The town formed around a mine that was started in the 1890's, supplying lead, zinc, and gold. Submitted by: Gerald Traylor

A visit to the old Spokane Mine and the town that grew up around it is a must for ghost town hunters. Once there, the mine buildings, schoolhouse, water tower, miners' cabins and other interesting sites make the visit an enjoyable one. Begun in 1890, the mine produced lead, zinc, gold, silver, hematite, graphite, beryl, mica, and copper. The mill is still standing and it alone is worth the visit. Drive east from Keystone to the ghost town of Harney, then south 4 miles, until nearly in sight of the Iron Mountain Road, where a road will lead you ½ mile to the town. Submitted by: Henry Chenoweth.

My son and I visited Spokane, South Dakota twice this past week July 29, 1999. The park service has a locked gate for vehicles but a smaller gate for horses or foot traffic. On the road to Spokane (Playhouse Road) there is a small one room cabin that has been refurbished next to a brand new lodge. The locals told me that it was the original teacher's home built by the citizens of Spokane for the teacher who taught the children of Spokane. At the actual Spokane site several buildings are gone. The mine and any administrative buildings associated with the mine have been removed. One very curious feature at the top of a cleared hill near the mine was a large rectangle encircled by metal posts that obviously were part of a former or preposed fence. Within the fence area was the foundation areas of two former buildings. These had not fallen down but obviously were removed. Buildings we found. School House - pretty damaged but one of the nicest features left. The Caretakers House - Two story farm house. Totally covered by trees but in good condition. Barn - Barn for the caretakers house. Unidentified Home - Fallen in on itself. (has a possible smoke house.) Unidentified Home - Fallen in with obvious fallen in outhouse. Large Rock Foundation - Not easy to see from old road. Large two story home on hill.- Good condition with root cellar. Miners Home - Fallen in. Several small foundations around what once was the mine. Submitted by Mike and Aaron Woodfin