Homestake Gold Mine - Lead, South Dakota

Address:160 West Main Street
Lead, South Dakota
Tel: (605) 584-3110

The Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, South Dakota, is the largest and deepest gold mine in America, measuring 8,000 feet down into the earth. It was discovered during the Black Hills Gold Rush in 1876. Mining began and so was established the Homestake Mining Company, what would become one of the longest-listed stocks in the history of the New York Stock Exchange. The Homestake Mine became the second largest gold producer in the U.S., producing 28 million ounces of gold and six million ounces of silver.

The Black Hills Gold Rush is the subject of many stories, fiction and nonfiction, its most recent appearance being the backdrop of the HBO series, Deadwood.

The Homestake Mine closed its doors to mining in 2001 and to visitors in 2002. Dewatering the mine became too expensive an enterprise. It is currently the site of the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL), a facility managed by the National Science Foundation. While guests are unable to visit the actual mine, they are invited to visit the Homestake Visitor Center at 160 West Main Street in Lead. This informative center and museum allow guests the opportunity to learn about the Black Hills Gold Rush, the mining enterprise at Homestake, and the gold mining industry in general. There are also artifacts on display as well as a chance to see the 1876 Open Cut mining area. Admission to the Visitor Center is free and is highly recommended!