Deadwood Wild West Self Guided Smart Phone App Walking Tour

Explore Deadwood’s Historic Streets with a Self-Guided Smartphone Tour

For those eager to uncover the stories behind Deadwood’s legendary Wild West reputation, the Deadwood Wild West Self Guided Smart Phone App Walking Tour offers a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore. Priced at just $7.75 per person, this tour promises to take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes and features lifetime access to the content.

This tour is ideal for visitors who enjoy independence and want to explore at their own pace, away from crowds. While there are some challenges reported with app downloads, once set up, it provides a detailed, outside-only experience that highlights notable sites like Main Street, Mt. Moriah Cemetery, and the Wild Bill Hickok statue.

Key Points

• Self-guided experience using a smartphone app, with lifetime access to content
• Highlights include Wild Bill Bar, Adams Museum, City Hall, and the cemetery where legendary figures are buried
• Tour duration is about an hour to 75 minutes, allowing flexible pacing
• Starts at Mr Wu’s on Main Street and ends at the Wild Bill Hickok statue
• No in-person guide; all navigation and storytelling are facilitated through the app
• Exterior stops only; no entrance tickets required

Starting Point at Mr Wu’s on Main Street

The tour begins at Mr Wu’s, located at 560 Main St, Deadwood. This spot provides convenient access as the starting point for the self-guided walk. Once ready, you download the WalknTours app on your smartphone, which contains all the tour information and maps, allowing you to start when it suits your schedule.

Since the tour is self-guided, it offers maximum flexibility. The app does not include guided commentary but provides detailed stories and historical insights about each stop, making it suitable for independent explorers comfortable using their devices.

Visiting Wild Bill’s Shooting Site at Wild Bill Bar

The first major stop is Wild Bill Bar, where Wild Bill Hickok was shot. The site features the story of how Hickok’s life ended and explains how he came to Deadwood. The location is notable because it includes the chair Hickok was sitting in, although it’s not the original site of the shooting.

This stop takes about 5 minutes and is free to visit. It sets the tone for the tour, emphasizing the legendary figures and violent stories that earned Deadwood its frontier reputation.

Discovering the Historic Bullock Hotel and Seth Bullock’s Role

Next, the tour pauses outside the Bullock Hotel, the oldest standing building in Deadwood. Here, the story centers on Seth Bullock, a key figure in transforming Deadwood into a more orderly town. The stories cover his efforts to tame the lawless environment, giving visitors context about how Deadwood evolved from outlaw territory into a more structured community.

This stop invites reflection on the personalities that shaped the town’s history and offers a glimpse into frontier leadership.

Exploring the Saloon Where Wild Bill Was Shot

The tour includes a stop at a saloon believed to be the place where Hickok was shot, featuring the chair Hickok was sitting in. While not the original location, it maintains authenticity and provides tangible connection points to the legendary story. The tales told here highlight the outlaws and gunfights that defined Deadwood’s wild image.

This site is another outside stop, offering about 5 minutes for exploration and storytelling. It’s a compact but meaningful glimpse into the violent past that still draws visitors today.

Visiting the Adams Museum and the Gem Theater’s Past

The Adams Museum serves as an important cultural stop. Located just outside the museum, the tour shares its backstory, including how it was founded and its significance in town history. This museum is one of Deadwood’s best, and admission is free with a suggested donation.

The tour also covers the Gem Theater, once notorious for its illicit activities. Learning about Deadwood’s entertainment venues reveals the colorful, sometimes sordid side of frontier life, adding depth to the history for curious visitors.

Exploring City Hall, Jack McCall’s Trial, and Native History

A stop at City Hall uncovers stories about Jack McCall, who shot Wild Bill Hickok, and details about Two Sticks, a Native American figure hanged here. The narrative extends to the Lakota people who originally inhabited the area, providing a broader perspective on the history of the land.

This segment combines political, criminal, and Native stories, enriching the visitor’s understanding of Deadwood’s complex past.

