Lead is a charming city located in Lawrence County, South Dakota. It is located in the western region of South Dakota, within the Black Hills, close to the border of Wyoming.
The city of Lead was established officially on July 10, 1876, following the discovery of gold. The city’s name was inspired by the presence of precious ore deposits called leads or lodes.
In addition, the city was home to the Homestake Mine, the most extensive, profound, and efficient gold mine in the Western Hemisphere until its closure in 2002.
Apart from its fascinating history, this city also provides tourists with a vast selection of beautiful attractions highlighting its natural endowment, history, and activities for your pleasure and enjoyment.
Are you planning an exploration of Lead? Let’s explore the top things to do in Lead, SD.
Things to Do in Lead, SD
1. Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center offers an opportunity to observe stunning views of the historical mines. Visiting this Center ranks among the top things to do in Lead, SD.
The Center has a viewing deck that provides stunning views of an exceptional landscape called Open Cut. This unique site is a 1,250-foot-deep mine cut, which showcases a diverse array of rocks.
Furthermore, the Center presents different scientific and historical exhibits due to the exceptional views.
You might want to explore the trolley hours at the Center, which are available at certain times. To learn about recent happenings of the visitor’s Center and its different services, visit their website.
Address: 160 W Main Street, Lead, SD 57754, United States
2. Lead-Deadwood Arts Center
The Lead-Deadwood Arts Center is another fascinating location you should stop by to explore arts. This art center showcases diverse art service options for your enjoyment.
To explore the local art and products showcased in the Arts Center, browse through their gallery and gift shop. Various types of artistic creations, including frames, are available for purchase at their gift store.
Additionally, you can choose to participate in any of the art classes or activities being hosted at Lead-Deadwood Arts Centre. For better information about their services, do well to see their website.
Address: 309 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754, United States
3. Historic Homestake Opera House
Historic Homestake Opera House
For more than a century, the Homestake Opera House has showcased diverse concerts and performances, making it a perfect location for art lovers.
Despite being under renovation, the Homestake Opera House exhibits its stunning architecture for visitors to admire via its guided tours.
The Opera House hosts different shows all year round. You can get better information about their performance through their website.
Aside from its shows, the opera house hosts a variety of educational programs and is available for rentals. You can also opt-in for their membership or make a generous donation.
Address: 313 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754, United States
4. Black Hills Discovery Tours
With Black Hills Discovery Tours, you will have a fantastic time exploring the various hidden gems in the city. Therefore, ensure to book a tour with them for an unforgettable experience. It is one of the fun things to do in Lead, SD.
Black Hills Discovery Tours offers visitors various tour options for their enjoyment. If you want to explore the area solo, you can stop by the nearby biking trail.
No matter the tour option, you can be sure you will see many beautiful sights when you make this company your tour guide.
Visitors can also create a customized tour of how they want their adventure to be, and to do this, make sure to check out their website.
Address: 11264 U.S. 14 A South, Lead, SD 57754, United States
5. Black Hills Mining Museum
Black Hills Mining Museum
For history lovers, Black Hills Museum should be on your list of the best places to visit in Lead, SD.
Inside the Museum are different types of displays and artifacts to browse through, including a variety of services for you to explore.
The Museum provides a simulation service for guests keen on exploring an underground gold mine without worrying about going into a dark tunnel.
Furthermore, this Museum allows visitors to experience gold panning during their tour services. For more information about the Black Hills Mining Museum, check their website.
Address: 323 W. Main St U.S. 85, Lead, SD 57754, United States
6. Recreational Springs Resort
Recreational Springs Resort
Recreational Springs Resort offers you direct access to the charming Black Hill. You can opt for any comfortable cabins or embrace nature in their campground.
Enjoy your visit by utilizing their winter snowmobile and summer UV rentals, which will help you explore the Black Hills and the many exciting adventures it has for you.
