The spirit of the American frontier is alive and well in Deadwood, South Dakota. This legendary gold rush town — where Wild Bill Hickok was shot holding aces and eights (the "Dead Man's Hand") in 1876 — has reinvented itself as one of the West's most compelling travel destinations.

Deadwood's history reads like a dime novel. The town exploded into existence in 1876 when gold was discovered in the Black Hills, drawing thousands of prospectors, gamblers, outlaws, and entrepreneurs to what was then Sioux territory. Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, Seth Bullock, and Wyatt Earp all walked these streets.

The town has preserved its historic character with remarkable care. The main street looks much as it did in the 1880s, with Victorian-era buildings housing casinos, restaurants, and shops. Walking tours, reenactments, and living history programs bring the Wild West era to life throughout the summer season.

Mount Moriah Cemetery, perched on a hill above town, is the final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane — two of the most colorful characters in American frontier history. The cemetery is open to visitors and offers stunning views of the surrounding Black Hills.

Deadwood's legalization of gaming in 1989 provided the economic foundation for a remarkable preservation and restoration effort. The revenue from the city's casinos has funded the restoration of dozens of historic buildings and the creation of world-class visitor facilities.

Today's Deadwood offers a full range of accommodations, from historic hotels to modern resorts, along with excellent restaurants, live entertainment, and easy access to the Black Hills' outdoor recreation.

Deadwood's location in the Black Hills puts visitors within easy reach of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and the Badlands National Park. The region offers exceptional hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching.

For more information, visit deadwood.com.