Visiting the Adams House and the Franklin Hotel

Outside the Adams House, the tour discusses the founder of the Franklin Hotel and describes the property as the “most beautiful house this side of the Mississippi.” This stop offers aesthetic appreciation as well as historical insights, connecting the town’s early development to its architectural landmarks.

Final Stop at Mt. Moriah Cemetery and Graves of Legends

The tour culminates at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, where many renowned figures like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock rest. The stories shared reveal details of their lives, and travelers have the option to enter the cemetery to see their graves up close.

This solemn but fascinating stop provides a tangible connection to Deadwood’s legendary characters and offers a reflective end to the tour.

Wild Bill Hickok Statue at Deadwood Street

The last stop is a statue of Wild Bill Hickok, carved by Korczak Ziolkowski, the artist behind the Crazy Horse Memorial. Here, visitors learn Hickok’s full life story and view historic photographs from the 1800s. The statue offers an impressive visual tribute to the town’s most famous gunslinger and is a fitting conclusion to the storytelling route.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The entire tour operates outdoors, with no entrance tickets required. The starting point is easily accessible at Mr Wu’s on Main Street, and the tour can be paused and restarted at any time using the app.

The app download is critical, but some reviews note difficulties with downloading, especially on Apple devices. It is recommended to download the app beforehand on WiFi to avoid connectivity issues in Deadwood. The tour is designed for most travelers, including those with service animals, and runs daily from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

Limitations and User Feedback

While the tour offers a flexible way to explore Deadwood, some users report trouble with the app download process, mentioning the need for multiple steps or technical challenges. The experience is entirely self-guided, with no live guide present, which may feel less engaging to those accustomed to guided tours.

Despite these issues, many find the price point of $7.75 a good value, especially considering the lifetime access to content. The outdoor nature and detailed stories make it suitable for independent, tech-savvy visitors who enjoy learning at their own pace.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour suits visitors who are comfortable using their smartphones for navigation and storytelling. It is perfect for those who prefer a flexible, outdoor experience and want to avoid crowded tour groups. History buffs and fans of the Wild West will appreciate the curated stories of famous figures, historic sites, and local legends.

However, those seeking a guided experience with personal interaction might prefer a trolley or guided tour. The lack of indoor or themed stops means it’s best for visitors prepared for outdoor walking and tech setup.

Deadwood Wild West Self Guided Smartphone Tour: Worth Considering?

The Deadwood Wild West Self Guided Smartphone Tour offers an affordable, independent way to explore one of America’s most storied frontier towns. Its highlights—Wild Bill Hickok’s story, the cemetery, and notable landmarks like Main Street—are well-chosen for a compact, outdoor experience.

While technical difficulties with app downloads have been noted, these are manageable with proper preparation. The tour’s flexibility and lifetime access add value, especially for repeat visits or future reference.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy self-directed exploration, are comfortable with technology, and want a budget-friendly introduction to Deadwood’s legendary past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour is outdoors and self-guided, children can participate, especially if accompanied by adults interested in history. However, the stories involve gunfights and violence typical of the Wild West, which may not be suitable for very young children.

Do I need to purchase tickets for attractions along the route?
No, all stops are outside, and no entrance tickets are required. The tour focuses on exterior sites and historic landmarks.

How do I start the tour?
You download the WalknTours app on your smartphone, then access the tour content. The starting point is Mr Wu’s on Main Street in Deadwood.

Can I pause and restart the tour?
Yes, the app allows you to pause and resume the tour anytime, making it flexible to fit your schedule.

Is there any guided commentary during the tour?
No, the tour is fully self-guided and relies on the app for storytelling and directions.

What should I know about app download issues?
Some reviews mention difficulties with downloading the app on Apple devices. It’s recommended to download the app beforehand on WiFi to prevent connectivity problems.

How long does the tour last?
The typical duration is about 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes, but it can be extended or shortened depending on your pace.

What is included in the tour price?
The $7.75 fee covers the self-guided walking tour and lifetime access to the digital content. No additional entrance fees are necessary.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private, self-guided experience, meaning only your group participates.

When can I take this tour?
The tour is available every day from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM, year-round, according to current operating hours.