Deadwood Sample Itinerary
There's plenty to see and do in Historic Deadwood! But if you can plan a couple extra days, here's an itinerary that will take you around the Black Hills and to many of the most popular attractions in the region.For more information call the Deadwood Chamber at 605.578.1876 or contact us for more information.
DAY 1 - DEADWOOD
Approximate time 9 hours
- Board the Surrey for a one hour tour of Mt. Moriah Cemetery and an ear-full of Historic Deadwood. You'll meet legendary gunslinger Wild Bill, scandalous Calamity Jane and the luckiest of all Potato Creek Johnny.
- Experience the oldest museum in the Black Hills, Deadwoods attic. Museum exhibits capture the mysteries, the tragedies, the bawdiness and the dreams found in history and art in the Black Hills. Historic Adams Museum - Open year round.
- Enjoy lunch among the stars at Diamond Lil's Sports Bar and grill in the Midnight Star. Check out the memorabilia from Kevin Costner's movie, "Dances with Wolves", "Water World", "Field of Dreams" and many others.
- Visit the Historic House museum of Harris and Anna Franklin, described in the local contemporary press as the "grandest house west of the Mississippi". Restored and preserved by leading experts in historic preservation, it reveals a time capsule in a place where legends still live.
- Step into the Black Hills underground mine tour at Broken Boot Gold Mine and return to a time when the powerful punch of a miner's pick and the roaring boom of dynamite blast signaled the on going search of the richest gold on earth. Step into history and dig into the past.
- Head back to Deadwood Gulch and enjoy dinner in one of the 40 outstanding restaurants, dine under the branches of the ponderosa pine. Enjoy unforgettable filet mignon, famous buffalo burgers or experience the echoes of Chinatown while enjoying Chinese Cuisine you can choose.
DAY 2 - MOUNT RUSHMORE
Approximate time 10 hours
- Take Hwy 385, stretch of scenic beauty, south of Deadwood. Take a moment to stop and witness the beauty of Lake Pactola. This lake use to be the city of Pactola, a manmade lake surrounded by the best of the Black Hills.
- ALL ABOARD The 1880 Train is about to depart on a two hour scenic tour through the back country of the Black Hills. Feel the power. Hear the bellow of the engine and the whine of the whistle as it winds its way through the hills between Keystone and Hill City.
- Relax for lunch at the Alpine Inn Restaurant located on Main Street in the historic Harney Peak Hotel, just across from the 1880 Train Depot. Serving lunches with European charm, veranda diningand reasonable prices. Featuring homemade pastries & fine desserts. *Take the scenic Hwy 385 and give yourself plenty of time for photo stops along the way to Mt. Rushmore Memorial for an up close and personal view of America's most famous Mountain, the "Shrine of Democracy".
- Next stop experience the grandeur of the colossal mountain carving in progress, known as Crazy Horse, just minutes away from Mt Rushmore. "Crazy Horse is not just a place, it is a living symbol of a great chief of the Sioux Nation".
- Hungry. Well, next stop is the Circle B Cowboy Ranch, You'll enjoy some SD beef, beans and biscuits served cowboy style. Food, fun and some down home country entertainment.
- Head back to Historic Deadwood for an evening of the finest entertainment. Music, reinactments, a whole lotta toe tappin and hand clappen. You'll find games to suit your style. From resort style casino to mom and pop places
DAY 3 - SPEARFISH CANYON
Approximate time 7 hours
- From Deadwood you can take the scenic byway to 14A to the breath taking Spearfish Canyon. Many say it is "six time more ancient than the Grand Canyon."
- Nineteen miles of captivating waterfalls, numerous pull offs, magnificent cliffs and cool streams to tickle toes. Or pick up your picnic lunch from one of Deadwoods' 40 restaurants and pick your favorite spot in the canyon to be your picnic spot.
- Stop at the Latchstring Restaurant 5 miles into the beautiful Spearfish Canyon. The restaurant offers a century of tradition and hospitality of appetite pleasing entrees made from scratch, with one of the most spectacular views of the canyon.
- After lunch take the Nature Hike to Rough Lock Falls. Waterfalls provide a splendid view for every age group. A wonderful nature walking trail from the top to the bottom of the falls. Photo opportunities are abundant in this canyon and your next stop is Bridal Veil Falls.
- See you at 8:00 pm sharp back on Historic Main street for some gunslinging action. As the trial of Jack McCall is reenacted. The suspenseful trial begins with the famous poker game in the Saloon #10 with Wild Bills " Deadman's Hand," followed by the capture of Wild Bills' assassin, Jack McCall and the trail continues in the Old Town Hall. It is Wild and Woolly and you won't want to miss it! The Trial is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day with daily high noon shoot--outs located on Lee Street just two blocks off main street.
DAY 4 - BADLANDS TOUR
Approximate time: 10 hours
- Grab some breakfast and let's go! After breakfast take I-90 East from Deadwood bound for the Badlands.
- The Rapid City Visitors center is a great opportunity to pick up any information on Rapid City Attractions.
- For you aviation buffs, the Ellsworth AFB & Air Museum houses the nations's largest B-1 bombers and other sophisticated aircraft; like cargo planes, the Voodoo Fighter and many other aircraft. Free Admission.
- Take exit 110 off I -90 to Wall Drug for lunch at the Western Art Gallery Restaurant. Be daring, and try a Buffalo Burger.
- Head to Mako Sica, Indian name for the Badlands, From Wall Drug, exit off I -90 south to exit 131, to the entrance of the Badlands National Park. A forty five mile stretch with nine scenic overlooks, it usually takes a half a day to complete the entire loop.
- Relish your time with a short nature walk on the secluded trail. The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a short and easy 1/4 mile self guided walk.The Badlands have preserved the worlds' greatest fossil bed of animals like sea creatures, shell fish and other mammals.
- Savor the view of the pinnacles, the most popular overlook in the North section of the Badlands.
