Area Guide:
Sturgis and Deadwood Golf Courses, Dining, and Entertainment
Discovering Deadwood
Combine desirable amenities with the spirit of adventure and raw natural beauty, and you get an idea of what Deadwood has to offer. The city was founded in 1876 as part of the gold rush and has since played a central role in stories of the frontier.
Today, visitors come for different opportunities than they did in the gold rush era. Local casinos have taken the place of mining as an avenue for striking it rich. The town boasts excellent local restaurants and cozy historic hotels. Deadwood golf courses highlight the stunning terrain, and beyond the borders of the city, outdoor tourism rivals any location in the United States.
Exploring Sturgis
Sturgis is a modern and growing town with a thriving arts culture, active lifestyle, and dynamic business community.
The city of Sturgis is located 15 miles from Deadwood and is home to the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. For over eight decades, hundreds of thousands of bikers from around the world have come together to celebrate motorcycle culture and to experience legendary rides through the canyons of the northern Black Hills.
If you visit during other times of the year, enjoy museums, live music, dining, and easy access to the Black Hills National Forest.
Golfing near Deadwood & Sturgis:
Boulder Canyon Golf Club
Boulder Canyon offers the most convenient location of all the Sturgis and Deadwood golf courses. The club is open to the public and is situated between the two cities – only 10 minutes from each. View the area map.
Despite being within easy reach for visitors, Boulder Canyon feels away from it all. The course offers an 18-hole, par-72 championship design. Players enjoy stunning panoramic views of immaculate greens, flourishing meadows, and mature ponderosa pines.
The natural elements create a layout unique among area courses. While Boulder Canyon’s front nine is more traditional with wider fairways and forgiving greens, the back nine presents tighter fairways, wild grass boundaries, and numerous ponds.
This contrast is clearest in its signature hole No. 12. Even experienced golfers get butterflies looking from the tee to the island green. Fun and challenging, Boulder Canyon provides an unforgettable day on the fairways.
Golfing near Deadwood & Sturgis:
Boulder Canyon Golf Club
Boulder Canyon offers the most convenient location of all the Sturgis and Deadwood golf courses. The club is open to the public and is situated between the two cities – only 10 minutes from each. View the area map.
Despite being within easy reach for visitors, Boulder Canyon feels away from it all. The course offers an 18-hole, par-72 championship design. Players enjoy stunning panoramic views of immaculate greens, flourishing meadows, and mature ponderosa pines.
The natural elements create a layout unique among area courses. While Boulder Canyon’s front nine is more traditional with wider fairways and forgiving greens, the back nine presents tighter fairways, wild grass boundaries, and numerous ponds.
This contrast is clearest in its signature hole No. 12. Even experienced golfers get butterflies looking from the tee to the island green. Fun and challenging, Boulder Canyon provides an unforgettable day on the fairways.
Deadwood and Sturgis Area Attractions
The proximity of Deadwood and Sturgis to one another gives you the freedom to explore both towns, everything between, and sights beyond. Here are our recommendations for the best of the area.
- Dining
- Hotels & Casinos
- Adventure
- Entertainment
- Events
Deadwood Grill at The Lodge at Deadwood (Deadwood)
A contemporary menu features unique appetizers, seafood, and delicious hand-cut aged steaks in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Deadwood Social Club (Deadwood)
Deadwood Social Club is a Northern Italian steakhouse with an extensive wine and martini bar.
Jacob’s Brewhouse and Grocer (Deadwood)
Jacob’s is one of our favorites. It has a straightforward but adventurous menu with an emphasis on steaks, sandwiches, and seafood.
Lee Street Station Café (Deadwood)
Lee Street Station is a great stop for breakfast, with delicious down-home favorites.
Legends Steakhouse (Deadwood)
This high-end eatery, known for its steaks and chops, is located in the historic Franklin Hotel.
Loud American Roadhouse (Sturgis)
The roadhouse lives up to its name with concerts, events, and belly-filling favorites.
