February 24, 2021 • travel
Experience Deadwood, South Dakota, Like Chris Soules on 'The Bachelor'
Fans of American history — especially that of the Gold Rush era — will not want to miss out on a trip to Deadwood, South Dakota! The city burst back onto the cultural scene thanks to the eponymous television show, but Deadwood truly left an indelible mark on the expansion of the West. It’s the city where Wild Bill Hickok met his fate and where Calamity Jane made a name for herself.
A visit to Deadwood may feel like a adventure back in time, but it will also provide for a historic and picturesque step forward in your relationship. Chris Soules traveled to Deadwood on Season 19 of “The Bachelor,” and here’s how you can experience the famous area just like him.
Arrival
The moment you arrive in Deadwood, you’ll be whisked back in time to the late 19th century when the Wild West was the new frontier. Many of Deadwood’s hotels and inns, such as the Martin & Mason Hotel, reflect the appreciation of the era that made the city so notorious. If you want a more modern feel in the heart of downtown, check out Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel. You can take a dip in the Jacuzzi, check out the casino, or relax by the fireplace in the lobby.
Either way, put on your shoes because it’s time to stride hand-in-hand through Deadwood and see history!
One-on-One Date: Nature and Nurture
Deadwood is located in the heart of the Badlands, which means you have miles upon miles of natural beauty at your fingertips. From hiking to biking, you and your date have plenty of the great outdoors to explore when you’re in Deadwood.
For a romantic day out in nature, pack a picnic and see what Deadwood and the Badlands have to offer during a day horseback riding. There are a number of stables where you and your date can get horses for the day and wander the picturesque trails for a few hours. When you get hungry, you can snack on what you brought and use the opportunity to bond with your date even more. You can even debate what you think living during the Gold Rush would look like for you!
Group Date: Write Me a Love Song
Expressing your feelings can be a daunting task. For some, it’s easier say how you feel by doing so in song form rather than just face-to-face conversation.
Country stars Big & Rich surprised Chris and the ladies on their date, but you can use their outing as inspiration for your own. Check out the Stockade in downtown Deadwood and see who can write the best love song for you. You can even add some incentive in there by granting extra time with whoever comes up with the best lyrics!
When you’ve picked a winner, head over beloved Deadwood institution Saloon No. 10. It happens to be the site where Wild Bill Hickok was killed in 1876, too. You and your date will undoubtedly love the bar’s history, vibe, and top-notch drink selection.
Don’t forget to say “cheers!” to your winning love song, which feels as valuable as Deadwood gold itself.
Two-on-One Date: Nothing Bad in the Badlands
If you want a break from the city, seize the opportunity to explore South Dakota’s national park, Badlands. If you want the true “Bachelor” experience, charter a helicopter to take you to the park, which spans over 240,000 acres. Plus, you’re within distance of Mount Rushmore if you want to soak up even more American history.
Spend the day wandering around the park and witnessing thousands of years of history right in front of your eyes. Use the opportunity to talk to your date about how your relationship can stand the test of time and what you two would like to be remembered for the most.
The past is alive and well in Deadwood, the South Dakota city that became a hub during the Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. It’s a beautiful city for you to explore the past, all while building a stronger future for you and your loved one!