Galena Schoolhouse

Galena is an small town in Lawrence County, South Dakota just south of Deadwood. It is often considered to be a ghost town, even though a few families still live in the area. The town consists of some old abandoned cabins, an old school house, an old cemetery, and a lot of history. The town is small and if you go there you need to respect those that still live there. The schoolhouse and cemetery are pretty neat, and if someone is around they will show you inside the schoolhouse if you are lucky.

In 1882 the town built the schoolhouse that still stands today. The school closed after the 1942-1943 school year. The Galena Historical Society has kept the school in great shape, and sometimes they host students from surrounding school districts to see what school was like in the old days. Each June the historical society hosts an open house and walk to raise funds for preservation efforts. They do accept donations to preserve the school. The Galena Historical Society is a 501(c)3 organization, so your donations are tax deductible. You can mail your donations to the - Galena Historical Society 12060 Galena Road Deadwood, SD 57732

To get to Galena, from Deadwood, take US HWY 385 S for seven miles to Wild Bill’s Campground. Turn left onto Galena Rd. and follow it for three miles. From Rapid City, take SD HWY 44 to US 385 N, take a right and head 19 miles to Wild Bill’s Campground. Take a right at the campground onto Galena Rd. and follow for three miles.