If you’re planning a trip to Deadwood, South Dakota, and are considering a way to get to know the town without the fuss of a guided tour, this Self-Guided Wild West Smartphone Walking Tour offers a practical and budget-friendly option. While it might not replace the experience of a live guide, it can be a good way to explore at your own pace and learn about the town’s legendary figures and sights.
What we like about this tour is how it lets you discover Deadwood’s iconic spots on your own schedule — start when you want and pause whenever needed. Plus, the app allows for lifetime access, so you can revisit the stories anytime. The price is quite reasonable at just $7.75 per person, making it accessible for most travelers. On the flip side, some users have struggled with downloading and using the app, and there’s no in-person guide to help out if technical issues arise.
This tour suits those who enjoy a bit of independence during their sightseeing and are comfortable with using their smartphone for navigation and storytelling. If you’re looking for a more interactive or guided experience, this might not be the best fit. However, for those wanting to explore Deadwood at their own pace, it can be a solid way to get familiar with the town’s history and sights, especially if you’re okay with outside-only visits and some technical hiccups.
Key Points
- Self-guided tour using your smartphone means flexibility and control over your schedule.
- Affordable price point at $7.75 per person, with lifetime access to the content.
- Includes key historic sites like Main Street, Mt. Moriah Cemetery, and the Adams Museum.
- Requires downloading and using the WalknTours app, which some users have found challenging.
- Focuses on outdoor locations with no entry fees for the sites visited.
- Great for independent explorers comfortable with technology and self-navigation.
What’s Included and What’s Not
This tour provides a walking experience of Deadwood’s historic sites, all guided by your smartphone via the WalknTours app. You’ll get stories about Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, and more, as you wander through the town’s most notable spots. It includes outdoor sites like Main Street, the Mt. Moriah Cemetery, and the Adams Museum’s exterior.
However, it’s important to note that no entrance tickets are included—you’ll be exploring only outside locations, and the app does not provide access to interior exhibits or museums. The tour never expires, giving you the chance to revisit the stories whenever you choose, which adds value if you enjoy re-listening or sharing the experience later.
Planning more time in South Dakota? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary in Detail
Stop 1: Wild Bill Bar
This is where Wild Bill Hickok was shot, making it a must-visit for fans of the Wild West. The app shares the tale of his death and how he ended up in Deadwood, giving context to the significance of the site. The actual spot is not the original location but remains authentic, with a chair from the era inside. The review mentions that this stop is short — about five minutes — but provides a good starting point for understanding the legendary figures of Deadwood.
Stop 2: Bullock Hotel and Main Street
Next, you’ll visit the front of the Bullock Hotel, the oldest standing building in Deadwood. Seth Bullock is a key figure in the town’s history, and the app narrates how he tamed this rough-and-tumble town. Nearby, you’ll see the saloon where Wild Bill was shot, which has an authentic atmosphere and displays his chair, adding a tangible connection to the past.
This section of the tour also covers the Adams Museum, where you’ll learn about the museum’s background and its founder. While the museum itself is free with a suggested donation, the outside of the historic Gem Theater and the story of Jack McCall’s shooting of Wild Bill are part of the narration. The review notes that this stop is quite brief—just five minutes—but packs in notable stories about the town’s notorious past.
Stop 3: Mt. Moriah Cemetery
This cemetery is the final resting place for many Wild West legends, including Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock. The app recounts their stories, giving visitors a chance to learn about their lives and legacies. The review quotes a user saying, “You can choose to enter the cemetery and see their graves,” which indicates that although the tour is outside-focused, the option is there if you want a closer look.
Final Stop: Wild Bill Statue
The tour’s last stop is at a statue of Wild Bill Hickok carved by the same artist responsible for the Crazy Horse Memorial. It’s a striking piece, and the app covers Hickok’s life story with historic images. This provides a fitting conclusion to a tour that tracks the legend of Deadwood’s most famous gunfighter.
How the Tour Works in Practice
Starting point is at Mr. Wu’s on Main Street, and the route covers some of the most historically significant spots in Deadwood. The app allows you to start and pause the narration wherever you want, giving you control. The walking pace is flexible, and you can take as much or as little time as you need at each site.
