Lead, South Dakota
Lead, South Dakota is located in the western part of South Dakota close to the Wyoming border. It was first settled in 1876 and was home to the famous Homestake Mining Company. The Homestake Mine shut down in 2002 but the Sanford Underground Laboratory is now in full development and a big part of the Lead community. The Homestake Mine was America's longest continuously operated gold mine. It was also the largest, oldest, and deepest mine in the western hemisphere. The mine stretched over 8,000 feet below the town of Lead, and offered numerous jobs over the years.
Downtown Lead.
View from the Homestake Railroad Grade Trail.
The Open Cut.
Off of Highway 85 just west of the Lead sign.
The streets go uphill quite a bit from the main street.
Lots of stairs in the town.
Nice park.
Sanford Lab Museum, Homestake Mine, and Open Cut - free.
Nice large park near the Open Cut.
Skate Park.
Very cool park and trail.
