On occasion, I escape from the great state of Wyoming to explore other states. After leaving Devils Tower, in Wyoming, my husband and I drove east into South Dakota. There are so many neat things to see and do within a short distance of each other. We had been to the area before, but wanted to see some of the things we missed or didn’t have time for. Our first stop was to our hotel, Cadillac Jacks, in Deadwood.
It was a nice hotel and would stay there again if the opportunity arises. There is a casino on the bottom floor (where we lost some of our money) with a sports bar attached to one end. We didn’t eat there. We decided to eat downtown at Kevin Costner’s sports bar called Diamond Lil’s.
The sports bar is located on the second floor of this beautiful building. The decor was his movie memorabilia. You don’t realize how many movies he has been in until you see it all in one place. I wish I could have taken photos of the inside, but I didn’t feel right doing that while people were eating. We both thought the food should have been a little better quality (or more homemade.) Don’t get me wrong, it tasted good, but for star quality, I guess we expected more.
Deadwood was started in the 1870’s because gold was found in the Black Hills area and prospectors converged on the area creating one of the last gold rushes in the country. It attracted such people as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Wild Bill met his demise here while holding a poker hand of aces and eights. That hand will forever be known as the Dead Man’s Hand. Both Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried here in Mount Moriah Cemetery.
It seemed like every single building had a casino in it! So, if you are in the mood for some gambling, wild west entertainment, and beautiful scenery, Deadwood is the place for you.
More photos of Downtown Deadwood
Notice the “Gunslingers” in the top floor windows
Here we have some “ladies of the night” watching the tourists walk by.
We had a great stay in Deadwood. I hope if you ever get the chance to visit the area you put Deadwood on your itinerary.
Keep checking back for my next post about Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area.
What a cool town. Loved the pics! We went to Mount Rushmore, too. Loved it there!
Thanks, Holly! The area is really neat. There was too much to put into one post, so I am going to do one on Mount Rushmore next.
Deadwood is an awsome little town. I spent the early years of my life growing up in the Black Hills. I remember back when everything wasn’t so commercialized, but know that tourists are what keep these things alive. Mining is dead and gone there nowadays.
I look forward to seeing you part 2 about Mt. Rushmore. We visited a few years ago when attending my daughter’s graduation in Rapid City. Did you make it uo to see Dinosaur Park? It’s best seen at nigh as it overlooks the valley.
I loved looking at all the photos and your captions on each one. Such history in a place like this for sure.