denver mine tours

This Tour Through An Old Gold Mine Near Denver Will Take You Back In Time

R. Phillips

Exploring the wilds of Denver, Colorado, and beyond.

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Want to experience the very sights and sounds that gold miners did over 100 years ago? This unforgettable tour of Country Boy Mine allows you to travel over 1,000 feet, deep into a mountain and historic gold mine where you’ll see, hear, and smell just what the miners did a century ago. Not only that, but you can also pan for gold, pet burros, explore the authentic mine site, view the original equipment used in the mine, visit the general store, and slide down the historical 55-foot ore chute, at this unique mine near Denver. Grab your hard hats, ladies and gents, it’s gold time!

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Country Boy Mine offers tours through the fall season until October 21st, so book your adventure today! And if you’re looking for more family fun, check out this Epic Train Ride Near Denver That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience !

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Gold Rush Mountain and Mine Tour

Go back into time to the colorado gold rush of 1859 as you travel up clear creek canyon and explore historic mining towns, hear stories of miners and their way of life, visit a real ghost town, and try striking it rich at a working gold mine., other highlights.

Big horn sheep on steep canyon walls, the historic town of Central City, notable architecture, and scenic mountain views

Availability

Monday-Friday, Year Round (weather permitting)

8:15 am to 1:30 pm or 12:15 pm to 5:30 pm Half day, approximately 5 hours

Departing From

Union Station in Downtown Denver at 8:15am & 12:15pm Meet at the flagpole out front: 17th and Wynkoop St . See Location

$85 per adventurer Gratuity not included. Terms and Conditions

You’re likely to see wildlife on this tour, but sometimes they’re being wild somewhere else.

Know Before You Go

Bring a jacket.

The mine is a constant 45 degrees Fahrenheit, so jackets are recommended year-round.

What to Bring

Jacket Camera Refillable Water Bottle Comfortable walking shoes Gratuity for your Tour Guides for the day and for the mine tour

What are the walking surfaces in the mine like?

Mine Tunnel openings are wide, the pathways are mostly flat with ore cart rail.

In panning for gold included in this tour?

Mine tour admission and gold panning are included in the tour price.

Tours are limited to 12 guests. Pro tip: Book early. Our tours sell out fast!

Our guests say it best.

“We went on Gold Rush Mountain and Mine Tour with Will as our tour guide. It was an excellent experience and Will was very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw a variety of Colorado beauty and learned new things about the state. We enjoyed all aspects of the tour and appreciate the excellent customer service from Christin.”

-Carol H. (Google Reviews)

Tour Gallery

• Gold Panning
• Heritage Pass
• Commercial Groups
• School Groups
• Train Shuttle

THE OLD HUNDRED GOLD MINE TOUR • EXPERIENCE MINING IN ACTION

The Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour is a guided mine tour that takes you 1/3 mile into the heart of 13,000 foot Galena Mountain where you can follow the vein and see real mining equipment in action! Go underground and experience the secret world of the gold miner!

Located just minutes from the historic town of Silverton, the Mine Tour is easily accessible by car and RV.

Outside, at the Gold Mine Tour, the spectacular scenery is awesome and at the end of the rainbow might be your Pot O' Gold - in the Old Hundred sluice box!

Pan for real silver, copper, and even gold - and keep what you find! Best of all, panning is FREE with your ticket purchase!

So stop on by and explore the underground at the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour. Reservations are NOT needed .

• Ride a vintage electric powered mine train in an authentic miner's "man-trip" car once used at the famous Camp Bird Gold Mine.
• See colorful minerals and crystals in tunnels blasted by hand from solid volcanic rock.
• Watch mining equipment demonstrations the way it was done with air powered drills, slusher, and mucking machines dating as far back as the 1930's.
• See the incredible 1904 Old Hundred Boarding House perched on a sheer cliff 2,000 feet above the mine!
• Relax at our covered picnic area.
• Get discounts to other historic mining sites and museums with the Silverton Heritage Pass.

