City: Lead, SD

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (605) 584-3110, (888) 701-0164

Address: 160 West Main St.

Description: The Homestake Gold Mine was the oldest continuously operating underground gold mine in the world until 2001. Financial considerations, however, forced closure, and today the former mine retains only its visitor center and gift shop, which features Black Hills Gold and a deck overlooking the massive open-cut mine. Hours of operation are flexible, but count on the facility to be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in summer. In winter, you can visit Mon through Sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There’s a charge for tours, but admission to the visitor center is free.