In the Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Region, Lead is located in Lawrence County northwest of Rapid City between Sturgis and the Wyoming state line. It lies on Alt US 14 near its junction with US 385.
At the time South Dakota was granted statehood in 1889, Lead was the state's largest city, home of thousands of immigrants mining gold ore, cutting timber and establishing a business community that dominated the economy of western South Dakota.
Today Lead's historic business district is witnessing changes that are restoring, rebuilding and revitalizing the community. New accommodations offer guests a variety of lodging alternatives and local landmarks are receiving facelifts.
Lead's future lies in its proximity to state and national monuments, memorials and parks, and scenic hiking and biking trails.
North America's largest producing gold mine still operates in Lead.
