A Review: South Dakota's Original 1880's Town

What's a trip to the Black Hills without stopping along the way at some of the many tourist attractions conveniently located just off the freeway at the very next exit. South Dakota's Original 1880's Town is one such attraction. Located 22 miles west of Murdo S.D. on I 90, it will take you back in time to when the prairie was first settled.

The 1880's Town is a collection of more than 30 buildings, all authentically setup and furnished to portray life as it was in the late 1800's. From the local school house, to the saloon with it's pretty young dance hall girl, you can even walk the ¼ mile up the hill to the small farmstead similar to what many considered home during this period of growth and expansion westward.

Much of the filming for Dances With Wolves, the epic Kevin Costner film, was done in this area. Many of the movie set components and artifacts are on display. A tee pee, the sod house, and the wagons used by Timmons to supply Lt. Dunbar's secluded outpost are all here. In fact the horse that played "Cisco", the horse that Lt. Dunbar rode in battle, is buried here after living a full life of 33 years.

This is a walking tour so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. With temperatures reaching well into the 90's by mid-afternoon, coming early in the day will help you avoid getting overheated. A few of the buildings are air conditioned, giving you the opportunity to take a break if needed, but for the most part you're exposed to what Mother Nature brings in the way of weather.

After you've finished the tour you can stop for a cold soft drink at the 50's Train Diner. Made up of a retired 1950's Santa Fe Train, complete with dining cars, breakfast and lunch menu's, plus assorted cream pies are available.

Admission for adults is $9.00 per person, but if you stopped at the rest area's tourist information booth you can find a dollar off per person coupon that will save you some money.

The epic movie Dances With Wolves brought to the screen many parts of the past that took place in the prairie regions of the country. The 1880's town will go one step further by letting you see up close and personal just what life was like. The silver screen makes things look bigger and more substantial then they really were. When you walk through the hotel on display the small size and cramped quarters will seem alarming.

The small cabins that many called home had room for a bed, and maybe a small table. This was subsistence living with very few frills. Everyone should make the journey through the 1880's town to see how their ancestors lived little more than 100 years ago.