NOTICE: On Tuesday, July 4th, the first mine tour will depart at 12:00 NOON then depart hourly through 4:00PM. This change is due to the 4th of July Parade in Silverton. We encourage you to watch the parade at 10:00am, then visit the Mine Tour afterwards. Thanks!

Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours

1016 Biddle St, Georgetown, Colorado 80444

Welcome to Capital Prize Gold Mine Tours! We're a unique tour experience that takes you back in time to the days of the Colorado Gold Rush. Take a trip through our fully operational gold mine and learn about the incredible history of the area. Witness firsthand the challenges and victories of the hard-working miners who struck gold in the mountains of Colorado.

Reservation Required due to limited availability

Rates for hour long mine tour 

Adults            $30.00 Child (4-16)    $20.00 Children 3 and under are free

Group Rates available for groups of 10 or more  by calling with advance notice.

Explore over 1,000 feet of the original Capital Prize and see what it was like to be an underground miner 100 years ago.

What is rock breaking? You will mine your own ore at 1,000 feet and then we break them open just like the Geologist do; and you get to keep it!

The Capital Prize is still an active Gold Mine. You will see how we mine differently today.

Things to consider for your visit

The Capital Prize Gold Mine is a well lit and safe environment. The mine is inspected every day by staff and monitored by the Colorado Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety.

The average temperature inside the mine is 49° Fahrenheit so a light jacket and closed toe shoes are recommended.

The adit (tunnel) is driven over 1,000 feet into the mountainside for tours. The mine adit extends to 4,700 feet and work is being done to open additional tour space.

The ground is level and the ceiling is generally above 6 feet so little stooping is required.

Tours are approximately 60 minutes - please allow extra time to enjoy rock breaking, the historic sites  or a picnic lunch outside the mine.

Wheelchairs and strollers can have a difficult time in the mine due to the ore cart rail tracks and are are not allowed.

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Capital Prize Gold Mine Tour – Georgetown

To experience one of Colorado’s most authentic mines, head to Georgetown’s Capital Prize Gold Mine, just 35 minutes from Denver. Offering daily tours into one of the longest mine walking tours in the state, visitors get to stroll 1,000 feet into the mountain and possibly see miners at work.

Having produced millions of dollars in precious metals, the mine continues to operate today, procuring natural resources. A unique experience to partake in, guests can see what tools modern miners use to extract gold and silver ore right from the Earth.

Offering guided tours year-round, taking a tour at Georgetown’s Capital Prize Gold Mine is one of the most interesting, family-friendly activities in town. Adults and kids of all ages enjoy the mix of adventure and education as they explore the depths of the mine and pass by several of the area’s prominent silver veins.

The guides are great at keeping the experience interactive, even allowing children to “dig” a rock that they can break open after the tour. Moreover, visitors are welcome to take a souvenir rock from the inside of the mine home with them. The guides also explain the mining processes and what it takes to find gold, blast, muck, and drill.

Guests will get to see the difference between modern and Wild West mining techniques. While on the tour, guides will explain the history of the mine and even tell a few spook stories along the way. A one-of-a-kind experience, visitors will get a chance to peek back in time to see what conditions miners were in over 100 years ago.

Being that temperatures in the mine hover around 50°F, it’s recommended that you bring a jacket. While the mine does offer a tourist attraction, it’s an operational facility, meaning there is no snack bar or gift shop. A highly recommended activity,  Georgetown’s Capital Prize Gold Mine will make a memorable and lasting impression on everyone who steps inside.

Address: 1016 Biddle St, Georgetown , CO 80444

Phone: (303) 569-2468

Season: Year-round

Hours: Daily | 11 am – 3 pm

Website: capitalprizegoldmine.com

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• Gold + Silver Mine Tours

Step Into Clear Creek Mining History and Heritage

Where the old west meets new adventure, just west of denver.

Venture into the late 1800s and early 1900s by experiencing a Gold or Silver Mine Tour showcasing our unique mining history and heritage. Known as the original four boom towns, our four municipalities offer a wealth of knowledge about the Colorado Gold Rush while local mining tours offer incredible stories of their own and allow you to experience life as it was for a hard rock miner.  

