Mining Attractions

Mining attractions in Clear Creek County and surrounding areas are well-known for the important role they played after prospector George A. Jackson discovered gold near Idaho Springs at the confluence of Chicago Creek and Clear Creek and triggered Colorado’s Gold Rush in 1859. Learn about the region’s rich mining history by exploring a mine or mill on a tour or visiting local museums and visitor information centers. Watch for mining remnants visible from the interstate, too. ARGO MILL, TUNNEL & MUSEUM Immerse yourself in the region’s history with a professionally guided tour of The Argo Mill, Tunnel & Museum, a premier heritage tourism site. It is recommended to book online or call ahead to confirm availability. The Mercantile is open daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The last tour is variable by season. Gold panning is included with tours or available separately. $20-$25. 2350 Riverside Dr., Idaho Springs. 303-567-2421. argomilltour.com CAPITAL PRIZE GOLD MINE Explore over 1,000 feet of the Capital Prize and see what it was like to be an underground miner 100 years ago. Call to reserve a tour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. through April 30. $15-$24. 1016 Biddle St., Georgetown. 303-569-2468. capitalprizegoldmine.com CENTRAL CITY VISITOR CENTER Learn about hard rock mining in the Central City area from historical displays and staff. Open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 103 Eureka St., Central City. 303-582-3345. centralcity.colorado.gov GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD & MINING PARK Seasonal mine tours and gold panning begin in May 2022. 646 Loop Dr., Georgetown. 888-456-6777. georgetownlooprr.com HIDEE GOLD MINE Enjoy a mine tour lead by guides knowledgeable in local mining and geology. Mine a gold ore specimen to keep from the vein. Open daily, Nov.-April, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $14.95-$24.95. 1950 Hidee Mine Road, Central City. 720-548-0343. hideegoldmine.com IDAHO SPRINGS VISITOR CTR. & HERITAGE MUSEUM The visitor center features a free fun and informative museum of unique exhibits of local mining history. Free. 2060 Miner St., Idaho Springs. 303-567-4382. visitidahospringscolorado.com PHOENIX GOLD MINE This entertaining, all-ages mine tour explores history, geology, equipment and processing. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., weather permitting. Reservations recommended. $18-$24. 830 Trail Creek Road, Idaho Springs. 303-567-0422. phoenixgoldmine.com