Lead, South Dakota (pronounced “leed”), has scenic lodging options just minutes from Terry Peak Ski Area and Deer Mountain Ski Resort. The area provides direct access to the George S. Mickelson Trail, an old rail trail that now offers 109 miles of pristine hiking and biking through the Black Hills. Lead has a variety of quaint restaurants and art galleries, and half a dozen hotels provide a great central lodging location for summer sightseeing or winter sports in South Dakota.

The Homestake Visitor Center, the Sanford Underground Research Facility and Black Hills Mining Museum located in Lead provide an inside look at mining and its history in the Black Hills. Lead was once home to the Western Hemisphere’s oldest and deepest gold mine, and a massive “open cut” is visible from most of the city. Although the mine is no longer operational, visitors can follow the hoisting, crushing and milling process of gold ore on a Homestake Mining Operation surface tour, or stop by the Black Hills Mining Museum on Main Street. Lead also offers Black Hills ATV rentals, hiking, biking and skiing in the winter.

Lead is close to Black Hills cabins, locally owned hotels, and vacation homes for rent. These lodging options are perfect for travelers looking for beauty and serenity. For skiing, snowboarding and winter travel, Lead hotels and lodging options are closest to Deer Mountain and Terry Peak Ski Area.

A Black Hills vacation is central to hundreds of scenic monuments, parks, restaurants and attractions. Browse Black Hills maps to find lodging and things to do near Lead.