Black Hills scenic drive

Spearfish Canyon

Bridal Veil Falls

Roughlock Falls

Spearfish Canyon State and National Forest Service Scenic Byway

The 20 mile scenic drive through Spearfish Canyon follows alongside Spearfish Creek with limestone cliffs towering above on each side. The hills are dotted with spruce, pine, aspen, birch and oak trees. Stop at the roadside pulloff to view Bridal Veil falls, and park and hike along the creek 1 mile to Roughlock Falls. Then at the end of the drive, turn left and climb further into the Black Hills National Forest toward the town of Deadwood.

the town of Deadwood, South Dakota, circa 1876, population 1270

lots of history

lots of tourists and casinos

The discovery of gold in 1875 was the beginning of the mining camp that would be the town of Deadwood. Legendary Wild Bill Hickok was shot in the back of the head while playing poker at the No. 10 Saloon on August 2, 1876, and is buried in the nearby cemetery. Gaming halls were popular back then as they are once again. After 100 years of changes, by mid 1980 many of the city's historic buildings were dilapidated. A campaign to restore Deadwood was started, and newly legalized gaming funds were used to restore the town, renew the tourism industry, and provide funds for historic preservation. Deadwood is the largest historic restoration project in the United States, with the entire city on the National Historic Register.