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Deadwood

An 1876 gold camp in the Black Hills where Wild Bill Hickok was shot, preserved with money from legalised gambling.

Updated 20 October 2026

Typegold rush town

WhereSouth Dakota

Nearest cityDeadwood, in the town; Rapid City about 65 km

Best seasonMay to September

Time to allowHalf a day

Getting thereUS 385 in the northern Black Hills

EntryTown free; museums and tours ticketed

Gold was found in Deadwood Gulch in 1876 and the camp went up illegally, on land guaranteed to the Lakota by the 1868 Fort Laramie treaty, which led to many land disputes. James Butler Hickok was shot in the back of the head at a poker table in Nuttal and Mann's saloon that August, holding the hand since called the dead man's hand. He and Calamity Jane are buried above the town in Mount Moriah cemetery. The whole town is a National Historic Landmark, and restoration has been funded since 1989 by a share of the revenue from legalised gambling.

The main sights

A whole-town historic landmark - restored with gambling revenue.
The site of Hickok's shooting - and the hand he was holding.
Mount Moriah cemetery - Hickok and Calamity Jane above the town.
A camp founded on treaty land - guaranteed to the Lakota in 1868.

When to go

May to September; the Sturgis rally in August fills the region. Half a day.

Things to know

Main Street is largely casinos - that is what funds the preservation. Re-enactments are staged entertainment. Rally week in August is extremely busy and loud. Winter is quiet and cold.

Nearby

Lead is up the gulch; Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse are south.

Key facts

Location44.3767° N, 103.7292° W · map

Source: Wikidata, item Q262483, read on 18 October 2026.

What to pack for Deadwood

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

Every-trip essentialsDocuments + digital copies · Universal travel adapter…City & sightseeingComfortable walking shoes · A slim anti-theft daypack…

Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon

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