For the first time ever, the MSPT is partnering with the historic Silverado-Franklin Hotel & Gaming Complex, which is located on Main Street in Deadwood, for the 2018 South Dakota State Poker Championship from April 14-22.
Deadwood, known for its gold rush history, is one of the most fabled cities in the United States. Founded in 1876 and country seat of Lawrence County, Deadwood – as in the entire city – was actually named a National Historic Landmark in 1961. That’s because it’s home to such legendary figures as “Wild” Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Al Swearengen, all immortalized in the critically-acclaimed HBO series Deadwood.
In 1989, gaming was reinstated in Deadwood. Combine that with the fact that it’s home to the “Dead Man’s Hand” (more on that below) and it’s the perfect place for a poker championship.
While we hope you’re busy all weekend long playing the South Dakota State Poker Championship, we also wanted to give you some suggestions on things to do in the case you find yourself with some extra time on your hands.
Have a Shot at Saloon #10
Nuttal & Mann’s is landmark saloon located at 657 Main Street and open until 2 a.m. daily. It was here that Wild Bill Hickok met his demise. With sawdust on the floor and thousands of artifacts and antiques decorating the walls, it’s really is a one-of-a-kind place.
Complimenting all that are historical re-enactments, live nightly music, unique signature shopping, live action gambling, and South Dakota's largest whiskey selection, offering over 171 Bourbons, Scotches & whiskeys.
Stroll Through Mount Moriah Cemetery
Mount Moriah, situated on a mountainous plateau overlooking Deadwood Gulch, is the burial place of famed icons like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Sol Star, Seth Bullock and other notable figures of the Wild West.
The cemetery is more than just a graveyard. It offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy a Late Victorian cemetery set in the backdrop of the northern Black Hills. The paved roads in the cemetery provide an excellent opportunity to explore the site.
The cemetery is open seven days a week 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. There is a $2.00 entrance fee.
Pay a Visit to Adams Museum
Opened in 1930 by W.E. Adams, the Adams Museum’s purpose is to preserve and display the history of the Black Hills. It’s there that you can see such treasures as Potato Creek Johnny’s 7.346 troy ounce gold nugget, N.C. Wyeth’s pencil sketch drawing of Western Legend Wild Bill Hickok, and a rare one-of-a-kind plesiosaur.
The Adams Museum is just a three-minute walk from Silverado Franklin Casino. It’s open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday in April. A suggested donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children.
Check Out Deadwood Distilling Company
Located at 645 Lower Main Street just a few blocks from the Silverado Franklin Casino, the Deadwood Distilling Company is a relatively new attraction in town. It’s there that you can take advantage of their “Free Moonshine Tasting,” which includes eights jars of their moonshine in flavors like apple pie, blackberry, strawberry, peach, red hot cinnamon, vanilla, coffee, and plain apple.
The 70-proof moonshine runs about $25 a bottle. You can also visit the retail shop for local jams, t-shirts, and other souvenirs. For more information, call (605) 920-8240.
Visit Mount Rushmore
Every American should visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which is a massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Completed in 1941 under the direction of Gutzon Borglum and his son Lincoln, the sculpture's roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. It’s just an hour drive south of Deadwood, so if you’re coming to the MSPT Silverado, try not to miss it.