High in the Black Hills, surrounded by Ponderosa pine forests, meandering trout streams and magnificent mountain meadows, is one of South Dakota's most memorable communities — Lead. We pronounce it as "Leed."
South Dakota's Outdoor Recreation Capital — home to two major downhill ski area; southern gateway to Spearfish Canyon; direct access to Mickelson Trail; 300 miles of groom snowmobile trails; miles of cross-country ski trails; mountain climbing; hunting; fishing and golfing.
Activities For Everyone
Daylight hours offer hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, hunting or fishing in spring, summer or fall. In winter, 7,000-foot peaks and crisp mountain air greet guests at Deer Mountain and Terry Peak ski resorts. Snowmobilers enjoy 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, while cross-country skiers explore a limitless sea of white.
Lodging can be found in hotels, B&Bs, and vacation homes. Numerous restaurants, unique shops, private attractions, parks and fun-filled museums allow visitors to savor the rich historical treasures of the area. To learn all there is to see and do in and around town, make sure to stop at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center that is located at the mile-wide open cut that once was the Homestake Gold Mine.
