The Old West for Tourists: Deadwood South Dakota
By Jonathan Berohn
If you have seen HBO’s Deadwood series, you know Deadwood as a filthy, lawless, crass place. The modern day version of Deadwood is still rather crass, but it’s crass in a sanitized, regimented way that’s really—despite my best intentions to resist—more fun than annoying.
Deadwood, South Dakota is certainly a stop that any trip to the Black Hills ought to include simply because in the ranks of kitschy American tourist traps, Deadwood scores right up there with the best of them. And sometimes everyone needs a little cheese.
Would you Like Your Change in Quarters?
The first thing you notice about Deadwood, is that there is legalized gambling there. And by there I mean everywhere. All the hotels have casinos, of course. Several stand-alone casinos also dot the town’s main street. But if you can’t stand the thought of restricting your gambling to hotels and casinos, Deadwood is the place for you. From diners, to gas stations, to ice cream parlors—yes, ice cream parlors—there doesn’t seem to be a place in town that doesn’t offer you the easy convenience of a simple way to lose your money.
In an effort to make Deadwood family-friendly, kids are allowed in the casino areas during the day, but they have to stay 3 feet away from the machines (don’t ask how I know this one). On the down side, smoking is just as omnipresent here as it is in Atlantic City casinos, so you really don’t want to subject your kids to it too much anyway.
New Old West
The heart of Deadwood is the rebuilt Main Street. Most of the town hotels and casinos, hotels, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops line Main in the ultimate in Old West tourist traps. Again, though, it’s definitely fun to visit once.
For the kids, in addition to the ice cream (and slots) there are shoot out reenactments throughout the day. If you like outdoor spectacles, one of the shootouts takes place right there on the blocked off street. A second shootout recreates Wild Bill Hickok’s shooting in the rebuilt Saloon #10. Both are fun, but the Wild Bill reenactment is kind of a let down. Spoiler alert: The criminal miscreant walks up behind Bill and offs him. Thank you for coming.
Other Attractions
In addition to these highlights, Deadwood, SD offers things to see and do. The old cemetery boasts both Wild Bill’s and Calamity Jane’s graves, the local gold mine offers a tour, ad if you hit town at the right time you can even catch a rodeo (a must-see if it’s in town). there’s also steaks galore to be had in town—and lots of signs trying to prove which place has the best steak in town—to satisfy the red-meat craving cowboy in anyone.
