South Dakota has lots of historic sites and places where we celebrate the Old West. Here’s a quirky place that’s meant to present an idea of South Dakota in the 1800s…but it’s less history and more horror story. Take a look at 1880 Cowboy Town in Buffalo Ridge.

You'll find Cowboy Town just a few miles west of Sioux Falls. This is not the 1880 Town that you'll find in Midland; it just has a similar name.
Jeff R/Tripadvisor
Take exit 390 off Interstate 90 to find it.
This little replica town is kind of quaint. It features several little buildings along a "Main Street."
Oliver S/Tripadvisor
The idea is that it represents South Dakota's history in the late 1800s. Be careful exploring, though - some of the buildings are very rundown and you might find broken glass or sketchy floorboards.
The buildings house displays depicting parts of South Dakota's history.
Citallwic/Tripadvisor
Animatronic mannequins move and speak...kind of.
The mannequins at this quirky attraction are old and dusty. Apparently, they get a little bit of attention and repair about once a year, but many of them are broken.
Oliver S./Tripadvisor
The mannequins are in varying stages of decay. Some may still move or make noises that resemble speaking - others don't do much other than stare at visitors.

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You'll want to take the history presented here with a grain of salt.
Jeff R/Tripadvisor
The scary Abe Lincoln mannequin really doesn't have much to do with South Dakota - the past President never visited the state. But he's here, and he kind of looks like something you might see in a horror movie.
Some of the scenes here are truly horrific.
joeyb299/Tripadvisor
In this tableau, a guy in a dingy shirt is cutting off the leg of a patient with a rusty saw while a young boy looks on, grinning.
This piano-playing, singing gorilla isn't creepy at all.
Oliver S./Tripadvisor
We're kidding, of course. He's totally creepy. If this doesn't give you nightmares, nothing will!
Hand-painted signs give history lessons - at least from the perspective of the original owner, who passed away in 2016.
joeyb299/Tripadvisor
Many visitors question their accuracy, though in this display, the cause for concern probably isn't the sign, but the super scary roadside preacher mannequin, who looks like he might either be starving to death or possibly possessed by evil spirits.
You won't find a website or online presence for this place, but you might stop by to see if someone's there to show you around.
Terry J/Tripadvisor
Google states that Cowboy Town is open seven days a week, from 7 AM to 9 PM, but at the time of this article's publication we're unable to confirm that information. If you're in the area, swing by and take a look.

Have you ever visited this quirky, weird place? Tell us what you thought!

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