Visit Mines

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A campus visit is often the deciding factor for students exploring STEM and engineering colleges. At South Dakota Mines, campus visits go beyond a traditional tour, offering an inside look at hands-on engineering labs, small class sizes, and close faculty mentorships. Whether you schedule a personalized tour or attend a Go to Mines open house, you'll get an authentic feel for our tight-knit campus community. Plus, Mines is located in Rapid City, South Dakota, at the edge of the beautiful Black Hills, making it easy to combine a college visit with a family adventure in one of the country's top vacation destinations.

Explore South Dakota Mines through upcoming events in Rapid City or a city near you. Each event offers a chance to learn more about our programs, campus community, and pathways to STEM careers.

Go to Mines

Go to Mines is our signature on-campus open house, designed to give you a complete picture of life and learning at South Dakota Mines. During your visit, you'll explore campus, connect with current students, and learn how our hands-on STEM programs prepare graduates for meaningful careers.

A typical Go to Mines schedule includes:

A welcome and university overview featuring a student panel
A campus tour led by a student ambassador
An academic and student services fair showcasing our full range of programs and support
Opportunities to meet faculty and explore learning spaces within the departments that interest you
Optional sessions focused on specific interests, including blacksmithing and our AMP Research Lab

Whether you're early in your college search or narrowing your options, Go to Mines helps you envision yourself here.

Upcoming Go to Mines Events

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Friday, June 12, 2026

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Minnesota Visit Days

Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, 2026

There are plenty of iconic duos out there: PB&J, mac-and-cheese, and South Dakota Mines and Minnesota. In fact, try spelling Minnesota without "Mines." We betcha can't!

This MEA break, pack your bags and head to South Dakota Mines. Tour our vibrant campus, connect with passionate professors, and meet brilliant students who — just like you — are ready to dig deep into STEM. You'll discover why Mines is an excellent fit for Minnesota students seeking hands-on learning, high-paying career outcomes, and an adventure in the Black Hills.

October is the perfect time to visit. From crisp fall colors to countless actitivites around the area, you'll have no problem finding your fun.

Sample Schedule

Morning:
8:00 - Welcome Session & Student Panel
9:00 - Campus Tour or Department Tour
10:00 - Campus Tour or Department Tour
11:00 - Demo or specialty lab tour

Afternoon:
1:00 - Welcome Session & Student Panel
2:00 - Campus Tour or Department Tour
3:00 - Campus Tour or Department Tour
4:00 - Demo or specialty lab tour

Mines on the Road

Mines on the Road events bring South Dakota Mines to communities across the region. These off-campus gatherings are designed to help you connect with admissions staff, prospective students, and alums, while offering a snapshot of the careers and companies our graduates pursue after Mines.

While no Mines on the Road events are currently scheduled, new dates will be announced soon. Check back here for upcoming locations and opportunities to connect.

Visit in person!

Schedule a personalized campus tour designed around your academic interests. You'll explore South Dakota Mines alongside a student ambassador and, when available, connect directly with faculty to learn more about programs, research, and hands-on learning. You can also experience campus during a Go to Mines open house, where you'll see the whole Mines community in action.

In Person Visits

Connect online!

Can't make it to Mines for an in-person experience? No problem!

Sign up to request a phone or video appointment with an admissions counselor and an area of academic interest. Even from miles away, a good conversation can help you understand more about Mines programs and all that the campus and community have to offer.

Virtual Visits

Experience Mines

On Campus

Off Campus

Living on Campus

Athletics

Campus Points of Interest

Museum of Geology

Trail, Hike, and Bike

Explore Rapid City

Travel Tips & Deals

When You Arrive

HOURS
Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm MST

PARKING
Parking permits are required for all visitors to South Dakota Mines who do not park in designated visitor parking spaces. Visitor permits can be obtained at the Facilities building. With your permit displayed, you are welcome to park in any valid parking space on campus. South Dakota Mines departments that host visitors should make prior arrangements with the Facilities Department or Public Safety Department for visitor parking permits.

"Visiting Mines gives you the chance to truly feel the campus environment and see firsthand the passion students have for their degrees. Connecting with professors and hearing from students about what your future could look like is an experience you can only get by being here." - Katelynn Neal, Student Ambassador