cowboy ghost town

My love for roadside Americana is one of the biggest reasons I spend so much time and money traveling this country’s highways and byways. The more unique, odd, or quirky the attraction, the better I like it. I don’t even mind if it’s old and tattered like this Buffalo Ridge beauty. With all due regard for the reviewers who fault this place for being rundown, I still consider it one of the most interesting tourist attractions situated along South Dakota’s I-90 corridor. It’s a matter of perspective.If you’re in a hurry, just browse the store at the entrance (no fee required). Be sure to have a look in the large room in the back where you’ll find fireworks, more buffalo skulls, flags, etc. on display. The buffalo wall mount is a great photo op. During our recent visit my buddy was allowed to hold a huge buffalo skull for picture taking (see photo). If you get the chance, strike up a conversation with the elderly proprietor. With very little prodding he’ll tell you about the history of the place and explain how he cleans and prepares the hundreds of buffalo skulls and jaws he sells every year.

We drove up to the site and turned around and left. Were not impressed with the looks and did not see anything as advertised. Sorry - wasn't going to spend the money for it.

It is clear to me from reading the other reviews that some people are naive and lack imagination. YES, this place is run down. YES, the displays are creepy. THAT IS THE APPEAL! This is one of the most unique places I have ever been to, and I have seen a lot of 'tourist traps' around the U.S. There is so much to see, and the attention to detail is pretty creative and ambitious considering what they're working with. The squeaky animatronics, disheveled mannequins, muffled audio, hand-lettered signs and general state of dis-repair were actually very charming.I don't know why some reviewers were expecting the Disney treatment from what is literally the back yard of a gas station in the middle of nowhere in South Dakota. You have to go into places like this with certain expectations. The fun of it is just how strange and surreal everything is. It is pure Americana, pure folk art, from the hearts and souls of real people. Read this to get a better appreciation: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/19325Highly recommended, well worth the price of admission.

Completely run down. Half of the animatronics didn't work and what did sounded terrible and were in poor condition. The buildings were horribly run down to practically falling apart. The kids kept asking where all the people were. There weren't any. At $8 per adult and $4 for children I left feeling robbed. I would not recommend stopping.

Set your expectations: it's an odd, very dusty place. The proprietor was very friendly though. If you need to stretch your legs on a road trip, stop. If you miss it, no need to kick yourself. My family and I wondered if we'd entered the Twilight Zone!

Another example of a "Heritage Town" but this time branded as a ghost town, and I can believe it. Sure it is run down, but what would you expect a Ghost Town to look like, Downtown Anywheresville ? From the moment you enter the visitor center ( I guess that's its name) and shop (well sort of) you get the feeling of ghosts. Having been sold your ticket you are warned about the Buffalo, but the really interesting part is that the Buffalo are breeding and the main herd can be seen from the observation tower (new). Closer to the property are the yearlings. So now it is worth supporting. The town itself is very run down but has its own charm.Worth a visit ? I'd say so, but don't expect anything modern.

Great stop my kids learned a lot we almost did not stop do to the other reviews and I am very glad we stopped

So everything is all dusty. The man warned another the couple that the Buffalo are so mean that he didn't suggest getting close to the fence. Some man followed me around harassing me to buy stuff. Lots of stuff is there from the 70's and dusty. This was actually all very neat and stereotypical of some old-timey stop, and we were enjoying it until we paid for our fireworks and trinkets. The outdated register must have "accidentally" rang up our items with a larger price than what was on the tags. Or we got a hefty tourist tax. It was actually a hoot until they ripped us off with no receipt. Fun to stop at but don't plan on spending money.

Not sure what or how to review this place. It's interesting, yes. But certainly in need of some repairs.

We stopped here for gas and thought we'd get a buffalo burger but the kitchen didn't seem to be in much use. We opted not to tour the ghost town and the animatronic machines didn't seem to be in use for a long time.The dust on everything (lots of buffalo products and fire works) says they don't get a ton of business.Bathrooms were a wreck and none too clean. But the proprietor was a nice guy that talked a lot. As a stop I wouldn't recommend it.

The guy who does the tour at the start before you visit the town is a lot more interesting than the town. There are animatronic scenes in the town but the speakers are muffled and low and could not make out the words. On the other hand it is not expensive and the gift shop sells some good stuff, if your driving past could be worth a visit but i wouldn't go out of your way.

My husband and I went to this attraction and it was a whole in the wall. I never been to tourist trap and this was defiantly one. Save your money and just keep going when you see it.