Lead Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Lead, South Dakota, covering attractions, activities, accommodations, food, and more.


Introduction to Lead

Lead is a historic and picturesque town tucked away in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota. Located near Sturgis, Spearfish, and Deadwood, Lead is a hidden gem for travelers wanting to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural history of the region. Once the site of a booming gold rush, today Lead is a thriving tourist destination, with a variety of attractions and activities that cater to visitors of all ages. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what Lead has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Lead

Here’s a list of some of the top places to visit in Lead:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Homestake Mine and Mining Museum
  • Historic Adams House
  • Days of ‘76 Museum
  • Broken Boot Gold Mine
  • Historic Deadwood

Natural Attractions of Lead: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Black Hills National Forest
  • Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
  • Terry Peak Ski Area
  • Cement Ridge Lookout Tower
  • Deer Mountain Trail

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lead

Lead is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • George S. Mickelson Trail
  • Old Baldy Trail
  • Little Spearfish Canyon Trail
  • Spearfish Canyon Nature Trail (Devil’s Bathtub)

Best Things to Do in Lead: Activities and Tours

Looking for things to do in Lead? Check out the following highlights:

  • Gold-panning at the Homestake Mine
  • ATV Adventure Tours
  • Horseback Riding Tours
  • Historic Railroad Tours
  • Experience Deadwood

Week-Long Itinerary for Lead

Here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary to make the most of your time in Lead:

Day Activity
1 Explore the Homestake Mine and Mining Museum
2 Discover the Broken Boot Gold Mine
3 Drive the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
4 Take a horseback riding tour
5 Hike the Old Baldy Trail
6 Visit Terry Peak Ski Area for skiing or mountain biking
7 Browse the shops and galleries in Historic Deadwood

Food and Drink Scene of Lead

Lead offers a variety of dining options and regional specialties to enjoy during your visit.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bison Burger
  • Sioux Indian Fry Bread
  • Kuchen (German coffee cake)
  • Chislic (spicy, deep-fried meat cubes)

Local Beverages

  • Prairie Berry Winery
  • Crow Peak Brewing Company
  • Belle Joli Winery

Where to Stay in Lead: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

With its growing tourism industry, Lead offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors. Here are some of the top places to stay:

  • The Historic Bullock Hotel
  • The Deadwood Gulch Resort
  • High Country Guest Ranch
  • Spearfish Canyon Lodge

What to Buy in Lead: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lead offers plenty of unique gifts and keepsakes to take home. Here are some of the top things to buy:

  • Black Hills Gold jewelry
  • Handmade Native American crafts
  • Spices and rubs from Dakota Seasonings
  • Wild Bill’s Western Wear

Local Culture and Customs of Lead

Lead is home to a rich cultural heritage, with strong ties to the Lakota Sioux and the early pioneers of the region. Visitors should be respectful of the community’s customs and traditions, including adherence to the smoking ban in public spaces.

Best Time to Visit Lead

The best time to visit Lead is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm, and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, Lead is beautiful year-round, with fall foliage and winter skiing offering unique perspectives on the region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lead

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Lead:

Do:

  • Visit the local museums and historical sites
  • Enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing
  • Sample the local cuisine and beverages
  • Respect the customs and traditions of the local community

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public spaces
  • Engage in loud or disruptive behavior
  • Ignore safety guidelines for outdoor activities
  • Take souvenirs or artifacts from historical sites

Safety and Health

Visitors to Lead should be aware of the following safety and health considerations:

Safety in Lead

  • Use caution when driving on the winding mountain roads
  • Be aware of the risk of wildfire during the summer months
  • Use appropriate safety gear for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing

Health in Lead

  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration at higher elevations
  • Use sunscreen to protect against the sun’s rays at higher elevations

Getting to Lead: Transportation Options and Logistics

To get to Lead, visitors can choose from several transportation options:

Airports Near Lead

  • Rapid City Regional Airport (52 miles)
  • Gillette-Campbell County Airport (94 miles)
  • Pierre Regional Airport (171 miles)

Bus Stations Near Lead

  • Greyhound Bus Station (14 miles)

Other Options

  • Private shuttle service
  • Car rental

How to Get Around in Lead

Visitors can get around Lead by car or on foot. Some tour companies also offer transportation for specific activities or tours.

Where to Go Next from Lead: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Lead can explore nearby destinations and excursions, such as:

  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial
  • Crazy Horse Memorial
  • Custer State Park
  • Badlands National Park

Conclusion

Lead is a unique destination in the heart of the Black Hills, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Lead has something to offer every traveler.