Explore Historic Mines and Mills Across the County

Clear Creek County showcases mining history around every turn. Our old mining structures serve as a visual reminder of the American Gold Rush dream, Colorado Gold Rush History, and the living heritage of Clear Creek County, which is waiting to be explored. 

Edgar Experimental Mine

The Edgar Experimental Mine, which is now operated by the Colorado School of Mines and used as an underground classroom, features a half-mile tour of underground mineworks that represent more than 100 years of historic development. However, only groups of 10 or more people are allowed on a given tour.

Phoenix Gold Mine

When the Phoenix mine reopened in 1980, it became one of the longest family-operated mines in Colorado. During this time, the high-grade Resurrection vein of gold ore was revealed but was left in place. Today you are welcome to see this real-life piece of history and learn why it remains in place.

Argo Mill and Tunnel

Take a tour of the mighty Argo Mill and Tunnel, which was once known for being the longest mining tunnel in the world at more than 4 miles long. Responsible for more than one hundred million dollars of gold when gold was valued at $18.00 to $35.00 per ounce… Equalling nearly 3 Trillion Dollars in today’s value!

Capital Prize

When touring the Capital Prize Gold Mine, you can witness an authentic 1860s underground mine shaft, which travels more than 1,000 feet into the mountain rock allowing you to step into a day in the life of a hard rock miner.

Lebanon + Everett Mines

Enjoy an hour-long walking tour of the Lebanon or Everett Mines, which are accessible only by the Georgetown Loop Railroad. These expansive mining tunnels travel directly below Interstate 70 with lengths from 500 ft of 1,200 ft bored in the 1870s. These mines are well known for silver ore and the Hise Lode discovered by the Lebanon Mining Company.

Plan A Mine Tour In Clear Creek County

646 Loop Drive Georgetown, CO 80444

www.georgetownlooprr.com/mine-tour

(888) 456-6777

800 Trail Creek Road Idaho Springs, CO 80452

www.phoenixgoldmine.com

(303) 567-0422

2350 Riverside Drive Idaho Springs, CO 80452

www.argomilltour.com

(303) 567-2421

1016 Biddle Street Georgetown, CO 80444

www.capitalprizegoldmine.com

(303) 569-2468

365 8th Street Idaho Springs, CO 80452

mining.mines.edu/edgar-experimental-mine/

(303) 567-2911

Explore More of Clear Creek County

Historic Train Rides

Historic Walking Tours

Adventure Map

Rocky Mountain Touring

Auto touring in the rocky mountains, denver mining tours.

My mother insists I am trying to kill her. For some reason, every time she comes to Colorado to visit we go on a mine tour. She says it is some unconscious effort to put her in the ground. Maybe she is right. Finding new and exciting thing to do with friends and family that visit can be tricky, and we tend to take advantage of doing things we would not necessarily do on our own without them.

Mine tours can be a lot of fun if you find the right one. And Colorado has an abundance of them. The two closest to Denver are the Argo Mine in Idaho Springs and the mine along the Georgetown Loop in Georgetown. If you are looking for a good mining tour close to Denver, these are the two to check out.

Drive Time: 40 Minutes

Georgetown Loop

Drive time: 50 minutes.

Compared to the Argo, this is a much more exciting tour compared to the Argo. The Georgetown Loop has been the best we have done so far. The railroad trip itself is a bit unremarkable for adults, but the children on the trip really enjoyed it. The trip starts with historic Georgetown where you will find excellent shops and some small cafes. The train tour takes you across the mountain over to Silverplume. It is a great ride through the woods pulled behind an authentic, steam-powered locomotive. After a short rest stop in Silverplume, the train heads back to Georgetown. About halfway back is the mining tour portion. The tours will add $15 to $20 to your price and is worth the extra cash to tour the facilities dating back to the 1800’s. In fact, the Georgetown Loop is not worth it without the mining tour. We took the Lebanon Mine Extended Tour. The shaft runs nearly 1,000 feet under I-70 (more accurately I-70 goes over the mine). The guides are knowledgeable and the tour is not just a short walk down a hole in the ground. There is enough interaction that you get a good feeling about how grueling the work can actually be. The area also has several buildings and exhibits to walk through and explore in the picturesque setting. And just like the Argo Mine Tour, once you are done with Georgetown head into Idaho Springs for that shopping, beer, and pizza.

