Black Hills Mining Museum
The Black Hills Mining Museum is located in the mile-high city of Lead. A non-profit educational corporation is dedicated to the preservation of the rich mining heritage of the Black Hills of South Dakota.
There are numerous exhibits and activities to be enjoyed by visitors. For more than a century, gold mining has been the number one industry in Lead and in the Northern Black Hills. Today that mining heritage is cleverly depicted as an educational and fun Black Hills Badlands and Lakes Association Family Approved Attraction.
Black Hills Mining Museum's experienced and knowledgeable guides will escort you on a fascinating and informative 50-55 minute tour of the simulated underground level of the Homestake Gold Mine; it is the only comprehensive look at both early-day and modern underground mining to be found in the Black Hills. This realistic exhibit has been created by over 140 miners and former mine employees.
The Homestake mine, which ceased operation in 2001, was one of the largest in the world, reaching a depth of 8,000 feet below the surface of the city of Lead.
You can share the thrill experienced by the prospectors the world over in the museum's hands-on gold panning display. Gold is guaranteed! With the friendly, personal attention of staff you will learn the techniques of panning and take home your own sample of real placer gold!
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
(Self-guided Area)
The museum's main floor includes a wealth of historic photographs as well as working models and a wide variety of mining and local history exhibits, all to be enjoyed at your leisure.
VIDEO THEATER
Relax and enjoy a 20-minute video presentation on mining in the Black Hills (1876-present).
GIFT SHOP AVAILABLE
(Including Gold Panning Supplies, Apparel, Books, Jewelry and Souvenirs)
Currently Outside
