Historic Adams House - Image 1
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Historic Adams House

4.7
·568 reviews·Deadwood, United States

Step into the meticulously preserved 1892 home of Deadwood pioneer W. E. Adams, filled with original furnishings and personal stories.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Christmas season weekends

Festive holiday decor

CrowdMedium
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Historic Adams House - Image 1

Historic Adams House

Best Time

Christmas season weekends

Festive holiday decor

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the meticulously preserved 1892 home of Deadwood pioneer W. E. Adams, filled with original furnishings and personal stories.

4.7
(568 reviews)

"A must-see while in Deadwood; the house is gorgeous and offers a wonderful insight into the past."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Follow the House Rules

Guides are strict about no touching, no flash, and staying on paths to preserve the historic home.

⏳ Allow 45-60 Minutes

Tours typically last between 45 minutes to an hour, offering a comprehensive look at the house.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Original Furnishings

Original Furnishings

Throughout the house

Step back in time with original furniture and personal items that tell the story of the Adams family.

Architectural Grandeur

Architectural Grandeur

Exterior and interior

Admire the stunning Victorian architecture and intricate details of this 1892 pioneer home.

Christmas Decorations

Christmas Decorations

Throughout the house

Experience the magic of the holidays with the house elegantly dressed for Christmas tours.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours for the Historic Adams House are popular and can fill up, especially during peak seasons. Booking online ahead of time ensures your spot and saves you potential waiting time. Consider the Christmas tours for a uniquely decorated experience.

Respect the Rules for Preservation

The Historic Adams House is meticulously preserved, and guides enforce strict rules to protect its antique furnishings and delicate surfaces. Be prepared for 'no touching,' 'no standing on rugs,' and 'no flash photography' directives to ensure the house remains pristine for future visitors.

Best Times

When
Christmas season weekends
Why
Festive holiday decor
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Nothing could’ve prepared us for this 😅🫠😂 Insane 10/10 experience #sandboxvr #virtualreality #deadwoodmansion #zombies #scaryaf #reaction
@sandboxvr
51.7K likes • 9.1M views

🤫 Follow the House Rules

Guides are strict about no touching, no flash, and staying on paths to preserve the historic home. Reddit

⏳ Allow 45-60 Minutes

Tours typically last between 45 minutes to an hour, offering a comprehensive look at the house. Reddit

Unsolved Mysteries Haunted Deadwood Full Segment @👻Haunted LA Girl #unsolvedmysteries #robertstack #fyp #fy #fypツ #foryoupage #foryou #for #you #page #viral #viralvideo #viraltiktok #makeitgoviral #southdakota #sd #deadwood #casino #historic #hotel #cowboy #indian #haunted #hauntedtiktok #ghosts #ghost #👻 #spirit #spirits #unexplained #paranormal
@ryan.ruddy
9K likes • 299.7K views
Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House are November 24-26, December 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17. The historic home will be elegantly dressed during the Christmas season. The open house-style tour will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. General admission tickets can be purchased online at DeadwoodHistory.com or at the door. For more information please call 605-722-4800. #historicdeadwood #deadwoo...
historicdeadwood
197 likes • 3.7K views

📅 Book Christmas Tours Early

These special holiday tours are popular and sell out; book tickets online in advance. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Stay with Your Group

You'll need to stay with your tour group and keep moving through the house. Reddit

Giving the people what they want (🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️)! Who’s tried our OG #zombie experience? 👀 #sandboxvr #deadwoodmansion #og #survival #gametok #virtualreality #playtogether
@sandboxvr
6.5K likes • 10.7M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Follow the House Rules

Guides are strict about no touching, no flash, and staying on paths to preserve the historic home. Reddit

⏳ Allow 45-60 Minutes

Tours typically last between 45 minutes to an hour, offering a comprehensive look at the house. Reddit

📅 Book Christmas Tours Early

These special holiday tours are popular and sell out; book tickets online in advance. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Stay with Your Group

You'll need to stay with your tour group and keep moving through the house. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(568 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Historic Adams House for its exceptional preservation and the insightful tours that bring the past to life. The house is described as gorgeous and a wonderful glimpse into Deadwood's history, with guides often highlighted as fantastic and detailed. However, some guests note the strict rules regarding touching and photography, which guides enforce assertively.

"Great tour and tour guide! It's so amazing to hear the preservation and story of this home and residents. A must see while in Deadwood"

David Mueller

"Well worth the stop. The house is gorgeous. Very well preserved and a wonderful insight into some of the past in Deadwood. The guide was fantastic. On a very strange twist of fate we were at the Mount Moriah cemetery before this and just happened to stumble upon the gravesite of the prior owner without even knowing it until we were there. I would definitely recommend checking the place out."

Kevin Sterwald

"Very cool museum. The tour guides provide lots of information, but they do have strict rules no touching anything, no standing on the antique rugs, no standing on the tile by the fireplace, no using flash, and no sitting on the furniture. They are very strict about these rules and will not hesitate to yell at you. You must stay with your tour group and keep moving. Other than that our guide shared lots of information, answered every question, and was very detailed. The house was incredible. I highly recommend the Adams House—just follow the rules, as you should always do anyway."

