Free Exhibits
We invite you to visit our exhibit hall, where you’ll find exciting information about Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab), the city of Lead, and the history of Homestake.
Our exhibits include historic photographs, videos, science and mining artifacts, and a 3-D model of the underground—from the surface down to the 8,000-foot level!
From our deck, view the 1,250-foot-deep Open Cut, an iconic landmark in the Black Hills, and see the many varieties of rock that created this unique landscape. Admission is free.
Tours
Your tour includes a trip through historic Lead, and a surface tour of Sanford Underground Research Facility. In the Yates hoist room, you’ll see hoists that have been in operation since 1939, including how they are maintained. You’ll also learn about the more-than 5,000 feet of rope that take personnel to the underground. If you’re lucky, you may even see the hoists in action!
You’ll also learn a little bit about the mining process and the state-of-the-art Waste Water Treatment Plant designed by Homestake Mining Company and still used today by Sanford Underground Research Facility.
Tours last approximately one hour. To book your tours, contact the Visitor Center at 605-584-3110. The Visitor Center also offers educational field trips. Please call for more information. Large groups or bus tours should book tours at least one day in advance.
2019 Rates
| Group (10 or more people): | $5.00 per person |
| Family (4 or more): | $25.00 |
| Adults (22-54): | $8.00 |
| Students With ID (7-21): | $7.00 |
| Over 55: | $7.00 |
| Winter Tours: | $5.00 |
| Children age 5 and under: | FREE |
Summer
Summer Tours run daily from Mid-May to the end of September at:
- 10:00 am
- 11:30 am
- 1:00 pm
- 2:30 pm
- 4:00 pm
Winter
Winter Tours are now available!
Enjoy a 30 minute guided tour that takes you from 1876 to the future of science.
Available when Trolley Tours are not available.
Hole in One
Get your first Hole in One! An opportunity of a lifetime! Drive further than you ever have be-fore.
With a hole a mile wide and a mile long, you are sure to get a hole in one AND add about 1250 feet to your drive.
This is a family favorite for expert golfers and the novice alike.
Rent a Bike
With Mountain Bike trails all around the beautiful Black Hills you and your family will love hopping on one of the trail heads minutes away from the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center.
We have a comfortable Trek Marlin 5S Mountain Bikes to fit ages 8 to 80+ years of age. Half-day and full-day rentals are available.
The Mickelson Trail offers over 100 miles of trail! Click here to learn more about the Mickelson Trail.