1880 Town — Attraction in Kadoka

I will start with what we liked the most and then to the aspects that disappointed us. The 1880 town overall was very cool and the experience was of good value. Lots of buildings to explore and lots of antiques and artifacts. We took our time and spent 2.5 hours to get through everything. I also appreciate the antiques for sale along with the gift shop, but would like to see more antiques for sale, rather than more cheap gift shop items. For $30, my husband and I were overall happy with the experience. We enjoyed our time, but there were a few things that disappointed me. First, we checked out the website ahead of time and my husband and I were very excited to try the 50’s diner and try the Sarsaparilla and loved the costume idea, but none of those things that we were most excited about were available. I understand it’s toward the end of the season, but I really wish the website informs you that these things are unavailable. The diner was closed. The bar was closed, and the costumes unavailable. Also, there was a shootout show that was listed on the website for today’s date at multiple times. When asked about it, they said there were no more shows for rest of season. If that is the case, why are there events listed for today’s date on the website? We still would have came, it just would have been nice to know that ahead of time so we weren’t disappointed. Especially since we waited to eat lunch and passed up some lunch spots on the way so we could experience the Diner.

And although I loved looking at all the artifacts and buildings, there was mice droppings EVERYWHERE, including inside the display cases of a lot of rare artifacts, which was very sad to see. I know mice are probably always going to be an issue in the buildings, but I wish the artifacts were a little more preserved and protected from mice. Also, the gift shop was kind of empty and there was a lot of the overrated souvenirs that every gift shop in black hills also had. It would have been a lot nicer to see a lot of more handmade items or local items and things that said “1880 town” or was more representative of the beautiful town you have. And also, if I could offer another suggestion, I think it would be nice if there were more signs or labels with informations showing more information about the history or what certain items were called or used for and when the buildings were built/closed. They did do a pretty good job of labels in the first building, but like I said the mice droppings on the artifacts was...

We kept seeing the signs. We debated back and forth. Was it just a tourist trap? I was hooked with Dances with Wolves connections that were advertised. I'm a history teacher and this was not a disappointment whatsoever. The Dances with Wolves memorabilia was cool and so were the state historical stuff. There was artifacts and fossils, antiques, all kinds of stuff to whet the appetite of a history buff. But what really hooked me was that the buildings on site were real, historical buildings, either moved intact or broken down, pieces numbered, and reassembled on site. The saloon was absolutely beautiful! My daughter was hooked with the dress up part. There were so many outfits to choose from! The ladies helped her with a fitting and added accessories and even shoes! This is WAY better than what they do at an old timey photo place. Then they let you wander around the town for the day (as long as you can stand to wear a long dress on a hot day;) To top off the fact that she felt so pretty all dressed up, they had a shoot out reenactment and she got pulled into the action when the "drunk guy" wanted to stop and "talk to the pretty lady." A lot of the guests there, thought she was actually part of the show! It made her day! Afterward, she had her picture taken with the guys in the show and they pretended to fight over her. We only intended to stop for a few minutes. We ended up staying several hours! GO! Spend the day! Dress up! Pretend you are in a prairie town in the 1880's! You won't regret it! One more thing. I wandered up the hill to the old homestead by myself. It was kind of late in the afternoon so I was alone up there. The little house with it's cupboard and dishes, the clothes on the line blowing in the wind, wow! Ghosts??? It sure made me feel like there was still a family there. Then I had to stop and pay tribute to Cisco, the horse that took John Dunbar on his suicide ride in Dances with Wolves. The horse that played Cisco (or one of them) named Buck, is buried on the hill. If any modern place can take you back in time. 1880's town is it! The people are great, the prices are reasonable-even the dress up part is only $10 for adults, $7 for kids. It's a steal for the memories you'll come away with! You can even "belly up to the bar" in the saloon and have some (non alcoholic) refreshments for very reasonable prices! Be sure to take a camera! Am I gushing? YES, I AM! It is...

I loved this stop as we traveled across South Dakota!! $12 for Seniors to get in! And we got to take in our German Shedder 🤗 WOW! The first building, where ya pay and later is the gift shop... Has some amazing artifacts and lots of history! The upstairs is dedicated to the Movie Dances with Wolves with many items from the film. There is also a lot of important information on the indigenous people of that time! Once ya get out the back door.... It opens up to a whole 1880 town!! Everything perfectly in it's place.. with items from that time! The simplicity of homes, the jail, miners huts, saloon, church, fire station, mayors office, train depot.... And everything in between! The Saloon sells drinks n popcorn and has a show as well at certain times of the day. There is a lovely lady and her horse Roseann who offers free rides around the town in an era suitable wagon! Yes your dog can get on too! Ours enjoyed it! Please... Please remember to tip her!!! She is doing such a great service to add to the feel of this town! Off in a short walk is a wind mill and an established small farm from that time, with farm animals too!! Kids and adults can pan for gold.... Go in the store but a bag .. head back outside and get busy! The gift store is pretty typical if this type of stop. The folks who are working were pleasant and kind! *There is a map of the US on the wall. Grab a pin and put it where your hometown is!!

We spent 2.5 hrs there!!! There is just so much to see and experience! There is a diner as well... In the very front of the stop is a gas station and convenience store... Along the back of that is a few mock building fronts from the 1880s.

I recommend this stop! It's a good way to stretch the legs, take in some history and just see how folks lived in a very...