Uncle Louie’s Diner (Sturgis)
Located on Main Street, Uncle Louie’s has a diner-style menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Caverna Coffee & Bistro (Whitewood)
Caverna is a must-try. Check out its specialty coffees, teas, and wood-fire pizzas.
Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort (Deadwood)
This large, upscale casino offers sports betting, table games, and slots. Lodging includes a Tru by Hilton, a Springhill Suites, and a Doubletree by Hilton. You’ll also find multiple dining options at the resort.
Hickocks Tavern at Rocksino (Deadwood)
Located in the former Hickok’s Hotel (directly adjacent to Outlaw Square), the legendary Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos brings its brand of fun and gaming to Deadwood with an upscale casino and boutique hotel.
The Lodge at Deadwood (Deadwood)
The Lodge offers Deadwood visitors an excellent combination of amenities, proximity, and affordability. The hotel includes a casino and two award-winning restaurants, and it’s a 10-minute drive to Boulder Canyon, the nearest of the Deadwood golf courses.
Baymont Inn and Suites (Sturgis)
Conveniently located near the intersection of I-90 and US Highway 14A, Baymont Inn and Suites offers comfortable yet affordable rooms as well as the 44° North Whiskey and Seltzer Bar and a video lottery area.
The Hotel Sturgis (Sturgis)
The Hotel Sturgis is the only boutique hotel and coffee shop on Main Street in Sturgis.
Bear Butte Summit & State Park
This igneous rock mountain rises over 4,000 feet into the sky, high enough to view four surrounding states. It features a trail system and education center as well as boating and fishing.
Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills National Forest covers 1.2 million acres, extending throughout western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming. Its terrain includes 416 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the winter and over 700 miles of designated off-road vehicle trails for summer fun. Join the trail system at multiple points, including directly from Boulder Canyon Golf Club.
Centennial Trail
Centennial Trail runs for 111 miles from Bear Butte to Wind Cave National Park. It is a favorite of hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers for its wildlife, lakes, and geological features.
George S. Mickelson Trail
The Mickelson Trail is south of Deadwood and provides a wide, gentle pathway for walkers, cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders. The trail traverses over 100 miles through the Black Hills from Deadwood in the north all the way to Edgemont in the south.
Akela Spa (Deadwood)
Our recommendation for relaxation, Akela Spa offers carefully cultivated natural treatments to enhance beauty and achieve tranquility. It provides both individual services and packages for women, men, and couples.
Jacobs Gallery (Deadwood)
A family of artists, photographers, and makers of unique goods showcases its creations right from Main Street. Offerings include officially licensed Harley-Davidson artwork and selections from world-famous photo realist Scott Jacobs.
Saloon 10 (Deadwood)
Living history tells the story of Wild Bill and other legends of the West. It includes nightly live music, gambling, and dining.
The Knuckle Saloon (Sturgis)
Currently the largest entertainment venue in downtown Sturgis, the Knuckle hosts everything from bull riding events and car shows to concerts and live music.
Days of ‘76 Rodeo
This multi-day event includes PRCA rodeo action, parades, pageants, and vendors.
Deadwood Jam
The long-running outdoor festival spans multiple genres of music.
Kool Deadwood Nights
An event that brings together lovers of classic cars, classic music, and classic fun.
Wild West Songwriters Festival
The festival gives top songwriters and artists a venue for sharing their music and stories.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The country’s best-known and best-loved motorcycle rally has 10 days and nights of riding, food, and music.
When to Visit
If your priority is hitting the Sturgis and Deadwood golf courses, the best time to visit is between April and October. By May, the average maximum temperature gets to around 70 degrees, and play remains comfortable and brisk throughout the summer and early fall. A trip during this time also lets you attend some of the most popular events in the Black Hills.
Have questions? Looking for more advice about the area? Contact our team so we can make your visit even more memorable.