The Recreational Springs Resort is situated to the south of Lead and Deadwood. Their lodge provides an exciting and casual dinner experience at their onsite restaurant, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
They offer different lodging options, including 17 rooms, six cabins, and their campground, with 30 to 5-amp complete hookup RV sites, private tent sites, and water and electric sites.
Address: 4 Glendale Dr, Lead, SD 57754, United States
7. Go Riding with Andy’s Trail Rides
For a distinctive city view, we highly recommend you take a tour with Andy’s Trail Rides, located within South Dakota’s stunning Black Hills. It is one of the fun things to do in Lead, SD.
Visitors can enjoy Trail and sleigh rides through Andy’s Trail Rides. There are various horse activities to choose from, along with the trail rides offering numerous stunning views of nature and wildlife.
Andy, a professional horseback rider who began guiding trail rides at nine years old, operates this horseback trail ride.
Apart from the various equestrian activities, Andy’s Trail Rides also provide other outdoor opportunities for the guests to enjoy, such as fishing and hunting.
Address: 11264 U.S. 14 A South, Lead, SD 57754, United States
8. Dakota Shivers Brewing
Dakota Shivers Brewing is an excellent nano-brewery in the downtown area of Lead, making it easy to access. If you are a beer enthusiast, be sure to drop by and enjoy their great selection of beers.
This brewery offers a fine selection of beers to try. Although their beer selection might not be extensive, you will discover that their available beer options provide a distinctive quality and taste. Their beer selection ranges from lagers to IPAs, stouts, and ales.
Dakota Shivers Brewing’s expertise makes this beer spot an ideal location for quality beer. Food is not served at this place. However, they serve popcorn with different toppings.
Address: 717 W Main Street, Lead, SD 57754-1539, United States
Plan a South Dakota road trip, check out our list of Restaurants in Lead and things to do in Sturgis for a fun South Dakota exploration
9. Whitetail Creek Resort
Whitetail Creek Resort
For visitors seeking to experience relaxation and the natural outdoors, the Whitetail Creek Resort is a perfect destination.
The Whitetail Creek Resort offers a variety of accommodations, with each one of them set amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Visitors can choose from any of their lodging options, such as their motel, varies, and campsites, for a cozy experience.
The camping grounds feature yurts and a spot for RVs. These yurts can only be utilized at specific periods of the year, and just three can be booked during those times.
Despite the availability of lodging cabins, the Resort syllabus has camping cabins for reservations.
Address: 11295 US Highway 14a, Lead, SD 57754, United States
10. Check out the Slopes at the Terry Peak Ski Area
Terry Peak Ski Area
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, one of the best places to visit in Lead, SD, is the Terry Peak Ski Area, where you can indulge in skiing and other exciting activities.
This Ski destination features a lofty mountain peak that reaches thousands of feet in elevation and also provides various trails to experience.
Regardless of your skiing experience, this resort offers different slopes for every skill level. The Ski resort provides classes for beginners if you have no idea about skiing the extensive winding slopes.
Another exciting highlight of this ski area is its terrain park, where you can explore its varying pipes, jibs, and other facilities.
Address: 21120 Stewart Slope Rd, Lead, SD 57754, United States
11. Explore Fitness and Adventures
Going on vacations does not stop you from continuing your fitness routine. With Explore Fitness and Adventures, you can experience a fantastic fitness journey throughout your stay in Lead, SD.
This boutique gym and dance studio offers different fitness options for you to participate in, such as mountain biking, yoga, and dance sessions.
However, if you are uncertain about which activity suits you, you should see the studio’s website for its various services or social media page.
Address: 457 S Main St, Lead, SD 57754, United States
12. Ginny Wolf Studio
If you are interested in handmade items, the Ginny Wolf Studio is a perfect place to be. Ginny Wolf Studio contains a variety of excellent products, ranging from crafted jewelry to vintage hats.
All the items available in the store are nature-themed and of excellent quality. Moreover, you can check out the store’s website to learn more about their products.
