Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

09/04/2026

Plans for the weekend? Stop by the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center! We’ll be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all weekend and on Labor Day Monday. 📍 160 W Main St, Lead, SD Explore Lead’s rich mining history, learn about today’s world-leading science, and take in the incredible views of the Open Cut.

08/28/2026

If you’ve joined us for Deep Talks in Lead, we have something a little different planned for September.

Deep Talks is hitting the road—and you can join us from wherever you are!

On September 17, Sanford Underground Research Facility will take the stage at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls for An Evening with America’s Underground Lab. We’ll be livestreaming the presentation at 6:00 PM MDT so you can experience the evening from wherever you are.

Explore how researchers from around the world are tackling some of the biggest questions in science nearly a mile beneath the Black Hills. From the search for dark matter and the study of elusive neutrinos to investigating life in extreme environments, you’ll get an inside look at the world-class science and the economic impact happening right here in South Dakota.

Whether you’re a longtime Deep Talks attendee or simply curious about the discoveries happening beneath your feet, we hope you’ll join us.

Register for the free livestream and join us for an evening of discovery: https://vimeo.com/event/6123846?fl=so&fe=fs

An Evening with America’s Underground Lab is officially full!

If you didn’t get a free ticket, you can still join us! Add your name to the waitlist in case tickets become available for this free event, or register to watch it via livestream.

We hope you’ll join us for an unforgettable evening exploring the world-class science happening deep beneath the Black Hills.

👉 Waitlist: https://discover.sanfordlab.org/rsvp
👉 Livestream registration: https://discover.sanfordlab.org/

08/26/2026

We were proud to host the third annual Quantum Partnership Workshop at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, bringing together researchers and partners working to advance quantum science, technology and networking across the region.

The workshop also explored opportunities to expand education and workforce development and strengthen South Dakota’s growing quantum ecosystem.

Learn more about the workshop and the work happening across the region below!

SURF recently hosted the third annual Quantum Partnership Workshop, a collaborative gathering of researchers and partners engaged in regional strategic planning efforts to advance quantum science, technology, and networking while expanding education and workforce development.

08/25/2026

Happy Fat Marmot Week!

08/23/2026

Happy Find Your Inner Nerd Day! 🤓✨

At SURF, curiosity is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you're fascinated by the mysteries of the universe, the science happening deep underground, engineering, geology, or the natural world around us, there's always something new to discover.

Today is the perfect day to embrace your inner nerd, ask questions, explore something new, and celebrate the joy of learning. What are you curious about today?

📸 Photos from Neutrino Day 2026

08/21/2026

📣📣Employment Opportunities at Fermilab in Lead, SD!

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is hiring for a variety of skilled positions to join the world’s largest neutrino experiment project right here in the Black Hills.

✅Hands-on construction & skilled labor (General, Electrical, Mechanical, Surveying, etc.)
✅Competitive pay & benefits
✅Be part of groundbreaking science

Join us for a Meet & Greet at Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center:
Monday August 31 from 5-8 p.m.
Tuesday September 1 from 4–6 p.m.

A brief 10-minute project overview will be provided, followed by onsite interviews for interested candidates.

City of Lead Lead Area Chamber of Commerce

08/11/2026

Čhaŋgléška Wakȟáŋ, SURF’s ethnobotanical garden, is in its third season, bringing together plants, place, culture, and knowledge in a meaningful way. With the garden now flourishing, there’s never been a better time to see it for yourself.

Join us for Deep Talks this Thursday at 4:30 PM for an open house of the garden and a free ice cream social. Transportation will be provided from the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, and the tour will take place weather permitting.

📸 Stephen Kenny, SURF

08/10/2026

Trey Wammen caught this photo of a marmot lounging on a summer morning near the Open Cut in Lead.

📸 Submit a photo for Photo of the Week to [email protected]

08/07/2026

The 86th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is here! 🏍️

If you're exploring the Black Hills, make a stop in Lead and discover the world-class science happening at the Sanford Underground Research Facility.

While you're here, join us for a Historic Lead and Hoistroom Tour, offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn about Lead's rich mining history and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Yates Hoistroom, which continues to support groundbreaking underground science more than 85 years after it first began operating.

Ride safe, enjoy the Rally, and we hope to see you in Lead!