MinnieNo1

Planning a trip out west next June and would like to spend a night in Deadwood, SD. It looks like Wild Bill days are June 17-19. Not exactly sure what that is, but it is something we want to go to? Also, any recommendations for a hotel while we're there.

jbm

If you are going to be in Deadwood, that's a pretty cool time go. In the past during Wild Bill Days there are costumed historical characters on the street, a cookout/ribfest, fast draw contest, etc. I would recommend The Bullock Hotel or The Franklin for historic hotels. They are old and original. The Bullock has a newer annex that we have stayed in that is "newer" and more quiet, but it's also fun to stay in the hotel, although there is a casino downstairs (as most hotels have) and may be louder.

jette

I know the locals are probably thrilled with their prosperity now that Deadwood has become a gambling destination but I thought what has happened to that town is really sad. If you're expecting to find (as I did) a throw back to the days of Wild Bill, I think you'll be disappointed. I know I certainly was. Reminded me of a mini Vegas, which I guess is what they wanted.

placeu2

My family enjoyed Deadwood a few years ago. We stayed at the Deadwood Gulch resort which was a great family place. It is not right in downtown however. You may want to check out those mentioned above or the Four Aces which are downtown.

I did not consider it a mini Vegas at all. When I was there they had a $5 max. bet. They also had only a small number of gambling spaces per building. that may have changed but I found it nice and laid back.

We also attended the reenactment of the Wild Bill shooting and trial of Jack. I was picked to be on the Jury and had a wonderful time!

mlm59

We were in Deadwood earlier this year and really enjoyed our time there. We stayed at Cadillac Jack's, which isn't downtown, but is only a short distance and parking downtown was not a problem. We had a very nice room at a reasonable price, which included breakfast coupons. I booked it through their website.

We also attended the shooting of Wild Bill and the trial of Jack McCall and really enjoyed it, especially the trial - it was a hoot! There were people milling about the downtown in the afternoon portraying Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, and other assorted people from Deadwood's past. They were very entertaining and fun to talk to. We have excellent pictures of these actors who looked very much like the pictures you have seen of Wild Bill and Calamity Jane.

While there is gambling everywhere, I didn't consider it to be anything like Vegas. The casinos are very small scale when compared to Vegas and the crowds were no where nearly as large as you encounter in Vegas. We first stopped at the visitors center and obtained information and coupons. We found several places to eat at a reasonable price.

I suggest you check out the information available at www.deadwood.org. They sent us a very informative booklet about lodging, restaurants, and attractions around Deadwood.

Have fun. We had a very enjoyable visit and were glad we included Deadwood on our visit to South Dakota.

beechbum

We really liked the Franklin Hotel. It's old but charming, has a lot of character. Deadwood is a wonderful little town. It is not at all like Las Vegas, you can actually gamble and not spend a fortune! The people are very friendly. There is a really nice restaurant on the top of the Midnight Star (owned by Kevin Costner). Great food and great service. Saloon #10 is really fun also. Enjoy...

audra

In Deadwood, stop by the Midnight Star Casino, owned by none other than Kevin Costner himself. The food's not bad, there are two restaurants on two levels (one is a bit more upscale) but even if you don't eat there you can walk through both to see many of his movie costumes and memorabilia.

There are other lodging choices in nearby Lead, SD (pronounced 'Leed') where we stayed (name escapes me, it was a mom and pop place) which is literally 2-3 minutes from Deadwood.

jamry

My husband and I are American West history buffs, and thought it would be fun to travel to Deadwood. We stayed at Cadillac Jacks which we were not really impressed with (but we don't do the casino thing, either). Downtown Deadwood is full of little casino's, which is what is now keeping it alive, I'm sure. That's ok, I come from an area that has seen it's share of depressed times, and has had to resort to tourism to keep the local economy going. All that said, we visited The Adams house, which was very interesting, and just toured the residential area of Deadwood, which we found fascinating.

Syv

YES - go to Deadwood. What a neat place! I was there last year (never noticed any casinos at all).

See the cemetery of Wild Bill & Calamity Jane.

If you have transportation, go to LEAD as well. Also VERY close by are Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mammoth Site, Custer State Park.

minette20

I was there about 15 years ago and it was nice. Be sure to go to Saloon #10 to see where Bill was shot with his poker hand of aces and eights--the dead man's hand. They used to have the chair he was shot in hanging over the front entrance. The bar is large and lots of old photographs hanging there.
Also, go to the cemetary up on the hill where he and Jack MaCall are buried. Also, Calamity Jane. She didn't die until about 1915 and is buried next to him. She always said they were deeply in love and must be buried next to him. No records exist that he cared for her at all!!If you can't get your man when he's alive, be sure the legand lives that he did!!

klondike

It has been a few years, but we thoroughly enjoyed Deadwood and its surrounding area.

We are not gamblers per se, but played a few hands for the experience agreeing to stop when we each had lost our allotted $50...my husband won enough for us to dine that night in the aforementioned upscale restaurant owned by Keven Costner. It was a very beautiful dining room and the cuisine was excellent (I have to admit, to my surprise). We would try it again.

We enjoyed the secondhand/antique stores in town, and browsing the various boutiques. Like jamry, some of our fondest memories were discovering the history to be found away from the "tourist" area, in the residential areas. Some of the countryside you will pass to get there is breathtaking.

sarahindeadwood

i live in deadwood, you will like it here...Big and Rich are playing a free concert for wild bill days!!

HotWheels

We were impressed with the Holiday Inn Express/Casino, located on Main Street.
Good rates,nice accomodations,very accessible to everything (free parking garage). Just a note: Bullock Hotel is supposedly haunted by namesake, if that interests you.
Another vote not to miss the Trial of Jack McCall - begins inside the #10 Saloon,progresses into street,proceeds to courthouse. Lots of fun!!! Other things to do include taking a bus tour of old homes,cemetary,etc. and browsing the casinos/shops of Deadwood. Lead gold mine is also open for tours.
About 1 hr away are Mt. Rushmore & various attractions of the area, if you're staying longer.

MinnieNo1

We've made reservations at the Holiday Inn Express (I had some points to use). Thanks for the good recommendation. We'll be coming up through Custer State Park, so we'll get to see Mt. Rushmore and other things in the area. I'm getting excited about the trip and am sure I should have planned more time, but I have to work to pay for the trip. What a vicious circle!!

seamco

I was recently planning a trip to Deadwood and found the following website very informative about upcoming events, and news about Deadwood, along with what each casino has to offer.
http://deadwoodnuts.com