Besides its physical store, Ginny Wolf Studio offers online store services. Also, it has a photo gallery that showcases every featured item. Works of other indigenous artists are featured on the website.
Address: 633 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States
13. Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary
Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary
Another fascinating place you should not miss is the Pathway Spiritual Sanctuary. If you are looking for a place to relax and reflect on yourself, this destination has got you covered.
The Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary is a peaceful and safe venue where visitors can sit, stroll, contemplate, write, meditate, or reflect in the natural environment of South Dakota’s sacred Black Hills.
There are numerous natural terrains to see when you visit the sanctuary, and while exploring the place, you will get to see some horses.
There are plenty of natural landscapes you can admire when visiting this sanctuary. And you might get the opportunity to see some horses freely roaming the area. The sanctuary is available for visitations at certain times of the year, and you can check out their website to know the perfect visiting periods.
Address: 21793 Juso Ranch Rd, Lead, SD 57754, United States
14. Long Valley Picnic Area
Looking for what to do in Lead, SD, with your family? Go picnicking at the Long Valley Picnic Area, a beautiful picnic site in Spearfish Canyon.
Long Valley Picnic Area features five picnic sites open for public use every day. Visitors must ensure they carry their waste with them after picnicking.
Support to actualize the 2014 improvements was obtained from the Federal Highways National Scenic Byway Grant program and the Lawrence County Resource Advisory Committee.
The area has various handicapped-accessible features, including aggregate picnic tables and a boardwalk along the stream. North Zone Engineering designed these features.
In addition, the picnic site has pedestal barbecues, hiking routes, a fishing pier, a natural rock fishing area, and a rock ladder that leads to the stream. The site also has a wading area protected from the creek’s current, with a parking turnaround near the picnic site.
Address: Long Valley Ln, Lead, SD 57754, United States
15. George S. Mickelson Trail
George S. Mickelson Trail
The Trail covers more than one hundred miles. It is accessible to the public for outdoor activities, such as cycling, horseback riding, and hiking. Hiking this path is one of the best things to do in Lead, SD.
When hiking on this Trail, numerous beautiful sights exist, including tunnels and slopes. The entire path to cover is smooth, with different trailheads where you can choose to get some rest.
Apart from exploring this Trail, look out for indigenous wildlife. The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks is in charge of the maintenance of the George S. Mickelson Trail.
Address: Lead, South Dakota, United States
For a fun time in South Dakota, take to exploring our list of things to do in Hill City and fun things to do in Custer for a fun vacation time.
16. Roughlock Falls State Nature Area
Roughlock Falls State Nature Area
The Roughlock Falls Nature Area, situated within Spearfish Canyon, is well known to be one of the most stunning destinations in the Black Hills.
The water from Little Spearfish Creek enters the Spearship Canyon, forming three beautiful Roughlock Falls with breathtaking views and photographs.
There are walking tracks and hiking trails offering people the choice to discover the area. Some of the activities here include fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Elk, Bald eagle, White-tailed deer, Mule deer, Coyote, Beaver, Bighorn sheep, Mountain goat, and Mountain lion are some of the wildlife you might see when you visit.
Address: Roughlock Falls Rd, Lead, SD 57754, United States
17. Aspire Boutique
Aspire Boutique
There are numerous stores in the city to browse when you visit. However, visit the Aspire Boutique to shop for authentic and quality products. Shopping at Aspire Boutique is one of the best things to do in Lead, SD.
Aspire Boutique offers a vast selection of products and ornaments that cover the charming theme of fantasy. Visitors can find items ranging from tapestries to incense and crystals.
The Aspire Boutique is an exciting place to visit when exploring the city. The collections in the store are well-curated, and the entire place is kept clean. Before you leave the store, you will see an exceptional item to buy.
Address: 170 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754, United States
18. Mad Mountain Adventures
Besides hiking and biking, there are other fantastic alternatives through which one can experience the beauty of the Black Hills.
