You won’t want to miss Lead’s three biggest attractions! All have awesome tours available and make a fabulous day long adventure in our city.
Historic Homestake Opera House Conceived by Thomas Grier and gifted by Phoebe Hearst in 1914, it was nicknamed “The Jewel of the Black Hills” for its size and stunning craftsmanship. Once boasting a library, bowling alley, billiards hall, indoor pool and social hall it suffered a devastating fire in 1984. It has seen an incredible transformation as it continues to be artfully restored to its original beauty. The theater seats approximately 500 and continues to feature arts and cultural programming throughout the year. HomestakeOperaHouse.org
Black Hills Mining Museum
Be sure to take advantage of the guided tour in the simulated underground exhibit. Built and engineered by miners it was designed to give an authentic experience of the Homestake Mine and how it evolved over the 126 years of its operation. When visitors emerge from their “underground experience,” they can take advantage of one final treat and pan for their own gold. (Seasonal, tours by appointment in winter.) BlackHillsMiningMuseum.com
Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
World class particle physics research happens right here in Lead. The Homestake Mine was donated to the Sanford Underground Research Facility (closed to public) where groundbreaking, research in physics happens. The Visitor Center features the story of Homestake and the current projects with interactive displays and a 3D scale model of the mine. Stand on the very edge of the Open Cut portion of the mine that is 1250’ deep – just a small fragment of the mine which was over 8000’ deep. Tours and gift shop. Enjoy indoor tours for free and a trolley tour through town, with exclusive hoist room access at the lab for a small fee (trolley tours are seasonal). Winter hours for the facility will run October 1st – April 30th 9am to 4pm Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays. SanfordLabHomestake.com