- Visit Big Thunder Gold Mine for a taste of the gold mining days of the Black Hills.
- Tours are $9.95/adults and $6.95/children.
- Try your hand at gold mining, $9.95/person or $7.95 with a Mine Tour ticket.
- Located just outside Keystone on Blair Street.
- Hours vary seasonally, open from May through October.
Overview
Big Thunder Gold Mine, formerly known as the Gold Hill Lode, dates back to the 1880s, when two German immigrants teamed up to try their luck and intercept the Lucky Boy vein. While the big gold vein hasn’t been found yet, Big Thunder Gold Mine still holds potential for gold mining and explorations are ongoing. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy touring one of the safest mines in the Black Hills and learn about historic mining. Gold panning is even available for those who really want to get a taste of gold mining.
In addition to tours and panning, the Mining Museum at Big Thunder Gold Mine is a free attraction, with historic mining equipment (the largest collection in the Black Hills) and educated guides.
Location
To reach Big Thunder Gold Mine, take US 16A north to Keystone. Turn right onto Highway 40 and follow it to Blair Street and Big Thunder Gold Mine.
Hours
Big Thunder Gold Mine is open from May through October. June, July, and August, hours are 8am-8pm. May, September, and October, hours are 9am-6pm.
Cost
Big Thunder Gold Mine tours are $9.95/adult, $6.95/children 6-12 and free for children under 5 years of age. Gold panning tickets are $9.95 or $7.95 with a Mine Tour ticket.
Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
More Information
For more information, contact Big Thunder Gold Mine at 1-800-314-3917 or strikegold@aol.com or visit www.bigthundermine.com.
