The museum collection includes over 40 historic carriages, stagecoaches, and sleighs, many of which were used in actual historical parades or commercial transport.
The Days of '76 celebration originated specifically to preserve the history of the 1876 gold rush era in Deadwood.
The facility features a large collection of parade outfits, including beaded buckskin and elaborate Western-style suits worn in the annual festivities for nearly a century.
The collection includes the original collection of the Adams family, who were prominent figures in the early development of Deadwood.
The museum building is located near the original site of the Deadwood rodeo grounds, maintaining a geographical link to the event's history.
The Days of '76 Museum houses an extensive collection of historic stagecoaches, carriages, and wagons used in the American West. The facility archives the heritage of Deadwood’s oldest annual tradition, the Days of '76 rodeo and parade, which began in 1924 to honor the town's pioneers. Exhibits include a significant display of Native American artifacts and regional homesteading equipment. Visitors can view elaborate, original rodeo parade costumes and historical photographs documenting the transformation of Deadwood from a gold mining camp to a tourist destination. The museum is located in a dedicated facility that prioritizes the preservation of local Black Hills history. It serves as an official repository for artifacts connected to the Deadwood History, Inc. organization.
The main hall featuring the restored 19th-century stagecoaches and wagons.
Combine your visit with the other Deadwood History properties to get a comprehensive view of regional history.
Check the museum's rotating gallery spaces, which frequently display specific collections from the archives that are not part of the permanent exhibit.
Ask staff about the status of the 'Deadwood connection' to the specific stagecoaches on display to learn which ones were actually used for regional transport.
Do not mistake the museum's permanent collection for the temporary exhibits seen during the rodeo parade week.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays during the off-season; check for extended operations during the July rodeo week.
