black hills mining museum

Lisatanker

In our travels to the west coast we have tried to see as much of this wonderful country as possible...leads was recommended and so was the museum. We pulled in.. Parked and went in only to be greeted by a woman with "attitude" ... They were closed. No signs out side.... No signs on doors... Just her telling us to basically head out ... Not even helpful when we asked if there were other things to see.... We found the "hole" on our own

KathyB858

Visited the museum and took the tour and were so glad we did. We were following the recommendations of AAA. We learned a lot about mining in an easy way. Didn't really know how much we didn't know but the way this tour was conducted was great. It gave you a real appreciation for the town and what it took to put it on the map.

ChrisMary825

Miners have built an excellent mine display tour that shows all facets of gold mining through history. No need to go into an actual dangerous mine, but you can't tell the difference due to the good work building the "mine". Tour guide was entertaining (the usual corny mining jokes) but still very informative and as detailed as your questions can press the discussion. After the tour, spend another hour in the museum with more details on gold mining, the town of Lead and the area. Very satisfied with the tour and museum.

505badgolfer

This museum is an American Automobile Association recommended great experience for members. Be sure to take the guided tour of the mine where you will learn the origin of the expression "don't pull my chain" and other fascinating tidbits.

PVTraveler01

We spent about an hour and a half at the museum with our tour guide, Debbie. She was a font of knowledge re the history and operation of the Homestake mine over its' 120 or so years of operation. Lots of interesting examples of the equipment used over the years. We learned an immense amount as to the whys and hows of mining ...very much worth the time..we highly recommend visiting this museum

KimE_RN

Black Hills mining tour was a simulated underground mining tour packed with information from a knowledgable tour guide and very interesting for the kids and adults! Then we went to homestake mine tour for above ground tour of the actual mine and equipment via a trolley with some stops. Although the mining has stopped, the Sanford lab is now doing scientific experiments within the mine shaft . Both tours in combination are good for 2.5-3 hour excursion.

972richl

This is very instructional on how Gold is mined. There is a small museum on first floor. The highlight was the guided tour of the "mine" on the lower level. Made you feel like you were in a gold mine. The tour guide was knowledgeable, witty, and friendly. There is a small charge for museum and additional small charge for tour. Both are well worth it.

erbl

A tour leads you underground where you can see what it was like to work in the mines. The tour and also the other exhibits were all very interesting. This is a great spot for families. I think children would love this. You can also try panning for gold.

GeorgeH674

It was an interesting tour but the artifacts in the museum were very interesting. Big plus for me is they research History for you. I had a great great great grandfather that was killed in the mine in 1896. Personable staff was plus.

nlc58

This museum consists of two parts: a replica mine, showing mannequins performing mine work, suprisingly informative; and upstairs displays of artifacts. Our guide was well informed, personalizing the museum experience by talking about family members who had worked in the mine. This was a world I knew little about and I'm happy for the historical context (especially as I've visited other mining areas).

phrogster

The museum and the tour of the mine replica was so informative! I learned a lot about mining in general and the Homestake Mine in particular. The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly! Very good information about the progression of changes in mining. The tour would not be accessible for anyone in a wheel chair or with difficulties walking up and down stairs.

872JK

This museum is well worth going to if you have any interest in the history of mining in the Back Hills. As a retired professional who worked many years in the mining industry, I found the exhibits to be very well planned and extremely informative. I particularly liked how, unlike many other mining museums, this one included quite a few exhibits explaining the sociology of the district and describing what it was like to live in the area and to work in the Homestake and other Black Hills' mines. I did not take the tour offered by the museum of a "simulated" mine, but imagine (based on the high quality of the museum's exhibits) that it would be very interesting to anyone who was unfamiliar with the techniques used in mining and processing ore. In short, this is a gem among mining museums and has a staff that clearly wants to help the public understand the mining industry.

iluv2trvl83

The #1 thing we wanted to do on vacation was pan for gold. We stopped by a local shop and they told us to come here. We were very pleased with the results. We did not take the tour however we did the panning. Ended up finding a small Nugget in my panning. It's very fun. The gentleman running the front were very informative and made sure you were doing it correct.

roseannm259

Another great stop on our road trip. We all had fun panning for gold , and some history along with the stop. Very friendly staff.

BillN335

The Black Hills Mining Museum in Lead offers visitors a fascinating look back through the events that gave rise to the rich history of Deadwood and Lead, and the pursuit of gold in the Black Hills. From the discovery of gold by the troops of General George Armstrong Custer in the 1870s, through the eventual closure of the mine 120 years later, exhibits trace the history of gold mining and miners and the community in which they lived and worked. It is worth a visit.