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Discover the best of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains by visiting the Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park for gold panning & historically immersive experiences.

Loop us into your calendar throughout the year. Special events are happening every season:

Opening Day 2024

March 23, 2024

Bunny Train

March 23-24, 30-31

Mother’s Day Weekend

May 11-12, 18-19

Wild West Days

June 1-2, 8-9 | August 17-18, 24-25

Father’s Day Weekend

Sasquatch Adventure Days

July 13-14, 20-21, 27-28

Grandparents’ Weekend

September 7-8

Fall Colors Train

September 20-22, 27-29

Pumpkin Fest Train

October 4-6

Located just off I-70 and only 45 miles west of Denver, the Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park is one of Colorado’s most authentic living museums and historically immersive experiences. Bring your family and friends for a narrow gauge train ride, book a real silver mine tour, or learn how to pan for gold. Discover the rugged romance of the Colorado Rockies in the 1880s. Climb aboard and travel back in time. We may just become part of the colorful history and traditions of your family too!

Visit History Colorado’s Other Regional Museums and Sites

Click below for more information.

Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more

• All Fees and Taxes
• Gold Panning
• Entry/Admission - Rocky Mountains
• Country Boy Mine, 0542 French Gulch Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80424, USA Drive along Reiling road until you see our flags and sign on the right. We are 400 yards further along from the free bus service (Purple Route)
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Country Boy Mine 0542 French Gulch Rd, Breckenridge, CO 80424, USA Drive along Reiling road until you see our flags and sign on the right. We are 400 yards further along from the free bus service (Purple Route) See address & details
• 1 Rocky Mountains Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included In the midst of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the Country Boy Mine was one of the largest and most famous gold mines in Breckenridge, Colorado. Today, we invite you to visit the Country Boy Mine and enjoy the many activities the mine has to offer. Join us for a mine tour into a real gold mine at this historic restored mining site. While at the mine you can also gold pan, pet the burros, slide down the 55 foot ore chute, explore the authentic mine site, view the exhibits and equipment that were used in the mine and visit the general store. The Country Boy Mine has been offering mine tours for over 20 years. The Country Boy Mine is located 2 miles from downtown Breckenridge in Summit County, Colorado. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• rochellej520 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful weather for snowshoeing The attendant at the front desk was very nice and accommodating. He was very sweet to our children. The trail was nice, but very packed so you really didn't need the snow shoes. I wish there would have been a map. We weren't sure which trail would have things to look at and we had to choose wisely for the kids sake. Overall, we had a great time. The views were beautiful. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• P4024QApamelaj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful views! Enjoyed the beautiful views, the history of the mines, the s’mores and the slide down to our cars.! The tour guide was very informative. Read more Written March 17, 2024
• markwW5878RX 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles All the self-guided tour fees The self-guided tour is a bust. No map, not real directions. As we treked on we realized we could have skipped the "tour" fee and just parked and used the free Breckenridge trails anyway. Save $25 and just go on your own! Read more Written March 13, 2024
• 522ariem 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Informative mining tour Giving 3/5 stars because I had assumed this was more of a scenic sleigh ride when it was actually a 7 minute ride up a hill and then back down. The tour guide Keith was incredibly informative about the mining operation. If you’re looking to learn more about the mining that took place in the area, I recommend this tour. If your are looking for a scenic ride, choose something else. This is an opinion of one, but $35 per person for a 25 minute tour felt steep for what we came away with. I think $15-20 would be more appropriate, especially since there was no sledding or smores offered. Read more Written March 11, 2024
• C8155KCagnieszkag 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun Adventure with the Kiddos It was a great little adventure on a cold wintry day with the kiddos: ride on a sleigh behind a monster truck, visit to an old miners cabin, cooking s’mores over a fire pit, and a slide down an old ore chute. Plus the views were beautiful! Read more Written March 10, 2024
