The Story
As Homestake's power demand grew, the company built Hydro Plant No. 2 within the canyon in 1917. Unlike Plant No. 1's tunnels, it used a pipe conduit that captured the flow feeding Spearfish Falls near the Latchstring Inn — causing the falls to run dry for decades. A 1947 landslide damaged the conduit and the plant never reopened. The property later passed to SD Game, Fish & Parks; Spearfish Falls' flow was finally restored in 2003. The historic building still stands.
Surprising Facts
→ Its water diversion caused Spearfish Falls to run completely dry for decades.
→ The falls' flow wasn't restored until 2003 — more than 50 years after the plant shut down.
→ A landslide, not obsolescence, ended the plant's operating life in 1947.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Homestake Hydroelectric Plant No. 2?
Homestake Hydroelectric Plant No. 2 is at Spearfish Canyon (near Spearfish Falls), Savoy, SD. Explore it on the When It Was interactive map.
How old is Homestake Hydroelectric Plant No. 2?
Homestake Hydroelectric Plant No. 2 dates to 1917 and its story runs to 1947 — a span of 30 years.
Can you still visit Homestake Hydroelectric Plant No. 2?
Yes — the site at Spearfish Canyon (near Spearfish Falls), Savoy, SD still stands. Please respect private property where applicable.