DEADWOOD, S.D. — The Black Hills of South Dakota have been a major group tour destination for years, and it is now easier for group leaders to plan a tour there thanks to Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort.
The resort reached out to groups across the nation this year as a sponsor of the “GLAMER Casino Directory,” which became a hit guide to gaming-oriented resorts and destinations.
Located on Whitewood Creek in Deadwood, Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort combines all the amenities and services groups expect at a gaming resort with assistance in touring the nearby area.
The resort’s Alice Campbell and Michelle Patino, who have more than 50 years’ combined tourism experience, have the inside track on group discounts at sites such as Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial and the Badlands National Park.
Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort also has designed a new custom package for each day of a group tour based on the group’s interest. The resort will provide a tour package or gaming package and even design daily slot tournaments and other special events on property for groups.
“Groups visiting Deadwood Gulch always begin their stay with a personal greeting by hotel staff and receive information about the property and promotional offers,” said Campbell. “We will take care of all of your tour needs down to the smallest detail. All you have to do is show up.”
In addition to around-the-clock gaming, which includes a variety of more than 150 slot machines, from penny to high-dollar slots, the resort has the Creekside Restaurant, where groups receive a complimentary hot breakfast each morning.
“The most valuable part of any tour to the group leader is hospitality, and Deadwood Gulch delivers,” said Tammy Knox of Group Travel Family. “They have lived up to their mission statement on a level that has won them the Governor’s Star of Excellence award twice.
“Groups at Deadwood Gulch will find the statement on their front door, ‘Excellent customer service is not only our motto, it’s our way of life,’ is not just a motto, the staff really lives it.”
A trip into downtown Deadwood offers a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities, from the spot where Wild Bill Hickok was gunned down to Mount Moriah Cemetery, where he and other Deadwood legends, such as Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock and Preacher Smith, are buried.
In addition to events taking place on property, groups receive information about special events going on in downtown Deadwood, such as Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day.
“Groups are always surprised to discover the activities Deadwood offers,” said Patino.
“It’s easy to see why groups are including Deadwood in their tour offerings, and this resort is making it a one-call tour,” said Knox.
For information on Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort, email Patino at outsidesales@deadwoodgulch.com or call her at 800-659-1876.