During the long, dark months between January and May, it’s easy to get the winter blues. The best way to conquer them? A weekend getaway! Hop in the car and head for Deadwood, where you’ll find plenty to keep you busy all weekend long.
1. Start by capturing Deadwood's beauty with some photos.
Located in South Dakota's stunning Black Hills, Deadwood was founded in 1867. Originally a gold rush town, today it's a vibrant place with lots to offer visitors. When you visit, make sure to bring your camera - Deadwood is as beautiful as it is exciting.
2. Stroll down Deadwood's Main Street.
You'll step right back in time on Deadwood's Main Street. From the quaint shops to historic saloons, you'll be charmed by the 19th century buildings here.
3. Sample some whiskey while you're surrounded by history.
Saloon No. 10 isn't technically the place where Wild Bill Hickok was killed, but it's full of memorabilia, including the chair Bill was sitting in when he was shot. In addition to all the history, you'll find more than 170 varieties of bourbon, whiskey and scotch. Find more information about the murder of Wild Bill
here .
4. Sink your teeth into one of the best burgers in the state at Sugar Shack.
This hole-in-the-wall joint definitely doesn't look like much from the outside, but wait until you try these burgers! Juicy and delicious, people come from all over the state to enjoy them. Read our article about Sugar Shack
here .
5. Pay your respects at Mount Moriah Cemetery.
If you're a history buff, you'll find this cemetery fascinating. It contains gravestones of pioneers, settlers, gold miners and even a few celebrities (Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock are all buried here).
6. Visit the Adams Museum to see some of Deadwood's interesting treasures.
Learn the stories behind some of the coolest Deadwood memorabilia in town. For instance, The Adams Museum is home to Potato Creek Johnny's 7.346 oz. gold nugget and a unique plesiosaur skeleton.
7. Get a peek inside the beautiful, historic Adams House.
Built in 1892, this historic Victorian-style house was home to Harris and Anna Franklin. Take the tour to see some gorgeous antiques and elegant decor.
8. Take a look at the most enchanting model train you've ever seen.
The Deadwood Model Train is most enchanting model train, and you'll find it in the basement below the Badlands Casino. You'll be charmed by the historic Deadwood scenes and busy trains.
9. Learn what it was like to live in Deadwood in 1876 at the Days of '76 Museum.
The Days of '76 Museum celebrates the earliest residents of Deadwood, from the Native Americans to the prospectors, miners and lawmen who made this town boom.
10. Say hello to Herbie.
Check out the Nelson's Garage Car & Motorcycle Museum, which is home to the original VW Bug used in the movie "Herbie the Love Bug," along with tons of other cool celebrity memorabilia. Admission is free.
11. Try your luck at one of Deadwood's casinos.
You'll find several casinos in Deadwood (pictured is Cadillac Jacks). Play a hand or two of poker, try your luck at craps, and spend some time at the slots. Who knows? You might come home with some extra cash.
12. Spend the afternoon or evening skiing at Terry Peak.
South Dakota's largest ski resort is the perfect place to spend some time in the snow.
13. Learn about the history and culture of the bison at Tatanka: Story of the Bison.
This cool museum opens for the 2018 season in April, but it's worth the wait. You'll find lots of Native American artifacts in the Northern Plains Peoples Educational Interpretive Center, and you'll definitely want to check out the Lakota Bison Jump sculpture assembly, created by the talented artist Peg Detmers. Learn more about this amazing place
here .
14. Sleep in a place that will take you right back to 1893.
The Martin & Mason Hotel offers five rooms and three suites full of antiques and vintage touches such as clawfoot tubs. We wrote about this gorgeous hotel last summer! Read our article
here .
15. Or, stay in a haunted hotel!
The Bullock Hotel is supposedly haunted by Seth Bullock himself. Bullock was a well-loved sheriff of Deadwood, who died in 1919, but staff and visitors say that they often hear footsteps on the stairs, and that there's an eerie presence on the 2nd and 3rd floors. We wrote about the Bullock Hotel
here .
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.