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