Deadwood is located in Lawrence County and received its name from the multitude of dead trees that were found along its gulch. Gold rush deposits were discovered here, leading to the Black Hills Gold Rush that spanned from 1876 to 1879. The city reached up to 5,000 residents during this time and was once home to Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, and Wild Bill Hickok.
The town started as an illegal settlement after a treaty had given the area of the Black Hills to the Lakota tribes. It started with a few squatters, but the discovery of gold during an expedition by Colonel Custer changed the area forever.
During the gold rush era, the city became known for its lawlessness. It became difficult to restore order due to the fact that there was no jurisdiction since it was an illegal town on protected Indian Territory. The area switched from pan mining to deep mining and the town began to buildup into a prosperous city. The Homestake Mine operated for over 100 years, making it the longest operating mine in the country.
After the gold rush subsided and multiple fires destroyed much of the city, the town population continued to see a decline until it became the small town it is now with a population of less than 2,000. The city sought out new ways to attract visitors and became the first small city to receive a legal gambling license, with the revenues used to maintain local historic assets. The area is now a hotbed for tourists, as the city has been officially designated a National Historic Landmark District.
When is the best time to visit Deadwood, SD?
The temperatures in the Deadwood area can vary drastically, with cold temperatures during half of the year and warmer temperatures the rest. The area sees only a low chance of precipitation at any given time of year. If you are looking for the warmest times of year to visit the area, the months of June through August are the hottest, with temperatures peaking in the 90s around July.
The peak tourist season to the area is the end of May through the beginning of October when you will see the warmest weather. Accommodations are slightly higher this time of year, but stay fairly consistent throughout.
If you are looking to travel with the least risk of precipitation and don't mind cooler temperatures, the lowest chance of any significant precipitation are the months of January, February, and November.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Deadwood, SD:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Deadwood, SD. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the most cost effective dates to make a reservation in Deadwood for your upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels options in Deadwood, SD?
4 Star Average Prices: $69.00
If you don't mind spending a little more to enjoy upscale accommodations, you can find luxury amenities at some of the hotels in and around the Deadwood area. The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort, located at 100 Pine Crest lane, is a hotel that features many upscale amenities and premium room comforts. The hotel is just a few miles from Tatanka: Story of the Bison, Days of 76 Museum, and Adams Museum.
Guestrooms feature flat-screen televisions with premium channels, refrigerators, iPod docking stations, deep soaking tubs. desks, coffee and tea makers, and complimentary designer toiletries. The hotel also boasts a wide range of amenities such as an indoor pool, an on-site casino, a spa tub, nightly entertainment, restaurants, lounges, 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor water park.
Another great luxury hotel, located about eight-miles from the city, is The Hampton Inn in nearby Spearfish. The hotel is an easy drive to High Plains Heritage Center Museum, D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery, and Termesphere Gallery. Rooms at the hotel feature 32-inch flat screen televisions with cable programming, complimentary newspapers, refrigerators, and microwaves. Amenities that you can take advantage of during your stay include a 24-hour business and fitness center, an indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, grocery shopping service, and a waterslide.
What are the affordable hotel options near Deadwood, SD?
3 Star Average Prices: $96.71
If you're planning a vacation to the city of Deadwood, and find yourself on a tight budget, no need to worry. You will find the perfect accommodations that provide for comfortable rooms and the amenities you need in and around the city. One affordable hotel option, located close to the downtown area, is First Gold Hotel Suites & Gaming. The hotel offers amenities such as an on-site casino, a restaurant, 24-hour fitness facilities, and complimentary airport shuttle service.
The hotel is just a short drive to Legendary Sturgis Main Street and Historic Deadwood. You will enjoy comfortable rooms equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, coffee and tea makers, bottled water, and cable programming.
Another hotel just a few miles from the city center is The Blackstone Lodge & Suites. You can choose from standard rooms, pet-friendly rooms, studios, or executive or family suites. Rooms at the hotel are outfitted with microwaves, refrigerators, cable programming, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Amenities to help complete your stay include laundry facilities, complimentary breakfast, a gift shop, and three spa tubs. During your stay, you will be just a short distance from the Black Hills National Forest, Broken Boot Gold Mine, and Adams Museum.
