Step Back in Time: Historic Gold Mine Tour & Real Gold Panning Adventure in the Black Hills, Keystone
Kylie
Amenities
Parking
Good for KidsHighlights
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Children ages 5 and younger enter free, making it a perfect family adventure
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Journey back to the 1800s with a guided tour of a historic gold mine in near-perfect condition
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Try your luck with on-site gold panning using pay dirt sourced from historic Battle Creek
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Visit an award-winning attraction, recognized with the George S. Mickelson Award for customer service
-
As seen on the Discovery Channel's hit show 'Gold Rush'
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Perfect for Gifting! A unique and hands-on historical adventure for the whole family
What To Expect
Journey back in time to the Black Hills Gold Rush at Big Thunder Gold Mine, an authentic mine discovered in 1892. This is a hands-on adventure where you can truly immerse yourself in history. Your experience begins with the Mine Tour, where a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the safest and most well-maintained mine in the district. You'll learn about the mine's unique history, the German immigrants who discovered it, and see many of the indigenous rocks and mineral structures still preserved today.
After exploring the tunnels, you can try your luck with on-site gold panning. Learn the basics of placer mining from the pros as you sift through pay dirt sourced directly from historic Battle Creek—the very same waters where miners struck it rich in the 1800s. It’s an easy and exciting activity for both kids and adults. With a commitment to superb customer service and an authentic step back in time, it’s no wonder this award-winning attraction has been a must-see on any Black Hills vacation for decades.
Plan Your Visit
-
Operating Hours Seasonal, check here for latest info
-
Accessibility Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible -
Parking Free parking
How It Works
1. Grab the Deal
Buy your Groupon first!
2. No reservation needed!
Just show up whenever you’re ready
3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket
Scan your Groupon upon arrival
4. Enjoy the Experience!
FAQs
What will I experience on the mine tour?
You'll explore the safest gold mine in the Black Hills, journeying back to the 1800s with a knowledgeable guide. Discover what life was like during the gold rush and see indigenous rocks and structures preserved in near-perfect condition
Where does the gold panning dirt come from?
The pay dirt used for gold panning is sourced directly from historic Battle Creek, which runs alongside the Big Thunder Gold Mine property—the very same waters where miners struck it rich in the 1800s
Why is Big Thunder Gold Mine considered a top Black Hills attraction?
Big Thunder Gold Mine is renowned for its immersive historical experiences, award-winning customer service (George S. Mickelson Award), and appearances on shows like Discovery Channel's 'Gold Rush'. It offers a unique variety of family-friendly activities, making it a "South Dakota Great Place to visit"
Highlights
-
Children ages 5 and younger enter free, making it a perfect family adventure
-
Journey back to the 1800s with a guided tour of a historic gold mine in near-perfect condition
-
Try your luck with on-site gold panning using pay dirt sourced from historic Battle Creek
-
Visit an award-winning attraction, recognized with the George S. Mickelson Award for customer service
-
As seen on the Discovery Channel's hit show 'Gold Rush'
-
Perfect for Gifting! A unique and hands-on historical adventure for the whole family
What To Expect
Journey back in time to the Black Hills Gold Rush at Big Thunder Gold Mine, an authentic mine discovered in 1892. This is a hands-on adventure where you can truly immerse yourself in history. Your experience begins with the Mine Tour, where a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the safest and most well-maintained mine in the district. You'll learn about the mine's unique history, the German immigrants who discovered it, and see many of the indigenous rocks and mineral structures still preserved today.
After exploring the tunnels, you can try your luck with on-site gold panning. Learn the basics of placer mining from the pros as you sift through pay dirt sourced directly from historic Battle Creek—the very same waters where miners struck it rich in the 1800s. It’s an easy and exciting activity for both kids and adults. With a commitment to superb customer service and an authentic step back in time, it’s no wonder this award-winning attraction has been a must-see on any Black Hills vacation for decades.
Plan Your Visit
-
Operating Hours Seasonal, check here for latest info
-
Accessibility Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible -
Parking Free parking
How It Works
1. Grab the Deal
Buy your Groupon first!
2. No reservation needed!
Just show up whenever you’re ready
3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket
Scan your Groupon upon arrival
4. Enjoy the Experience!
FAQs
What will I experience on the mine tour?
You'll explore the safest gold mine in the Black Hills, journeying back to the 1800s with a knowledgeable guide. Discover what life was like during the gold rush and see indigenous rocks and structures preserved in near-perfect condition
Where does the gold panning dirt come from?
The pay dirt used for gold panning is sourced directly from historic Battle Creek, which runs alongside the Big Thunder Gold Mine property—the very same waters where miners struck it rich in the 1800s
Why is Big Thunder Gold Mine considered a top Black Hills attraction?
Big Thunder Gold Mine is renowned for its immersive historical experiences, award-winning customer service (George S. Mickelson Award), and appearances on shows like Discovery Channel's 'Gold Rush'. It offers a unique variety of family-friendly activities, making it a "South Dakota Great Place to visit"
Need To Know Info
- 3-day hassle-free refund guarantee: Free cancellation for up to 3 days after purchase for unredeemed vouchers
- May be repurchased every 30 days
- Limit 3 per person
- All goods or services must be used by the same person