• 466carinm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful excursion Didn’t know what to expect, but our group had a terrific time. John is an excellent guide. Beautiful views, amazing history and the sleigh was very comfortable. We even got s’mores at the end. Highly recommend this Read more Written March 3, 2024
• DorotaandMichael 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful snowshoe experience Easy access via free purple line shuttle. Beautiful trails. Very friendly staff. Well marked trails. Highly recommend. Read more Written February 24, 2024
• rachelcU7109NC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience! Great time with our kids! Highly recommend for all families. We enjoyed the sleigh ride and the museum/gift shop. The tour guide was awesome- passionate and knowledgeable. Learned a lot about mining history. Will definitely go back. Read more Written February 24, 2024
• I9107YZnancyh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome day We had a great time on the tour. My girls loved it and said it was the best day, I highly recommend this place for a day of fun and exploring. Read more Written February 21, 2024
• G7302WOrandyl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best family trip in Breckenridge We did this event on a whim, and it was well worth it. It is away from all the crowds and craziness of the Breckenridge ski crowds. There was plenty of free parking. The tour guides are what really make this experience a wonderful and genuine memory that family will never forget. Do all of the experiences you can here! Read more Written February 17, 2024
• jimmielmalone 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Must Do Experience Michael and the staff were fantastic! I loved their knowledge of the mining industry and historical significance to Colorado. This is a one of a kind activity and well worth the visit! Read more Written February 14, 2024
• Crystal G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sleigh ride! Great family fun experience! Our 2 young kids loved the sleigh ride and the s’mores at the end! Jon the manager was a great host! Read more Written February 14, 2024
• colleenfN3774VG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Such a Fun Treasure Hunt! Miner Jon was so great for our Treasure Hunt tour at the Cowboy Gold Mine. Our kids ages 5 and 9 had such a great time solving clues and puzzles to find their buried treasure at the end! Even the adults enjoyed helping solve the puzzles. The snow shoeing and metal detectors were icing on the cake. Miner Jon was such a fun and engaging tour leader! We had a blast! Read more Written February 13, 2024
• 710kendaly 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great adventure for the family! The views were incredible! So many great photo ops! My 8 yr old daughter and 4 yr old son loved it! The tour guide was awesome! Kids were able to go sledding, then roast smores by the fire. Read more Written February 12, 2024
• Trail573110 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great little tour The ride was very smooth, views were beautiful and the tour guys were amazing. It is a short ride but great if you don’t ski and looking for an outdoor experience. . Read more Written February 11, 2024

More to explore in Breckenridge

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more provided by Country Boy Mine

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Travels With Eli

Family Travel Memories Are Priceless

Kid-Friendly Colorado Mine Tours You Don’t Want To Miss

Colorado · June 22, 2019

Updated May 29, 2021

We live smack in the middle of where the gold rush started in Colorado. Remnants of abandoned gold mines still litter the mountainsides. Eli has been fascinated with mines ever since his first mine sighting. Lucky for us, there are all kinds of kid-friendly gold mine tours in Colorado.

The long-abandoned gold mines of Colorado leave a rich history of how the early miners lived.

The Best Colorado Gold Mine Tours In Colorado For Families

Here are our favorite family-friendly mining tours and gold panning in Colorado that are both fun and educational.

*All of the following Colorado mine tours are within a two-hour drive from Denver .

Country Boy Mine Tour In Breckenridge

The Country Boy Mine is one of the many restored gold mines of Colorado that is now open for tours. It is located only a few miles from downtown Breckenridge.

Before entering the mine everyone is provided with hard hats, or bike helmets for the kids. Safety first. The tour into the mine is an easy, level walk 1,000 feet deep into the mountain. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable but also fun and full of personality. She explained all about the mining process, the tools the miners used, why the mine isn’t in operation today, and how oxygen was brought into the mine to prevent suffocation.

