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Buffalo Ridge, South Dakota: Buffalo Ridge Ghost Town (1880 Cowboy Town)

Abe Lincoln never visited South Dakota, but his robot is part of a fake 1880s South Dakota main street, built by a retired school teacher. Wild West robots and cryptic displays, too.

Visitor Tips and News About Buffalo Ridge Ghost Town (1880 Cowboy Town)

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Abe's eyes.

1880 Cowboy Town

As of July 2018, Abe's eyes are unveiled in all their creepy glory! There is no more button to push for the speech. Use your imagination to narrate what must be going through his head. Price as of now is $8 for adults, $4 kids under 15. No dogs allowed in the ghost town, as the neighboring bison don't like dogs!

[Gretchen, 07/13/2018]

Abe Lincoln, 2017.

1880 Cowboy Town

Abe no longer talks these days, just kinda stands there and contemplates State's Rights. Dean Songstad passed away December 23, 2016. Brad is still running 1880 Cowboy Town and imparting western knowledge. Come check the place out!

[Ron Renken, 06/12/2017]

Our forensic scan of Ron's photo notes these changes since our 2008 discovery: 1) his wonky eyes were never repaired, but since the stovepipe hat over them was also traumatizing children, he was outfitted with Lost and Found shades; 2) when Abe's face started sliding off, duct tape secured it to his scalp (hidden beneath his hat); 3) his hat finally fell off, perhaps blown by the cruel winds of entropy.

1880 Cowboy Town.

1880 Cowboy Town

Weird and creepy as ever. Many of the robots no longer had a button that worked. Entrance to 1880 Cowboy Town was $8 per person over 12 years old.

[Kristin, 06/11/2017]

1880 Cowboy Town.

1880 Cowboy Town

This place was incredible, but get a tetanus shot. I'm positive it's haunted.

[Nate Payne, 06/22/2016]

World's Largest Six Shooter.

1880 Cowboy Town

A "bad" cowboy town in contrast to the "good" cowboy town in Murdo (where Dances with Wolves was filmed). We enjoyed the roughness of this town (and the lower price), especially because of the tour details provided by the elderly man.

[eric schansberg, 07/25/2012]

That man was most likely Dean Songstadt, who helped to build the town back in the 1960s. We wish all cowboy towns were as "bad" as this one -- we thought it was great!

Roadside Presidents
Roadside Presidents App for iPhone. Find this attraction and more: museums, birthplaces, graves of the Chief Execs, first ladies, pets, assassins and wannabes. Prez bios and oddball trivia. Available on the App Store.

Buffalo Ridge Ghost Town (1880 Cowboy Town)

Buffalo Ridge Ghost Town

Address:
46614 W. Hwy 38, Buffalo Ridge, SD
Directions:
Out behind the Buffalo Ridge Country Store. I-90 exit 390, then drive east a quarter-mile on Hwy 38.
Hours:
Hours and days vary. Call ahead. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
605-528-3931
Admission:
Adults $8.
RA Rates:
The Best
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