Tour Lead and The Surrounding Area

The Black Hills Mining Museum in Lead brings the region’s gold-mining past to life with exhibits and an underground tour that recreates the experience of early miners working in timbered passages. Visitors can explore historical displays, try gold panning, and learn about the major role mining played in shaping the community and culture of the Black Hills. The museum is a family-oriented stop rich in local heritage.

Terry Peak is a major ski destination in the Black Hills, located just outside Lead. The resort rests atop a 7,064-foot peak and offers a variety of trails served by multiple chairlifts, with runs for all ability levels. Winter visitors enjoy skiing and snowboarding across 450 acres of terrain, while summer brings scenic views, hiking opportunities, and special events against the backdrop of the forested hills.

Dakota Shivers Brewing is a local brewery in Lead known for its craft beers brewed on-site. Guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a rotating selection of beers that showcase regional flavors and brewing creativity. With its location close to downtown Lead attractions, it’s a welcoming stop for visitors looking to sample locally made beverages and meet fellow travelers.

The George S. Mickelson Trail is a scenic 109-mile rail-to-trail path winding through the Black Hills from Deadwood to Edgemont. Named after a former South Dakota governor who championed its development, the trail features crushed limestone surfacing, over 100 historic railroad bridges, and four tunnels. It’s popular year-round for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and nature appreciation amid forested landscapes.

The Adams Museum in Deadwood is the oldest history museum in the Black Hills and preserves the region’s colorful past, from the Gold Rush era to frontier legends. Founded in 1930 by local businessman W.E. Adams and donated to the city, its exhibits include historic artifacts, Wild West memorabilia, and stories of iconic figures such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. It offers visitors deep insights into Black Hills heritage.

Andy’s Trail Rides offers guided horseback adventures through the scenic forested hills and open meadows of the northern Black Hills near Lead, SD. Riders of all experience levels can enjoy half-day or full-day outings led by knowledgeable wranglers, taking in wildlife, mountain views, and peaceful trails. The ranch’s friendly horses and personalized guidance make it a memorable outdoor activity.

The Lead Deadwood Arts Center supports local and regional arts, offering exhibition space for visual art, educational programs, and cultural events in the historic Lead-Deadwood area. It seeks to engage community members and visitors alike through artist showcases, creative workshops, and rotating exhibits that reflect the rich creative talent of the Black Hills, making it a cultural hub for the small mountain towns.

The Broken Boot Gold Mine in Deadwood offers an immersive underground mine tour where visitors can retrace the steps of 19th-century prospectors in authentic mine shafts. Guided tours reveal historic mining techniques, and guests can try their hand at gold panning. The experience blends education with adventure, giving a firsthand sense of the hardships and thrills of Black Hills gold mining.

The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center invites visitors to delve into the history and science of the Homestake Gold Mine, one of the deepest and longest-running gold mines in North America. Exhibits explore mining heritage, geology, and cutting-edge research taking place deep underground, including physics experiments. The center offers hands-on displays, multimedia presentations, and insights into both past and present scientific discovery.

Carved into the granite face of the Black Hills, this national memorial displays the 60-foot sculptures of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can walk the Avenue of Flags, explore interpretive exhibits, and attend ranger programs that explain the history and construction of the monument. Viewing terraces and nearby trails offer multiple perspectives of the sculpture throughout the day.

Rising from a granite mountain near Custer, this ongoing monument honors Lakota leader Crazy Horse and Native American culture. Visitors can watch the massive carving in progress, tour the Indian Museum of North America, and learn about regional tribal history through exhibits and films. Cultural events and educational programs are offered seasonally, with the sculpture’s face already visible from miles away.

Located near Lead, Pathways Spiritual Sanctuary offers a peaceful setting designed for reflection, mindfulness, and spiritual renewal. The property features walking paths, outdoor meditation areas, and quiet spaces surrounded by Black Hills forest. Visitors may explore the grounds on their own or attend scheduled workshops and spiritual programs throughout the year. Its focus on simplicity and nature creates an environment centered on calm, intention, and personal growth.

Custer State Park covers more than 71,000 acres in the southern Black Hills and features a mix of open prairie, granite spires, and pine forest. Visitors often drive the Wildlife Loop to see free-roaming bison, explore the narrow tunnels and stone formations along Needles Highway, or hike and fish near Sylvan Lake. Each fall, the park draws crowds for its annual Buffalo Roundup.