Lead and Deadwood

Our next trip was to Lead and Deadwood.  Both of these towns were huge gold mining towns at one time.  Today they are both home to many casinos, including one owned by Kevin Costner!  Kevin discovered this area while filming Dances with Wolves, and fell in love with it.  His casino includes a restaurant, and displays of many costumes that he's worn during his film career.

The day was beautiful, and the drive up was lovely - lots of rolling hills.  We stopped along the way at a roadside shop, restaurant and gas station, which was very interesting!  They had lots of eclectic things for sale, and a pretty amazing collection of old cars.

Lead and Deadwood are both totally authentic "old west" towns - you feel like you've stepped back in time about 75 years!

Some of the old cars in this collection.  It was pretty amazing!

The gold mine at Lead

Main Street Deadwood!

It was really interesting to wander around here!  The buildings are authentic, old worn wood floors and all!

Notice the lady in the window - yes, one of those places!!

What a great day - lots of beautiful SD scenery and history!