Eli Pattridge

What People Like

Well-preserved home
Insightful tour guides
Original furnishings

What People Dislike

Strict rules enforcement

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Historic Adams House is located in Deadwood, South Dakota. It's easily accessible by car within the town. Parking is generally available nearby, though it can be limited during busy periods. Check local parking regulations upon arrival.

Deadwood has limited public transportation options. It's best to check with local Deadwood tourism resources for any available shuttle services or trolley tours that might include the Historic Adams House as a stop.

Yes, the Historic Adams House is centrally located in Deadwood, making it a pleasant walk from many hotels and attractions in the downtown area. Enjoy the historic streets as you make your way there.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees vary, and it's recommended to check the official Historic Adams House website or DeadwoodHistory.com for the most current pricing. General admission tickets can often be purchased online or at the door. Instagram

While walk-in tickets may be available, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular times like weekends or the special Christmas tours, to guarantee your entry. Instagram

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official Historic Adams House website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and days of operation. Christmas tours have specific dates and times. Instagram

Information on discounts for seniors, children, or group rates is typically available on the official website. It's always a good idea to inquire when booking or upon arrival.

Photography is allowed inside the Historic Adams House, but with strict limitations. Flash photography is prohibited to protect the delicate artifacts and furnishings. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Tours of the Historic Adams House generally last between 45 minutes to an hour, providing a thorough exploration of the home and its history. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are the primary way to experience the Historic Adams House. Knowledgeable guides share the preservation story and personal items of the residents. Reddit

Visitors must adhere to strict rules, including no touching of artifacts, no standing on antique rugs or tiles, and no flash photography. Guides are vigilant about enforcing these rules. Reddit

As a historic home, accessibility can be challenging. It's advisable to contact the Historic Adams House directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and any limitations.

The Historic Adams House was the 1892 home of Deadwood pioneer W. E. Adams. It's significant for its well-preserved original furnishings and personal items, offering a unique glimpse into late 19th-century life in Deadwood. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, you can use your phone camera, but remember that flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the historic artifacts. Reddit

While the entire house is a photo opportunity, the well-preserved rooms with original furnishings offer the most compelling shots. Be mindful of your tour group and guide's instructions.

Expect to capture beautiful interior shots showcasing Victorian-era decor, antique furniture, and personal mementos that tell the story of the Adams family. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in historic districts and residential areas. It's best to check local ordinances and the Historic Adams House's specific policies before attempting drone photography.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Historic Adams House offers a valuable historical experience, families with young children should be aware of the strict rules. The emphasis on 'no touching' and staying with the group might be challenging for very active kids. However, older children who can appreciate history and follow instructions may find the preserved home fascinating. Consider it a more subdued historical outing compared to other Deadwood attractions. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

This is a must-visit! The Historic Adams House is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Victorian architecture, interior design, and the daily lives of pioneers. The extensive collection of original furnishings and personal items offers an unparalleled look into the past. Guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the house's history and preservation, making for an enriching and informative tour. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Historic Adams House presents a fantastic opportunity for interior photography, showcasing intricate details and period decor. Remember that flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the artifacts, so ensure your camera or phone is set to low-light settings. The well-preserved rooms offer a beautiful backdrop for capturing the essence of late 19th-century living. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Story of the Adams Family

The Historic Adams House offers a unique window into the lives of Deadwood pioneers through its remarkably preserved state. Built in 1892 for W. E. Adams, a prominent businessman, the home showcases the affluence and lifestyle of the era. Unlike many historic homes that have undergone extensive renovations or lost original items, the Adams House retains much of its original furnishings and personal effects, providing an intimate connection to the family who lived there. Visitors can see everything from furniture and decor to everyday items, all telling a silent story of their lives.

Tour guides at the Adams House are crucial in bringing these stories to life. They share details about the preservation efforts and the personal histories of the Adams family members, making the visit both educational and engaging. The emphasis on preservation means visitors are asked to be extremely respectful of the house and its contents, ensuring that this piece of Deadwood's history can be appreciated for generations to come. Reddit

The dedication to maintaining the house's original integrity is a key reason why a visit here feels so authentic. It’s not just a museum; it’s a preserved moment in time, offering a tangible link to Deadwood's past and the individuals who shaped its development. Reddit

Experiencing Deadwood's History

The Historic Adams House is a cornerstone of the Deadwood historic district, offering a stark contrast to the town's more boisterous casino and Wild West lore. While Deadwood is famous for its gold rush history, saloons, and figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane (whose graves are at Mount Moriah Cemetery, a place some visitors stumble upon before the house Reddit), the Adams House provides a glimpse into the domestic life of its more established residents. It represents the Victorian era's influence on the burgeoning town, showcasing a different facet of its rich history.

Visiting the Adams House complements other Deadwood experiences, such as exploring the underground Chinese tunnels TikTok or learning about the town's mining past. It offers a more refined perspective on the historical tapestry of Deadwood, highlighting the lives of families who contributed to its growth beyond the rough-and-tumble frontier image. The house stands as a testament to the architectural styles and interior design trends of the late 19th century, making it a valuable stop for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

For those interested in the broader history of Deadwood, the Adams House provides context for the town's development from a rough mining camp to a more settled community. It’s a place where the stories of preservation and personal history are paramount, offering a quiet yet profound connection to the past. Reddit

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