4 Best Sights in Lead, Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills

Perched on the edge of the half-mile-wide, 1,200-feet-deep "Open Cut"---a barren pit left over from the mining era---this ultramodern visitor center uses interpretive exhibits to tell the story of the legendary Homestake Mine and its recent rebirth as an international hub for underground, scientific research. Here you can hit a golf ball into the Open Cut for a "hole in one," and trolleys depart from the facility for informative tours of the city and its historic districts.

The memories, tools, and mementoes of dozens of former gold miners are gathered together in this facility, where visitors can view the collections, watch a video explaining the history of mining in Lead, take an underground gold mine tour, and learn to pan for gold.

Phoebe Hearst, the widow of mining magnate George Hearst, and her immense wealth were the driving forces behind this ornate architectural jewel that was inspired by the opulence of the Gilded Age. After serving as a cultural center for Lead and the Black Hills for decades, the opera house fell into decline along with the mining industry, and in 1984 the facility was nearly destroyed by fire. Today the citizens of Lead are lovingly restoring the opera house to its original, 1914 glory. Tours are available on weekdays, and the facility hosts concerts and other events.

At 7,064 feet above sea level, Terry Peak is the sixth-highest point in the Black Hills. But its stone fire-lookout tower, viewing platform, and panoramic views are easily accessible for anyone willing to take a short drive and a jaunt up several dozen stone stairs. The gravel road that leads close to the summit is typically well maintained but may be impassable in winter.