• Don’t forget to bring a jacket, even on a warm summer day, it’s cold deep in the mine.

Before or after your mine tour you can pan for gold at a nearby stream and pond. You can pan for gold all day until the mine closes if you want. We found a lot of fools gold (the mineral pyrite that looks a lot like gold flakes) but no real gold.

The Country Boy Mine has a gift shop and a huge mining tunnel that has been converted into a slide. You can take the slide all the way down to the parking lot!

The price for the mine tour and gold panning is $35. It is expensive but was the most informative and interesting mining tour we’ve experienced so far. Most activities are expensive around Breckenridge. But, there are actually some fun free things to do in the summer.

For more info read – Free Summer Activities In Summit County Colorado

To book your mine tour visit The Country Boy Mine’s website.

Georgetown Loop Railroad With Everett Mine Tour

Mine tours are a lot of fun. A mine tour plus a train ride = AWESOME!

Things to Know Before You Go-

• Kids under five years old aren’t allowed in the Everett mine.
• The mine tours do sell out, especially on the weekends. Advanced reservations are recommended.
• The majority of train cars don’t have a roof. Book your tour first thing in the morning for the best chance of good weather.

The Georgetown Loop Train is an old steam locomotive that chugs up the mountainside and through the woods. It journeys from Georgetown to the nearby town of Silver Plume. The Everett mine tour is halfway between the two towns. The mine is a short walk from the tracks. When the tour is done you catch the train back to Georgetown.

The tour begins with gold panning. The gold panning experience is completely different from the Country Boy Mine in Breckenridge. Instead of panning in a real river, you pan in a gold panning station. Instead of finding fool’s gold, everyone finds a few real gold flakes to keep. Although this method of gold panning isn’t authentic, it’s definitely more fun for the kids.

The mine tour is also completely different. The Country Boy Mine tour was much more informative. The Everett Mine tour focuses on the ghost story of the Tommyknocker (the term for a miner who dies in a mine and then returns to haunt it). Again, the focus on Tommyknocker makes the experience more fun for kids. What kid doesn’t love a ghost story?

After the tour, everyone gets a hot dog, chips, and lemonade for lunch. The kids have time to pet the burro and play in the sandbox before the train returns to take you back to Georgetown.

The price for the mine tour and train ride for an adult is $47.95 and $39.95 for children ages three to fifteen. It’s a reasonable price considering it includes a train ride, mine tour, gold flakes in a jar (one of Eli’s treasured possessions), and lunch. The whole adventure is about two and a half hours long.

For more information go to Georgetown Loop Railroad’s website.

Argo Mill and Tunnel – Idaho Springs

Just 45 minutes from Denver, the Argo Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs is a must-see if you are interested in the history of Colorado gold Mining.

Construction on the Argo Mill began way back in 1893. The 4.2-mile-long tunnel soon became the center of milling for the gold mines in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Most of the original milling equipment is still in place and the tour of the gigantic mill is fascinating.

*To explore the Argo Mill you must be physically able to climb up five stories (one hundred feet in elevation). Definitely not stroller-friendly but safe for young children to walk or be carried in a front or backpack carrier.

The tour is mainly focused on the mill and the equipment used to extract the gold. Part of the tour is through a service tunnel that accessed the 4.2-mile tunnel that gave all of the nearby mines access to the mill. There is also a very interesting mining museum complete with mining equipment, payroll documents, and photographs.

Gold mining similar to the Everett mine tour is available at the end of the Argo Mill tour.

The tour price for adults is $25, $20 for kids 5-16, and kids 1-4 are $4.

Restored Mining Town – South Park City

To experience what life was really like in the small mountain towns surrounding the gold mines of Colorado, check out South Park City. South Park City is a restored mining city open to visitors in the mountain town of Fairplay. Fairplay isn’t far from where we live but we’d never heard about South Park City. We were pleasantly surprised on our first visit.

