Historic Homestake Opera House: This magnificent building was built for the community of Lead in 1914. Fondly nicknamed 'Jewel of the Black Hills' for its grandeur. This beautiful building survived a devastating fire in 1984. Thanks to grants and donations for restoration, it is a popular year-round venue for tours, weddings, events, concerts and se veal community theatre performances. www.homestakeoperahouse.org
Black Hills & Ft. Pierre Railroad Roundhouse: Learn how the trains traveled the hills in this spectacular resorted 1901 building. The Living Map Theatre presents a 35 min. program tracing the Black Hills Gold Rush of 1876. The 3rd floor tea and coffee shop is a relaxing way to enjoy an afternoon. Delight in perusing the gift shops and enjoying a elegant lunch or dinner in the beautiful restaurant. www.blackhillsftpierrerailroadroundhouse.com
Deadwood, SD: This Wild West Town allows you to visit days gone by. This town has done a fabulous job on restoring the Historic Main Street. Deadwood is just 3 miles from Lead. While in Deadwood check out the Adams Museum and House, Mt. Moriah where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane are buried. For more information on Deadwood and what they have to offer contact the Deadwood Area Chamber of Commerce at (605) 578-1876. www.deadwood.com
The Days of '76 Museum: Located in Deadwood, the museum features Old West and Native American artifacts and over 60 historic horse-drawn carriages, including the original Deadwood Stage. www.daysof76.com
The Adams Museum and House: The Adams House, built in 1892, is an elegant Victorian mansion, which became the Adams House Museum following a detailed restoration. The Adam House Museum tells the story of two 19th century families, and reveals a cultured lifestyle not commonly associated with the American West. For more information and tour times, call the Adams Museum at (605) 578-1714. www.adamsmuseumandhouse.org
George S. Mickelson Trail:
Spearfish Canyon: Designated a National Scenic Byway. It is located on Highway 14A and twists through the 19 mile gorge. The canyon offers 3 water falls, hiking, biking, fly fishing, bird watching, snowmobiling and snow shoeing! For the outdoors person, all this is only a 15 minute drive from Lead! www.spearfish.com
Mt. Rushmore National Monument: Carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota are the iconic faces of four former presidents of the United States--George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These men were chosen to represent the first 150 years of American history and America's cultural heritage. The idea came from Doane Robinson to promote tourism in South Dakota and his idea was wildly successful--the park attracts almost 3 million park visitors every year. Gutzon Borglum designed the sculpture. Though he passed away before its completion, over 400 workers helped bring his vision to life. Today visitors come to appreciate this colossal man-made creation, learn about the design and construction process, appreciate its significance as a symbol of the American history of "monumental" leaders, and to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Black Hills region. (Approximately 50 miles South on Hwy 385 from Lead.) www.mountrushmoreinfo.com
Crazy Horse Memorial: This is the world’s largest mountain carving in progress, between Custer & Hill City on Hwy 16/385, The Crazy Horse Memorial Hwy. Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski & Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear officially started Crazy Horse Memorial June 3, 1948. The Memorial's mission is to honor the culture, tradition & living heritage of North American Indians. The Foundation demonstrates its commitment to this endeavor by continuing the progress on the world’s largest sculptural undertaking by carving a memorial of
