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Hours, admission, tour info and directions
Children looking at exhibits

Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

Your first stop in Lead, South Dakota!
Davis Ring exhibit

Visitor information

Free admission | Free parking | Public restrooms | Free Wi-Fi | Mobility accessible | Family friendly

Summer hours: Sunday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter hours: Starting Oct. 1, Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 

Top 5 Must-Do's at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center:

  1. Pose for an Instagram-worthy photo in the Davis Ring, a piece of a Nobel Prize-winning experiment. 
  2. Take in the view of the unique geology of the Homestake Gold Mine Open-Cut from our observation deck. 
  3. Dive more deeply into the story through interactive activities for the whole family.
  4. Find the perfect gift or souvenir at the Visitor Center Museum Store.
  5. Tell us what you think! Post an online review on our Google or TripAdvisor sites, tag us on Instagram, or share your visit with us on our Facebook profile. 

Contact us at (605) 584-3110.

Trolley at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center in Lead, South Dakota

Trolley tours (available seasonally)

Your guided trolley tour begins with a tour of the Visitor Center and the Open Cut. Then, hop onboard the trolley for a narrated tour of the City of Lead, South Dakota. The experience culminates with a visit to the Yates Hoistroom at the surface of Sanford Underground Research Facility. There, see the massive hoist machinery that powers travel throughout the underground. Built in the 1930s to support gold mining operations, the hoists are still in use today to transport scientists and research equipment to laboratories nearly 5,000 feet below the surface.

Make reservations and find pricing for your Trolley Tour today at Black Hills Vacations. You will be redirected to Black Hills Vacations booking engine. Select your date to check availability.

Map of the Visitor Center location

Location and parking

 

Google Map Directions

The Visitor Center is located just three miles from Deadwood in the heart of Lead, South Dakota at 160 West Main Street. Our location is easily accessible from highways 14A and US Highways 85 & 385. Please be aware there will be summer construction on much of US Highway 385 through Pennington County. Additional details may be found at the South Dakota Department of Transportation website to help you plan your travel through the Black Hills.

The Visitor Center parking lot is spacious and free. Van accessible parking is available. RVs and tour buses are welcome. 

Make the most of your visit to Lead by exploring the many local restaurants, shops, museums, recreation areas and parks. Several options are within walking distance of the Visitor Center, including a free splash-pad (seasonal) at Manuel Brother's Park. 

Accessibility

The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center aims to make itself welcoming to all who visit. We are committed to accessibility and constantly working towards additional improvements. If you have comments or concerns, please feel free to reach outat (605) 584-3110 or slhvc@sanfordlab.org.

Our space

Seating is available throughout the Visitor Center. Space is available on an as needed basis for breastfeeding and quiet time.

We have several kiosks located throughout the Visitor Center. The kiosks have audio portions which can be quite loud, especially when the Visitor Center is at its busiest and during special events. Each of the kiosks offers closed captioning in English. Headphones are available for use upon request at the front counter.

Small snacks and beverages are available for purchase in the Visitor Center. Packed lunches can be eaten on the observation deck and in the classroom if available, or at the neighboring park. Inquire at the front desk about available options.

Restrooms

The restrooms at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center are accessible during normal operating hours. The restrooms are located at the end of the hall behind the tall white shelves. Public restrooms are also available in the neighboring park are open seasonally.

Parking and entrance

Van-accessible parking is located by the front door of the Visitor Center. A curb cut and ramp allow access to the front door from the parking area. Automatic door openers are located at the end of the ramp as you near the entrance.

Service animals

Service animals are welcome in the Visitor Center and tours. Please call ahead if you would like your service animal to accompany you on a tour.

Bus and tour groups

The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center is a top attraction for tour groups visiting the Black Hills.

About the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

Free admission | Family friendly | Trolley tours seasonally | Bus groups welcome | Museum store | Meeting and event space