History of South Park City

The South Park Historical Foundation was formed in 1957 to preserve some of the neglected mining cabins and historical buildings around Fairplay. The Foundation bought a small parcel of land in town with several old buildings still standing. Other old buildings were either donated or purchased and moved to what was to be called South Park City. Through the work of volunteers, the buildings were restored. People in the nearby towns searched their property and found over 40,000 artifacts that were donated to the South Park Historical Foundation.

Today South Park City consists of 43 buildings that are all restored and chock full of interesting artifacts from the mining days. They have done a great job to make you feel like you have just stepped into a thriving mining town 150 years ago.

No detail has been overlooked from the newspaper used as wallpaper still lining the walls, to the schoolhouse complete with desks, chalkboards, and old books.

The cost to enter is only ten dollars per adult. Children under twelve are free. It is a self-guided tour and a detailed map is provided. South Park City can’t be missed if you are interested in Colorado’s mining history.

Mining Museums –

If you want to learn even more about the gold mines of Colorado, visit one of the wonderful mining museums in the state. Two of my favorites are the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum in Leadville and the Western Museum of Mining and Industry in Colorado Springs.

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TravelswithEli

Reader interactions.

Karen Quinn says

June 25, 2019 at 4:38 am

These all look so fun! How lovely to have them close to home

TravelswithEli says

June 25, 2019 at 10:05 am

It is fun to have them so close to home. It’s funny we never thought to go on a mine tour until Eli showed interest in mines. We’ve lived here for almost 20 years!

Andrea says

June 26, 2019 at 11:07 am

We just traveled to Colorado and this looks like something we need to do next time!

July 1, 2019 at 9:19 pm

For sure, it’s a lot of fun and also interesting.

Monster Truck Sleigh Rides Now Open

Country Boy Mine

Tour breckenridge gold mine & other attractions in colorado.

• Most Popular!

Country Boy Gold Mine Tour & Panning Experience

Get on this award-winning gold mine tour and you might just strike gold you can keep! Delve 1,000 ft. into the mountain’s original workings since 1887, pan for gold in Eureka Creek, experience life as a Colorado miner from a century ago, and enjoy hours of family-friendly fun year-round.

• Hour Glass 1-Hour Guide Lead Mine Tour Experience

Fun Attractions for the Whole Family at Country Boy Mine!

• Hour Glass 60-90 Minutes
• User All Ages

Gold Panning

Skip the gold mine tour altogether and go straight into gold panning along Eureka Creek! Trade the tour for the immediate hands-on excitement of unearthing treasures, connecting with the mining history, and then taking home your findings.

• Hour Glass 1 Hour

Self Guided Historic Snowshoe Tour

Discover the vast property of Country Boy Mine and Breckenridge, Colorado’s snowshoe trails! Admire historical exhibits as you trek up top, see the old miner’s cabin at the peak, and take in the stunning views.

Snowshoe Treasure Hunt Tour

Jump on a thrilling private treasure hunt armed with a map and a metal detector at Country Boy Mine’s historic site! Unearth clues on this five-star family adventure that will lead to a treasure that you get to keep along with the fun memories.

• Hour Glass 45-60 Minutes

Monster Truck Sleigh Tour

Take in the scenic beauty as you ride up Country Boy Mine’s upper portal on a monster truck sleigh ride! Marvel at the historic mine site, capture memorable photos, and cap off the adventure with a delightful smores toast for the whole family.

About Country Boy Mine

Country Boy Mine was founded in 1887 and is one of the oldest and most famous mines in Summit County, Colorado. In 1991, Tomlinson Brothers, Doug and David, along with their families dreamed of restoring the collapsed mine and mine site into a historical venue!

Located in the famous French Gulch area, gold was first discovered here by a miner named French Pete in 1860. This valley was abundantly rich in minerals such as gold, silver, lead, and zinc, and it played a very meaningful role in the gold rush of Breckenridge, Colorado.

Mining was and still is an integral part of Colorado and our nation’s history. With the deterioration and disappearance of historic mines in Colorado, Country Boy Mine serves to share with people the rich mining history. Today, we welcome you to come and enjoy Country Boy Mine for its wealth of history and gold, both past and present!

