Cowboys & Cowgirls

Deadwood, a National Historic Landmark, once drew legions in search of their fortune. Characters like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane made this town legendary. Today you can watch shootouts on Main Street, re-enactments of the slaying of Wild Bill Hickok, and the trial of his murderer. Behind the history is plenty of modern-day fun like 24/7 gaming, day spas, fine dining, shopping, resort hotels, outdoor adventures and more. The famous and infamous have left their marks here, and you can too. The Deadwood Welcome Center provides visitors with information on local attractions and points of interest along with exhibits that highlight things to do in Deadwood and the northern Black Hills. The staff of the Welcome Center can assist visitors in planning their Deadwood experience. The Deadwood Chamber of Commerce offices are also located within the building. The information desk is open daily year-round, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The restrooms and trolley waiting room are open daily year-round during trolley hours of operation. Free parking.

Brothels were a fixture on the second story of several Deadwood Main Street buildings from 1876-1980. This aspect of Deadwood’s history, although difficult and uncomfortable to talk about, had a huge impact on the community. A series of eight rooms have been curated with period-appropriate furnishings to help transport the visitor to another era. The Brothel is not an attempt to glamorize prostitution, nor is it meant to be an approval or condemnation of prostitution. Rather it is an integral part of the narrative of Deadwood’s unique history. The tours focus on the interpretation of the century-long history of the brothels in Deadwood, and are open to those 16 years old and older.

Located just four miles west of Custer, Four Mile Old West town is a place to experience family fun and Western history as you walk through the 50 open-door buildings at the historic site. Step back into yesterday and experience the Old West as it really was. We are open mid-May through early-October.

As a family-owned and operated company located southeast of Interior, Badlands Heritage Guest Ranch is a regenerative agriculture operation that embraces innovation and enjoys trying new things to continuously improve. We believe the earth was created with numerous intertwined natural systems that all have the ability to function in harmony. It is our goal to learn how to nurture those systems to create an abundant environment where plants and animals thrive. We welcome guests to stay a variety of ways at our ranch. Whether you stay in one of our tipi tents, camping cabins, or your own RV, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Badlands in a parklike setting. Check our event calendar for opportunities including farm and garden tours, guided hikes, guided fossil hunts, cowboy poetry, and Lakota cultural programs.

Located in Fort Pierre, the museum features memorabilia of nine-time World Champion Casey Tibbs, trick rider Mattie Goff Newcombe, and other rodeo greats. Our conference center offers great views of the Missouri River along with a catering kitchen, bar, dance floor and ample parking for buses. Museum displays include a horse wagon, a 40-foot western mural, three large bronze statues, film biographies and more. During the summer, we are open seven days a week (closed Mondays, September-May).

The Grand River Museum in Lemmon has a large amount of actual dinosaur fossils from the northwestern part of South Dakota. Our exhibits feature Ranching, Dinosaur Fossils, Native American History, Hugh Glass and more. Stop in for a quick visit, or longer. Be sure to check out the gift shop. The museum is open May through September. Hours are 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12-5 p.m., Sunday. Admission is free, however donations are accepted.

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 history of Fort Sisseton stretches back more than 130 years, when a series of forts were established in eastern Dakota Territory under the direction of Maj. Gen. John Pope. While in operation, the soldiers stationed at the fort ensured safe passage for settlers, surveyors and others into the Dakota Territory. In 1959, the fort was designated a State Historical Park. This 1864 frontier army outpost has 14 of the original buildings still intact.