One of the major benefits is lifetime access—so once you’ve purchased the tour, you can revisit the stories at your leisure, even after your trip. That said, the experience relies heavily on your ability to download and operate the app. Reviews indicate some trouble with app downloads and connectivity, especially on iPhones, which could be frustrating if you’re not prepared.
Price and Value
At $7.75 per person, this tour is quite inexpensive, especially considering the lifetime access. For a self-guided experience that covers noteworthy historic spots, it offers good value for budget travelers or those who prefer the independence of exploring on their own.
However, some users have felt that the app’s usability issues detract from the experience. For example, one review noted that they couldn’t get the tour to download on their iPhone, and others experienced similar frustrations, citing poor signal or complicated setup. If you’re tech-savvy and prepared by downloading the app beforehand via WiFi, you’ll likely find it easier to enjoy.
What We Think About the Experience
We appreciate how this tour places you in control of your sightseeing, letting you wander and explore at your own pace. The stories are engaging and help bring Deadwood’s colorful past alive, especially if you’re a history buff or a fan of the Wild West stories. The fact that it includes key spots like the Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Main Street, and the Adams Museum exterior makes it a compact but meaningful way to understand the town.
On the downside, some users have experienced difficulty downloading or using the app, which can be a significant obstacle. Without an in-person guide, you’re also on your own if you encounter technical issues or if the app doesn’t work as intended.
The outdoor focus means you won’t be able to access interior museum exhibits or pay for entry to sights, so if that’s your thing, you might want to supplement this tour with a visit to the inside of the Adams Museum or other paid attractions.
Overall, this experience is best suited for independent travelers comfortable with smartphones and looking for an affordable, flexible way to explore Deadwood’s historic sites. It’s not a formal guided tour, but it can serve as a useful supplement to more traditional explorations.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re someone who enjoys exploring at your own pace, is comfortable with technology, and wants an inexpensive way to learn about Deadwood’s history, this could be a good fit. It’s especially suitable if you value having lifetime access to the stories and want to avoid large crowds, as the tour takes you away from the main tourist areas at times.
That said, if you rely heavily on guided narratives or prefer a more interactive experience, you might find this a bit lacking. Also, be aware that some users have reported download issues, so it’s wise to download the app before you arrive, preferably over WiFi.
FAQ
Is this a guided tour with a person?
No, this is a self-guided tour that uses a smartphone app. You won’t have a live guide, but the app provides the narration and directions.
Are there entrance fees included?
No, all the sites visited are outside, and there are no entrance tickets included. You can choose to visit interior locations like the museum, but that’s separate.
Can I start the tour whenever I want?
Yes, you can download the app and start the tour when you’re ready. It’s designed for flexibility.
What happens if I have trouble downloading or using the app?
Some users have experienced difficulties, especially on iPhones. It’s recommended to download the app beforehand using WiFi to avoid connectivity issues.
How long does the tour last?
The typical duration is about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, but you can extend or shorten it depending on how much time you spend at each stop.
Is the tour family-friendly?
While there’s no specific mention of children, the outdoor nature and historical stories are suitable for most ages, especially if your kids are interested in history or legends.
Can I revisit the tour later?
Yes, the tour offer includes lifetime access, so you can listen to the stories anytime after your initial experience.
Deadwood Wild West Self Guided Smart Phone App Walking Tour
“I couldnt get it to download on my I phone.”
Final Thoughts
This Deadwood self-guided tour offers a budget-friendly way to learn about the town’s legendary figures and historic sites at your own pace. It’s perfect for travelers who like to explore independently, are comfortable with smartphones, and enjoy the flexibility of choosing when and where to stop. However, technical issues have been a sticking point for some, so preparation is key—download the app in advance and be patient with connectivity.
While it doesn’t deliver the personalized touch of a guide, it compensates with affordability, the ability to revisit stories, and the freedom to craft your own Deadwood adventure. If you’re looking for a straightforward, outdoor-focused introduction to Deadwood’s wild west lore, this tour can be a worthwhile addition to your trip.
Remember: If app issues are a concern, or if you prefer guided storytelling, you might want to explore other options like a trolley tour or a guided walk. But if you’re flexible and tech-savvy, this tour could add an interesting dimension to your Deadwood visit.