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Visiting the Denver Mint

Learn the rich history of the United States Mint and how we produce billions of coins each year for the American public with a free, guided tour of the Denver facility.

While in Denver, be sure to visit the Mint’s Gift Shop. The Gift Shop is open to the public and offers a great selection of coins and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the U.S. Mint in Denver.

Tour Tickets

Tour tickets are available from the Tour Information Window on Cherokee Street between Colfax Avenue and West 14th Avenue. It opens at 7 a.m. on Monday through Thursday (excluding observed federal holidays), and will remain open until all tickets have been distributed.

Tickets are for same-day tours only; no advance tickets are available. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 5 per person. All visitors must be 7 years and older.

We recommend arriving at the ticket window as early as possible for your best opportunity to obtain tickets, as they run out quickly. Peak season is Memorial Day through Labor Day, but the tours are very popular year round.

The Denver Mint offers up to 6 tours a day with a maximum of 50 people on each tour. Tours are offered Monday through Thursday (excluding observed federal holidays) at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. They last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

There may be days that tours are not available, and tours may be canceled without prior notice. Please be aware that coin production schedules vary. Coins may not be in production during your tour. For more information, contact us at 303-405-4761.

Tours will be closed on the following days:

• May 27, 2024
• June 19, 2024
• July 4, 2024
• July 8, 2024
• August 19 through September 2, 2024
• October 14, 2024
• November 11, 2024
• November 28, 2024
• December 25 through December 26, 2024

Request a Group Tour

To request a group tour (15-50 visitors) for 2024, download the group tour request form (PDF) and email it to [email protected] . We will notify you only if we are able to accommodate your request. We do not offer group tours during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

Tour Visitors Policy

All visitors must be at the tour entrance located on Cherokee Street 30 minutes before their scheduled tour time. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Visitors must present a ticket to gain entry. Lost tickets cannot be replaced and are non-transferable.

Tours are subject to cancellation, possibly with little or no notice, when circumstances warrant building closure or other cancellation at the United States Mint’s sole discretion. Please plan accordingly. Thank you for your understanding.

There is an extensive list of prohibited items, including all purses and bags. The Mint does NOT provide lockers or storage for any items. All visitors are subject to a security screening, including metal detection and X-ray examination of hand-carried items. The United States Mint reserves the right to deny access to anyone at any time.

Permitted items:

• A palm-sized wallet that fits in your pocket
• Powered off cameras/cell phones. Photography is prohibited while on the tour
• Umbrellas, walkers, wheelchairs
• Empty water bottles
• Medical items necessary for the safety and well-being of the visitor

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Handbags, purses, fanny packs, tote bags, backpacks, packages, and bags
• Food and drinks
• Lighters and matches
• Weapons, including pocket knives and personal protective devices such as pepper spray

Special Requirements

The Mint facility is wheelchair accessible and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If you require a sign language interpreter, contact us at least ten days in advance by email  [email protected] , or call us at 303-405-4761.

The Gift Shop is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The entrance is on Cherokee Street, between West Colfax Avenue and West 14th Avenue.

Sales Information: 303-572-9500

Tour Location and Parking

United States Mint – Denver Mint 320 West Colfax Avenue Denver, Colorado 80204-2693 Tour information: 303-405-4761

The Mint does not provide parking, but there are meters and pay lots within a few blocks. Please allow yourself additional time for parking. No curbside drop-offs or pickups are allowed around the Mint facility.

Directions From I-25

From I-25 North

• Exit at 210A for US-40/US-287/Colfax Avenue
• Turn Right onto W. Colfax Avenue (I-70-BL E) towards the gold dome of the State Capitol
• The United States Mint is approximately 1.2 miles on W Colfax Avenue on the right between Delaware and Cherokee Streets

From I-25 South

• Turn Left onto W. Colfax Avenue (I-70-BL E) towards the gold dome of the State Capitol

Denver Mint Tour Survey

After your visit, please share your experience with us by taking a brief online survey .

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