Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center | Black Hills & Badlands - South Dakota

Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

  • Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
    Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
  • Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
    Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
  • Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
    Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
  • Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
    Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center
Find Us: 
160 West Main
Lead, SD 57754
Call: 
(605) 584-3110

The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center is the northern gateway to the Black Hills and your first stop in Lead, South Dakota.

Visitors discover the story of this region — from the creation of the deepest gold mine in Northern Hemisphere, to Nobel Prize-winning science, to secrets of the universe still being uncovered at the Sanford Underground Research Facility — through exhibits, pop-up activities, and conversation with our knowledgeable staff.

Our facility offers a wide range of memorable experiences for curious minds of all ages. From the observation deck, view the expansive Open Cut. Take a photo in front of the Davis Ring, a piece of a Nobel Prize-winning experiment hosted nearly a mile underground. See a suspended sculpture of the vast underground workings, then step inside our virtual cage ride to the underground. Plus, take some inspiration home with you. We offer unique souvenirs, educational gifts, and more at the Visitor Center Museum Store.

Things to do...

  • Seasonal trolley tours take visitors through the historic City of Lead to the Yates Hoistroom, which powers travel throughout the underground lab.
  • Visit our exhibit hall, where you’ll find exciting information about Sanford Underground Research Facility,  the city of Lead, and the history of Homestake Mining Company. Our exhibits include historic photographs, videos, science and mining artifacts, and a 3-D model of the underground—from the surface down to the 8,000-foot level!
  • From our deck, view the 1,250-foot-deep Open Cut, an iconic landmark in the Black Hills, and see the many varieties of rock that created this unique landscape. 


Browse through the gift shop for unique and educational items!

Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

Admission is free!

There are often special events at the Visitor Center — from science talks to book signings to hands-on activities for kids.
Make sure to check out their events calendar when planning your visit!

 

Hours: 

Spring & Summer Hours:

May thru September - 9 am to 5 pm Daily

Fall & Winter Hours:

October thru April - 9 am to 4 pm Monday-Saturday

Amenities: 
Free WiFi
Gift Shop
Handicap Accessible
Meeting/Conference Space
On-site Parking
Open Year-Round
Visitor Information
Handicap Amenities : 
Accessible Bathroom
Accessible Parking
Entryway (no steps)
Aisles
Activity Participation

Additional Stories About Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

Upcoming Events at Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

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