DEADWOOD WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Descend into Deadwood’s 1878 Broken Boot Gold Mine — a 30‑minute underground time capsule
A compact, 30‑minute guided descent into century‑old drifts that lets you walk in miners’ footsteps and hear true Black Hills Gold Rush stories.
Descend into Deadwood’s 1878 Broken Boot Gold Mine — a 30‑minute underground time capsule.
Beneath Deadwood’s streets, the Broken Boot Gold Mine entrances lead into century‑old tunnels where the punch of a miner’s pick and the echo of black powder once marked the hunt for gold. This short, focused underground tour traces those workings, follows ore cars into the drifts, and layers the physical space with the stories of the Black Hills Gold Rush.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Established in 1878
The Broken Boot traces its origins to the 1878 rush, making it an authentic portal to Deadwood’s earliest mining era.
Real underground mining tunnels
The tour travels into genuine mine drifts and past ore cars, offering a tangible sense of underground work in the Black Hills.
Walk in miners’ footsteps
Guides relate true stories from the Gold Rush as visitors move through the darkened passages, recreating the atmosphere of black powder and candlelight.
What the day feels like
What the 30‑minute underground tour feels like
Compact and immersive, the tour leads you down from the surface into century‑old drifts where ore cars once ran. Over the course of roughly half an hour you move through the mine passages, guided by narrative that links the physical environment to the miners’ daily labors and the wider Black Hills Gold Rush.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this short underground immersion—and who should take note of age rules.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided underground tour runs approximately 30 minutes.
The Broken Boot Gold Mine tour takes place in Deadwood, South Dakota, and is operated by Broken Boot Gold Mine.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Candlelight Tour is restricted to guests aged 12 and older.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Broken Boot Gold Mine tour?
The guided underground tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
What do visitors see on the tour?
Visitors descend into century‑old drifts, follow sections with ore cars, and walk the passages where miners worked while guides relate true Gold Rush stories.
When was the Broken Boot Gold Mine established?
The site traces back to 1878, tying it directly to the Black Hills Gold Rush era.
Can children go on the tour?
Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Are there age restrictions for the Candlelight Tour?
Yes. The Candlelight Tour is available only to guests aged 12 and older.