Lawrence County: Mining History, Museums and Nature

When looking for a hotel in Lawrence County, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: mining and local history, museum visits, or outdoor trails and waterfalls. The destinations offer different ways to spend your days. The following stops provide a concrete starting point for planning.

Mining History and Museums

The Lawrence County Courthouse was built in 1906. The Homestake Gold Mine is also part of the county’s history; it is considered the world’s longest-producing gold mine. Deadwood was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. These landmarks connect local history with the mining industry that shaped the region.

The Adams Museum was founded in 1930 to preserve and exhibit the history of the Black Hills. Its exhibits include Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget, weighing 7,346 troy ounces. The museum also displays the Thoen Stone. Its inscription tells of a gold discovery by the Ezra Kind party in the Black Hills in the 1830s; this account is therefore presented explicitly as the stone’s own story.

The Brothel Deadwood offers another historical perspective, with tours of the rooms at 610 Main Street. The site is the original location of the Shasta Rooms, also known as the Beige Door brothel. If you would rather visit an institution focused on the history of fisheries, the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery, founded in 1896, offers a different focus. It is one of the oldest fish hatcheries still in operation in the country and displays the only federal railroad car exhibit on fisheries history in the country.

Lead: Mining History and Trails

In Lead, the Homestake Opera House was built in 1914. The Homestake Gold Run Park Trail also highlights mining history: it runs over the site of the Homestake Mining Company’s gold mills and features interpretive signs. The trail has a public restroom and a paved, ADA-compliant path.

The Homestake Trail is a different trail: this 5.7-mile non-motorized route runs between Lead and Deadwood and can be used for hiking and biking. Horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also listed as activities on the George S. Mickelson Trail. The trails therefore differ both in their stated purpose and in the activities available.

The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center is located at 160 West Main Street in Lead and offers seasonal trolley rides through Lead. Since the service is seasonal, check current operating times before your trip. The Days of ’76 event takes place every year during the last week of July; check the specific dates for your travel year if you want to include it in your plans.

Spearfish Canyon and Outdoor Trails

Spearfish Canyon offers hiking trails, waterfalls and a scenic drive. US Highway 14A runs through the canyon for just under 20 miles, from the city of Spearfish to Cheyenne Crossing. Bridal Veil Falls plunges about 60 feet. Spearfish Falls lies in the heart of the canyon and is the largest waterfall along the Scenic Byway. The trail to the falls starts on the north side of the Latchstring Inn Restaurant.

The Spearfish Rec Path is a different trail: it runs through the city of Spearfish and is 7.5 miles long. When choosing activities, it helps to keep the difference in focus in mind: the mining trails emphasize historical information and trails, while Spearfish Canyon combines waterfalls with a scenic drive. This can help you choose your hotel and plan visits around the experiences that matter most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Deadwood, Lead.

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