Category: Deadwood

  • Quick Stop at Deadwood – Deadwood, South Dakota

    Quick Stop at Deadwood – Deadwood, South Dakota

    Splash on over, my feathery friends!  I’m bubbling with excitement to share one of my absolute favourite quick stops during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2025: Deadwood, South Dakota! So grab your floaties, and let’s dive into the wild history of this not-so-ordinary town!

    It all started back in the thrilling year of 1874! Picture this: a band of eager miners struck gold in the southern Black Hills,

    and suddenly, a quiet little gulch filled with dead trees transformed into a bustling epicentre of adventure.

    They named it Deadwood! Can you imagine the excitement?

    Gold fever spread like ripples in a pond, attracting all sorts of colourful characters just itching to make their mark!

    Among the most legendary was “Wild Bill” Hickok, a real folk hero of the American Old West! This gunslinger was a multi-talented dynamo: soldier, scout, lawman, and even a showman!

    He rode into Deadwood seeking fortune and fame, but his story ended in tragedy when he was gunned down by the infamous Jack McCall, also known as “Broken Nose Jack”.

    The legend says Wild Bill was holding a poker hand of aces and eights, forever doomed to the title of the Dead Man’s Hand! Oh, the drama!

    Broken Nose made infamy himself by taking this fatal shot at Wild Bill and while he sealed his fate with a trip to the gallows, his name lives on!

    Let’s not forget Calamity Jane! What a gal! She was an adventurous, sharpshooter, storyteller, and friend of Wild Bill.

    Then there’s Potato Creek Johnny, the lucky guy who discovered a colossal gold nugget in 1929! The high-fives he must have given himself!

    Even a noteworthy Canadian-American made my list – Seth Bullock. Seth wore many hats: business owner, sheriff, and even U.S. Marshal! Talk about a multitasker!

    And, of course, we have the notorious Ellis Alfred Swearengen, who ran the Gem Theatre, a not-so-ordinary brothel. For 22 years, this place was the talk of the town!

    These are just a few of the colourful characters that shaped Deadwood’s past. 

    My visit to Deadwood was filled with modern-day colourful characters …all of whom may be shaping our history books of the future.

    History has a way of adding twists and turns, and poor Deadwood faced fires and economic troubles that threatened to turn it into a ghost town!

    But wait, just when it seemed the story was over, a spark ignited in 1989 when limited-wage gambling was legalized!

    Hold onto your rubber duckies!

    The gambling brought back the thrills and spills, transforming Deadwood into a lively hub of excitement.

    Today, you can find casinos, luxurious resort hotels, and even soothing spas.

    It’s a carnival of entertainment!

    While the Sturgis Rally brings loads of fun, sometimes, you just want to chase away the crowds. I enjoyed the peaceful stroll through those historic streets of Deadwood, feeling the echoes of the legends that once roamed there, and catching a theatrical reenactment.

    It’s like stepping back in time, my friends! It gives me goosebumps… or should I say, quackbumps?

    So remember, pals, Deadwood is more than just a dot on the map; it’s a living, breathing story filled with grit, charm, and a splash of rubber duck magic! We are planning a return visit to soak in the rich history during a quieter time.

    This town has been spinning tales and tickling imaginations since 1876 and I can’t wait to dig a little deeper into the stories from the historic walls. Quack On!!

    NEVER MISS A

  • Saloon 10 – Deadwood, South Dakota

    Saloon 10 – Deadwood, South Dakota

    Bob here, paddling my way into one of the most rip-roaring watering holes in the Wild West: Saloon No. 10!

    Tucked away in the lively town of Deadwood, this saloon isn’t just your average bar. It’s a splashy dive into history, a true community hub where the spirit of the frontier still dances with glee! I had just a few quacking minutes, but I couldn’t resist diving into this legendary spot. Let me tell you what I discovered!

    As I waddled through the creaky doors, I was greeted by the unmistakable vibe of the Old West.

    Above the entrance, there hangs an iconic salute to history: the very chair where the famous Wild Bill Hickok met his twisty fate!

    This place captures the essence of the frontier like no other!

    Now, let’s splash around in the juicy backstory! Saloon No. 10 was born in the roaring 1930s. Its creation was thanks to a fellow named Stu Donavitz, who knew how to play the speakeasy game like a pro.

    But what really makes this saloon sparkle is the teamwork between Stu and a creative cartoonist from Chicago, Elmer Kellogg. Inspired by the legendary Wild Bill, these two crafted a unique slice of the past. They included handcrafted doors and cozy barstools!

    Zoom forward to December 1963, when the Keehn family took over this historical joint. Without needing a time machine, it’s clear that the Keehn family has been pouring their heart and soul into Saloon No. 10. For four generations, family members hustle every day to keep the good vibes flowing, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their dedication.

    Thanks, Keehn family!

    But hold on to your floaties, Saloon No. 10 is not just about filling your glass. It’s an entire experience!

    Live music fills the air with fantastic tunes, courtesy of local legends like Vern Sympsy. I even caught an impromptu jam with Good Ol’ Keehn Dad on the “gut bucket.”

    Plus, there are unforgettable grill sessions by the fireplace, where friends and strangers bond over sizzling steaks. Nothing like that camaraderie to make a rubber duck feel right at home!

    When the fabulous 1980s rolled in, the Keehn family had an epiphany: why not add food to the fun? Enter Aunt Sally’s Fried Chicken! They whipped up a drool-worthy menu that hooked patrons faster than I can do a backstroke!

    This culinary adventure led to the birth of the Deadwood Social Club in 1995. They broadened their tasty horizons while keeping that iconic Saloon No. 10 spirit alive.

    And there’s more! The Keehn family is all about community. They’ve turned fundraising into a lively tradition, mixing a little quirky fun with heartfelt purpose, like their weekly Sexy Bingo, where every cent goes toward fighting cancer!

    Their guiding mantras, such as “Keep the faith” and “Life is short,” float through the saloon. They remind everyone that laughter is the best medicine!

    Here’s the scoop on what Saloon No. 10 offers:

    Honestly, why go anywhere else? Saloon No. 10 has it all!

    So, if you find yourself anywhere near Deadwood, make the hasty float over to experience Saloon No. 10. It’s a place that embodies the vibrant history of the Wild West while serving up heartfelt hospitality.

    With a family that keeps the spirit of togetherness alive, it’s where legends come to life. Memories are made one clink of the glass at a time!

    NEVER MISS A