
Next to an old gold mine, this modern museum & research lab offers scientific exhibits & tours.
Open now
54 Sherman St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
Joint venture combining a Black Hills history museum & the 1892 home of one of Deadwood's founders.
Open now
18 76th Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
Seasonal museum to the annual Days of '76 festival, with memorabilia & a range of exhibits.
Open now
100 Tatanka Drive, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
Unique spot featuring bison & Native American history exhibits, life-size sculptures & a gift shop.
Open now
11295 US Highway 14a, Lead, SD 57754, USA
Functional rooms & wood cabins in a down-to-earth lodge featuring fire pits, barrel saunas & a bar.
Open now
688 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
Contemporary hotel & casino featuring slots, table games, a restaurant, live entertainment & more.
Open now
22 Van Buren St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
1892 home of Deadwood pioneer W. E. Adams, with original furnishings & personal items on display.
