Did you hear the news? Lead, South Dakota has been named one of the best small-town vacations in the country by a national publication (which is cool because we as locals already knew it’s a town that cannot be missed)! Here is why Esquire is calling this small and historic SoDak community one of its Charming American Towns You Haven’t Heard of But Should Visit ASAP:

“If Mount Rushmore is on your bucket list, skip the bustling Rapid City and stay at this quieter escape instead,” begins Esquire’s feature, to which we cannot agree more.

Gary Chancey, Black Hills National Forest/Wikimedia Commons

As per Esquire, “(Lead) was once a mining town, but has since lost the gold and kept the charm,” adding that guests should “Visit the Black Hills Mining Museum to gain a deeper appreciation of the town’s history.”

TripAdvisor/JenniferIllinois

Incorporated in 1877, Lead was founded as a town by the Homestake Mining Company, which is billed as the largest, deepest, and most productive gold mine in the Western Hemisphere before its closure in 2002.

Flickr/trialsanderrors

Despite the town losing thousands of residents upon the mine’s closure, it still houses nearly 3,000 residents, plus ample attractions that you will not find anywhere else.

Rachel Harris/Wikimedia Commons

When you visit today, you will be treated to the aforementioned Black Hills Mining Museum, plus other historical attractions like the Lead-Deadwood Arts Center, Historic Homestake Opera House, and Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center.

TripAdvisor/Management

During your visit, you will also be treated to unique dining and shopping opportunities via the community’s many locally-owned restaurants and shops.

Flickr/Wayne Hsieh

As if you needed another reason to stay and play in Lead, the town is close to many significant landmarks and attractions, as well as outdoor recreation and gambling opportunities.

Flickr/Jim & Robin Kunze

To learn more about this charming town, please visit the Lead Area Chamber of Commerce’s website.

Flickr/Wayne Hsieh

To discover even more must-visit SoDak communities, click on Move To These 7 Towns In South Dakota If You Wanna Get Away From It All.

Gary Chancey, Black Hills National Forest/Wikimedia Commons

TripAdvisor/JenniferIllinois

Flickr/trialsanderrors

Rachel Harris/Wikimedia Commons

TripAdvisor/Management

Flickr/Wayne Hsieh

Flickr/Jim & Robin Kunze

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Address: Lead, SD, USA