C U LT U R E + E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Family Fun in the Town of No Rules and No Regrets
by Mol ly Sperl ich
Deadwood is known for its shootouts, parties, and gambling, but its newest addition, Outlaw Square, hopes to give visitors and locals a different experience. Located on the corner of Deadwood Street and Main Street, sitting on the site of the former Deadwood City Hall, Outlaw Square is an outdoor gathering space featuring year-round events. The inspiration for the attraction came almost 15 years ago after the community recognized the need for a central gathering place to host events like concerts, parades, festivals, and historical reenactments.
Bobby Rock, the director of Outlaw Square, says he was excited to be involved in the building, fundraising, and planning process. Rock has lived in the Black Hills since 1998 and grew close to the Deadwood community when he began volunteering to emcee town events. “I had left and moved back from Wyoming in 2018 and had heard about the concept,” said Rock. “I put my hat in the ring, and out of all the applicants they chose me. This gave me the honor of trying to bring everyone’s dream to fruition.” The square is built entirely from sponsorships. Rock says there’s no citizen taxpayer money involved. The square was built with the help of the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission and through a partnership with the state of South Dakota. The hope, Rock says, is that Outlaw Square will become a space for friends and family to come together.
T H E O U T D O O R I S S U E july 2020
