Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

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!

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!