Deadwood Continued from page 46 BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION with their gravestones at Mount Moriah Cemetery, high above Deadwood, an eternal reminder of the town’s remarkable place in American history. Proponents of limited stakes gambling promised to dedicate revenue to restoring and preserving this national historic treasure, as well as help fund other preservation efforts around the region and state. With the return of gaming, Deadwood was back on a golden road — ready to make history again. Over the years, revenues from the town’s gaming halls have turned Deadwood into a national template on how to restore and rejuvenate towns “with a past.” Today, the community is one of only a handful in America designated as a National Historic Landmark. A citywide, self-guided walking tour allows visitors to discover the nooks and crannies of yesteryear. From the Victorian homes perched on the steep slopes surrounding the downtown area to the magnifi ent exteriors and glittering interiors of the grand brick structures along historic Main Street, history is undoubtedly Deadwood’s backdrop. The brick-paved streets, period lighting and old-fashioned trolleys further enhance the Old West atmosphere. Pick up the free guide that accompanies the walking tour at an information center or City Hall. Board The Original Deadwood Tour bus for a citywide tour, that conveniently loads on Historic Main Street. Rambunctious driver-guides will tell you the whole Deadwood saga as you wind through side streets and do a low-gear climb to Mount Moriah Cemetery. You can learn more about Deadwood at the new Welcome Center. During the summer months, Deadwood history roams the streets as re-enactors perform free daily shows and shootouts at various locations on Main Street. In the evening, those re-enactors perform the Trial of Jack McCall , a stage play based on the real trial of Wild Bill’s murderer. The trial’s performance has been part of Historic Deadwood’s entertainment lineup since the 1920s, making it one of the longest-running stage shows in the nation. A mile north of town, journey through an authentic Lakota encampment at Kevin Costner’s Tatanka: Story of the Bison . There you can view a spectacular, larger-than-life bronze sculpture featuring 14 bison pursued by three Native American horseback riders — frozen in motion in a beautiful, high-prairie setting. GAMING In Deadwood, you can be a player 24/7. Play the latest slots, live table games, roulette, craps and keno at a variety of casinos and resort hotels located on Historic Main Street and just off the cobblestone strip. Find $1,000 bet limits, limitless fun and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for high stakes gamers or fi st time players. Not all casinos in Deadwood offer the same games so be sure to have fun playing them all. From daily re-enactments and sawdust on the floor to live music and karaoke, every Deadwood property has its own personality. You’ll find historic buildings that still feature grand staircases, crystal chandeliers and Old West charm. You’ll also discover casinos and resorts with day spas, concert venues, shopping, full-service restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Take your pick. THINGS TO DO Deadwood is not your ordinary historic town. Sidewalk shops, like Dahl’s Deadwood Chainsaw Art , museums, artifacts and tours keep visitors coming back for more. You’ll find scores of low-cost or free attractions throughout the town. Some of the West’s most colorful characters now “rest in peace” at Mount Moriah Cemetery, high above Main Street. Along with Wild Bill and Calamity Jane, the graves of Madam Dora DuFran, Potato Creek Johnny, Preacher Smith, Seth Bullock and Colorado Charlie Utter are located at this historic cemetery. Stop at Deadwood’s interpretive sites to get an idea of how the town looked when these larger-than-life personalities traipsed the downtown boardwalks. Learn more when you visit the Adams Museum , which displays artifacts from Deadwood’s notorious past, a folk art collection, Lakota bead and quillwork and much more. Take the fascinating tour of the Historic Adams House . The late mayor’s home has been perfectly preserved as it stood in 1936, including original furnishings and personal items. Stroll through the Days of ‘76 Museum , which highlights the town’s annual award-winning rodeo celebration. The museum also housed unique western exhibits from the Don Clowser Collection and the region’s largest horse-drawn vehicle collection. Deadwood Continued on page 50 48 // #DiscoverBlackHills
South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2019: Page 48
