Deadwood, South Dakota, is more than just a historic mining town—it’s a romantic and adventurous getaway packed with history, hiking, whiskey tastings, and unforgettable food.
Here’s our guide and recommendations to the ultimate Deadwood, South Dakota getaway that will leave you with the most memorable time.
Why You Should Visit Deadwood, South Dakota
In Deadwood, history, fun, great food and gambling all blend together. From cobblestone streets to cowboy-shootout reenactments to juicy marbled steaks, to three card poker, Deadwood offers plenty of fun for everyone.
Deadwood, S.D. is also a great home base for all Black HIlls travels. Located in the northern Black Hills, it’s easy to get from Deadwood to attractions like Custer State Park, Sturgis, Hill City and Black Elk Peak.
Getting to Deadwood, S.D.
Another reason that a trip to Deadwood, S.D. is such a great idea is because it’s easy to get to. If you’re flying, the closest airport is Rapid City Regional Airport which services a variety of larger airlines including Delta, United, and Allegiant. Once you land, you can rent a car and drive just 40 minutes north on Interstate 90, before turning off at Sturgis, and heading west on US Hwy 14A.
Driving to Deadwood is also easily accessible as it is only 20 minutes off of Interstate 90, and the drive into town is full of beautiful canyon views and twists and turns. While there are twists and turns, these roads are still manageable, even in the winter. Check out my guide to the best things to do in the Black Hills in the Winter.
Where to Stay in Deadwood: Our Top Hotel Pick
If you’re looking for a unique stay, we think the best stay in Deadwood is a boutique hotel right on Main St. Our absolute favorite place to stay in Deadwood is the Celebrity Hotel. This unique boutique hotel offers a quiet step back into historical Hollywood while people bustle by on the street outside.
The Celebrity Hotel, Deadwood, SD is little different from all the rest in the Black Hills. Each room at the Celebrity Hotel is outfitted to match an old Hollywood theme, and is decked out in movie memorabilia from a movie or actor. We’ve stayed a few different times and stayed in the Humphrey Bogart room and the Elvis Presley room.
Just like each hotel room, the lobby of the Celebrity Hotel is full of movie memorabilia and actually boasts a Hollywood Museum that is free and open to the public. You can find set pieces from Back to the Future, the Love Bug and Transformers among many others.
Tip: Check out the private patio that overlooks Main Street Deadwood. It's a true hidden gem!
Looking for a romantic getaway to the Black Hills? Check out my recommendations for the best places to stay in the Black Hills for a couples trip.
What to do in and around Deadwood
While a small historical town with a tiny population, there are so many things to do in Deadwood, SD. Here’s some of our favorites.
Take Hike to an Amazing View of Deadwood
Deadwood is nestled in a valley making it feel very cozy and intimate, but with a short ten-minute hike, you can be above the town taking in incredible views. My favorite Deadwood hike isn’t a traditional hike at all, but it’s a quick ascent to the Mount Moriah Cemetery.
Climbing approximately 700 feet from street level, the Mt. Moriah Cemetery hike winds you through a residential area before the cemetery. Once to the top, you can explore the historic cemetery, and view the entire city and surrounding hills from breathtaking views.
If you’re looking for other things to do around the Black Hills, and on a budget, check out this post highlighting the most cost-effective way to visit the Hills.
Take a Step Back in Time with a Stroll Down Deadwood’s Main St.
Walking down Main Street Deadwood is taking a step back in time to when the west was ruled by cowboys, gold miners, and those hoping to strike it rich in the west. This popular road is where many fun activities in Deadwood happen. There are many different casinos to pop in and try your luck, but there are plenty of other things to do in Deadwood as well.
- Do a Whiskey Tasting at West River Whiskey We first came across West River Whiskey on our honeymoon in 2022, met the owner, Joel Ellis, and loved our experience. Since then, we’ve recommended stopping to everyone who says they are taking a trip to the Black Hills. West River Whiskey is South Dakota owned and made from grains grown in the state as well. A stop at West River Whiskey while strolling Main Street is definitely worth it!
- Wine Tasting at Belle Joli Another great tasting opportunity right on the main drag of Deadwood, SD, is the Belle Joli Tasting room. Made in Sturgis, the tasting room features a plethora of Belle Joli wines–many of which are award-winning. Grab your glass, head to the patio that faces the main street, and sip fabulous wine while you people watch.
- Watch a live action Deadwood shootout Deadwood is ripe with history, and the town has brought that history to life in a fun and interactive way. From May to September, there are daily shootout reenactments that are portraying the wild and chaotic past of Deadwood in the 18 and 1900s.
- Take a tour and explore the History of Deadwood Whether a walking tour or a driving tour, or a tour of all the Black Hills, there are so many guided excursions you can take to understand more about the history of Deadwood. You can explore the City of Deadwood website and find more ideas and details.
Where to Eat and Drink around Deadwood
There are so many great places to eat in and around Deadwood. Whether looking for a quick bite, burgers and sandwiches, a unique breakfast experiences or the best steak dinner of your life, here are the best places to eat in Deadwood, S.D.
Saloon No. 10 The most famous bar in Deadwood, S.D., is hands-down, Saloon No. 10, smack-dab in the middle of Main Street. First built in the 1930s, Saloon No. 10 has changed some over the decades, but still maintains that Old West charm–exposed wood beams, taxidermied game, and unique and hard-to-find trinkets adorn the walls, while real saw dust covers the floor. There’s live music multiple nights a week and the drinks are always cold.
Pumphouse at Mind Blown Studio My absolute favorite place to eat in Deadwood, S.D. is the Pumphouse at Mind Blown Studio. Whenever we visit Deadwood for a weekend getaway, we always make sure to stop on a Saturday and Sunday morning so we can have a delicious cup of coffee and breakfast sandwich and enjoy glass blowing while we eat. That’s right, you can get an amazing breakfast and watch artists work. There is no other experience like this in Deadwood or the entire Black Hills.
Legend’s Steakhouse I’ve tried multiple restaurants throughout the last decade in the town, and I believe that Legends Steakhouse is the best steak restaurant in Deadwood, S.D. Legends is located in the historic Franklin Hotel and has such a luxurious upscale vibe that paired with amazing steak dinners makes for an unforgettable Deadwood dining experience.
Jacob’s Brewhouse Located on Sherman Street, just two blocks from Main Street, Jacob’s Brewhouse and Grocer offers unique cocktails, gourmet burgers, craft beers and a casual, laid back atmosphere in a restored historic building. When we visited, we had an amazing burger and a steak salad–I would recommend both.
There are many more great things to do, see and experience in Deadwood–I cannot recommend visiting enough! Let me know in the comments your favorite adventure in Deadwood, S.D.!
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