A historic town known for its Old West past, Deadwood is an ideal getaway destination for history buffs and nature lovers looking for a great South Dakota experience. Situated just off the I-90 near the state border with Wyoming, Deadwood was established in 1876 and is so culturally significant that the entire town has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Highlights of a stay include exploring Historic Downtown Deadwood, an eye-popping architectural treasure full of restored 19th-century buildings that’s a delight to wander. Highlights include the Adams Museum with its interesting exhibits about the town’s early mining days (check out the two-headed cow); and the Mount Moriah Cemetery where notable figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried.
For weekend accommodations, The Historic Bullock Hotel, built in 1895, offers a charming stay with period décor, while the 3-star Deadwood Mountain Grand provides contemporary luxury with a casino, spa, and concert venue on-site. A great time to visit is during the town’s Wild Bill Days festival, a June celebration of the town’s Western heritage with concerts and historical reenactments. And bring your hiking boots: Deadwood’s close to the trails of the Black Hills National Forest.