Jewel of the Black Hills Est. 1914

"It has been reported by people whom know that this is the finest building of its kind, erected by industrial concern in the United States." - Lead Daily Call, 1921

A Gift to the People

Built in 1914 by Phoebe Hearst and her Homestake Gold Mining Company, this historic performing arts venue and recreation center boasted an exquisite theater with 1,000 seats, and a library, a bowling alley, a billiards hall, a social hall, and a heated indoor swimming pool. From its construction in 1914 until a catastrophic fire in 1984, the Opera House was the center of community life and lifelong education in Lead, South Dakota.

OUR Misson:

Historic Homestake Opera House Society will utilize and sustain the Homestake Opera House facilities for the enrichment of our citizens and community by providing art, culture and educational opportunities for generations to come.

OUR STORY

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Book a Tour

Tours are available by appointment only. Please allow for a 24 hour notice to book a tour.

We also encourage you to attend an event and see this amazing building!

Testimonials

Additional Facilities

The Homestake Opera House was once the center for not only theatre, but recreation too. When it was built in 1914, there was a theatre, swimming pool, billiards hall, social lounges, bowling alley and library. It was a true community center.

Today, however, the theatre is the only portion still in it's original use. The bowling alley has become an indoor shooting range and the swimming pool was covered with concrete and offices built on top of it. The social and billiards halls now house the Lead-Deadwood Arts Center and library is home to our interpretative exhibit.

Interior of arts center

Lead-Deadwood Arts Center

Housed in what was the social and billiards hall, the Arts Center displays and sells many different art forms from local and non-local artists alike.Check out the art center, open Tuesday-Friday 10am-3pm and Saturdays in the summer 10am-3pm.

Contact:
605-584-1461
hdlac@rushmore.com
leaddeadwoodartscenter.com

Indoor shooting range

Indoor Shooting Range

The original bowling alley that was a part of the Homestake Opera House building was converted to an indoor shooting range in 1992. The Lead Rifle and Pistol Club (LRPC) are the current tenants of the shooting range. The LRPC manages the indoor shooting range in the basement. The entrance to the LRPC shooting range is located in the back of the building on Julius Street, but is only accessible to current members of the LRPC.

Contact:
Duane Ennis 605-722-2172 ennis@rushmore.com

Contact Us

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Homestake Opera House office hours are by appointment only. Our office is located upstairs in the Opera House. Please enter through the Art Center doors at 308 Main St. and go up the stairs.