Mad Mountain Adventures provides rental services for ATVs during the summer months, and they offer snowmobile rentals in winter.
This company caters to everything you need, particularly in winter, offering snow bibs, gloves, jackets, boots, and a waterproof backpack to help your belongings stay dry.
Additionally, they provide visitors with maps and trails to help them explore the most outstanding terrains of the Black Hills. Therefore, ensure to book your reservations in advance.
Address: 24 Cliff St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States
19. Hearst Library
Phoebe Apperson Hearst, the spouse of a mining magnate, George Hearst, gave the Hearst Free Library to Lead’s community and its residents on December 25, 1894.
The original collection was tailored to represent a wide range of cultures inherent in Lead during the peak of the Homestake Mining Company.
This collection accommodates large volumes written in diverse languages beyond English. Hearst Library has become an active community center, offering services to more than 30,000 individuals annually.
Aside from the books housed within the library, it holds events like summer reading programs, knitting groups, and storytime for kids.
Address: 315 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754, United States
20. Days of ’76 Museum
Days of ’76 Museum
For history enthusiasts keen on learning about the history of Lead, an ideal place you should check out when you visit the city is the Days of ’76 Museum.
The Museum provides its guests with a distinctive perspective of the annual celebration together with the history of Deadwood.
The Museum contains American Indian and Old West artifacts, the state’s most extensive collection of horse-drawn wagons, and a representation of the Deadwood trading post.
Days of ’76 Museum is a modern facility containing themed and engaging exhibitions. It is open for visitations from May to September between 9 am to 5 pm daily.
Address: 18 76th Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States
21. Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center Trolley Tour
Among what to do in Lead, SD, is to go on a guided tour on a vintage street trolley to listen to the history of Lead, from its mining days to its future of scientific research.
Tours are available on specific days from May to September, featuring a guided tour through Lead’s historical town and an educative surface tour of Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF).
You will find a hoist still in operation from 1938 in the Yates hoist room. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to discover how over 5,000 feet of rope transmits supplies to the sole deep underground lab in the United States.
You might also see these hoists in operation if you are fortunate enough. Tours last for about one hour and host 25 people. For large groups of more than ten people or bus tours, it is advisable to make trip reservations.
The trolley provides wheel accessibility by ramp. Tours involve going on a short walk on grave paths. It is also important to note that the hoistroom part of the excursion might be unable to host wheelchairs. Visitors are required to wear covered shoes.
Address: 160 W Main Street, Lead, SD 57754, United States
22. Howling Wolf Pub
Howling Wolf Pub is a popular venue in the Black Hills that offers top live entertainment that covers genres like Rock, Country music, blues, and Bluegrass.
Visitors can witness performances from national and semi-national artists. The public offers a great selection of foods ranging from pats to burgers and steaks and an extensive salad bar.
There are more than 60 types of beer available from across the globe in the Pub. Howling Wolf Zoub is situated on the lower floor of the GoldTown Hotel and should be a must-visit anytime you are in the city.
Address: 505 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754-1508, United States
23. Explore the Area on Wheels with Mile High e-Bikes
If you’re looking to explore various parts of the city through biking, check out Mile High e-bikes, a place that offers bike rental services.”
Mile High e-Bikes offers top-notch on-range (dual battery) e-bike rentals for adults and children up to age fourteen.
In addition to bike rentals, they also offer accessories rentals for stuff like Bluetooth helmets. Their bicycles feature a big storage compartment to hold a camera, meals, and other essentials.
The business owners are super friendly and have an honest approach to relating with their customers. Their services are top-notch, and prices are pocket-friendly for everyone.
Address: 111 Silver St, Lead, SD 57754, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Lead
Lead, SD is a region that showcases its unique attractions and incredible history. It is an abode to different historic landmarks, resorts, and tour services.
Besides exploring its attractions, tourists can indulge in activities like skiing, horseback riding, and other outdoor recreational activities.