Cowboys & Cowgirls

Deadwood's newest museum documents the Days of '76 celebration and rodeo. The museum features exceptional displays of carriages, firearms, American Indian artifacts and illustrates Deadwood's enduring friendship with Buffalo Bill Cody. The museum's summer hours are Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (see website for off-season hours). Its sister museums are the Adams Museum, the Historic Adams House, and the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center.

From mid-May through October, Fort Hays is open seven days a week. You can stop in for our 99-cent Cowboy Breakfast, or make reservations for our Mount Rushmore Tour Package as well as our Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Variety Show. Browse through the Dances With Wolves Film Set, South Dakota Film Museum, Christmas Gift Shop, Rope Shop, Tin Shop, Gem Panning, Brick Maker, Souvenir Gift Shop, and a beautiful South Dakota Native Flower Garden. There is a little bit of something for everyone.

The Buffalo Museum and One Room Schoolhouse works to preserve and educate visitors about the history of the early settlers and cattle and sheep ranchers of Harding County in northwestern South Dakota. Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Located in Stockholm and operated by the Grant County Historical Society, the Ag and Tractor Museums contain an outstanding collection of machinery, tools and vehicles used by pioneers. Also included are an early-day depot, farm repair shop, country kitchen with original furnishings, and a linotype printsetter. There is also an open-sided building with early farm machinery, jail cells and an 1879 claim shanty. The museums are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays, mid-May through September. See our website and Facebook page for updates and special events.

The Oyster Bay Bar & Casino has been an instrumental part of Deadwood's history in all of it incarnations. Today, located in the famously haunted Fairmont Hotel building, Oyster Bay is host to free jumbo shrimp, pizza and beer while gambling. It's a place that has helped thousands create great memories from their trip to Deadwood. Our hours are 9 a.m.-2 a.m., Monday through Sunday.

Historic family ranch near Badlands National Park. Peaceful mornings, elegant breakfasts, glorious sunsets, campfires and starry night skies. Hiking, fossil hunting, family friendly, weddings, reunions and special packages are available. Featured in Midwest Living, NY Times Travel, SDPTV and RFDTV. Gracious accommodations: four private, light-filled guestrooms and a separate Carriage House that all have AC. See TripAdvisor. Going on 20 years of offering South Dakota hospitality.

The Fort Pierre Railroad Depot was built in 1906 by the Chicago and NorthWestern Railroad as part of their expansion west to Rapid City. It was closed and sold as surplus in 1963. The Depot was moved to a ranch near Mud Butte, but was returned to Fort Pierre in March 2013 and restored. It is owned by the Verendrye Museum and officially opened for visitors Memorial Day 2016. The Depot is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday from late May through early September.

The Verendrye Museum in Fort Pierre is named for Louis and Chevalier Verendrye, two French brothers who explored the upper reaches of the Missouri River. The museum is located in the old American Legion Hall, a 1930s vintage building owned by the City of Fort Pierre. It houses a collection of South Dakota and regional artifacts documenting the early history of the area. It is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday from late May through early September.

The Stockyards Ag Experience tells the story of the impact of agriculture on South Dakota and the region. The exhibit takes the visitor on a journey through the history of the Sioux Falls Stockyards (1917-2009). It develops the connection between agriculture and daily life with learning experiences that highlight history, science, culture and economic impact. Vibrant historical images and high-tech interactive displays bring history to life. It is located in Falls Park near downtown Sioux Falls.