The Facility

The Sanford Underground Research Facility hosts world-leading research experiments in physics, biology, geology and engineering.
Panoramic view of the Ross and Yates Headframes.

Due to hazardous winter weather conditions, SURF will transition to an “essential personnel only” operations mode starting at 5:00PM MT today (Monday, Feb 24). At this time, we plan to return to normal operations tomorrow at 5:00PM MT (Tuesday, Feb 25). Normal day shift operations are cancelled for Tuesday.Due to hazardous winter weather conditions, SURF will transition to an “essential personnel only” operations mode starting at 5:00PM MT today (Monday, Feb 24). At this time, we plan to return to normal operations tomorrow at 5:00PM MT (Tuesday, Feb 25). Normal day shift operations are cancelled for Tuesday.

Directions and Weather

Directions, weather and travel information.
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Visitor information

All visitors must have an appointment prior to arrival

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Sanford Underground Research Facility Overview

The dedicated underground scientific research facility is located in Lead, South Dakota, at the former site of the Homestake Gold Mine.
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South Dakota Science and Technology Authority

The SDSTA manages the Sanford Underground Research Facility.
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The Yates Shaft headframe

The Yates Shaft—primary access

The Yates Shaft is the 5,000-foot life line that provides everything science needs to operate, including supplies, equipment and access to science experiments and underground infrastructure.
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The Ross Shaft Headframe on a sunny and snowy day.

The Ross Shaft

Reaching the 4850 Level is a major milestone that moves the team—and science—one step closer to a larger goal
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The Waste Water Treatment Plant at Sanford Lab

Waste Water Treatment Plant

Follow the journey of a water drop as it enters the underground then is pumped back to the surface for treatment.
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Left side is the Davis Cavern before outfitting. On the right is the Davis Cavern after outfitting

The Davis Campus

In 2012 the Davis Campus was dedicated as the deepest underground science facility in the United States.
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Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

For tours, exhibits and visitor information about Sanford Lab, Homestake and Lead.
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Students walk in front of the Sanford Science Education Center. Black Hills State University

Sanford Science Education Center

Education and outreach have been central to the Sanford Lab vision from the outset. Sanford Science Education Center helps share the exciting science taking place nearly a mile underground.
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