AJ Mine & Gastineau Mill Tour
Step back in time at the AJ Mine & Gastineau Mill, exploring historic gold mining operations and trying your hand at panning for gold.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Convenient for cruise passengers
AJ Mine & Gastineau Mill Tour
Best Time
Convenient for cruise passengers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the AJ Mine & Gastineau Mill, exploring historic gold mining operations and trying your hand at panning for gold.
"A well-worthwhile excursion for history buffs and anyone curious about gold mining!"
Gold Panning Patience :money_with_wings:
It takes a bit to get the hang of gold panning; wish for more time!
Embrace the Rain :umbrella:
The tour is great even in heavy rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Explore the Historic Mine
Inside the Gastineau Mill
Step into the past and learn about 20th-century gold mining operations. See actual machinery and understand the extraction process.
Gold Panning Experience
Outdoor panning area
Try your hand at finding gold flakes! It's a fun, hands-on activity that gives you a taste of the gold rush era.
Mining Equipment Showcase
Outdoor grounds
Discover fascinating historical mining equipment and building remains. You can even climb aboard some of the standing machinery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Gold Panning
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Gold Panning Patience :money_with_wings:
It takes a bit to get the hang of gold panning; wish for more time!
Embrace the Rain :umbrella:
The tour is great even in heavy rain.
History Buffs Rejoice :scroll:
Learn the gritty details of 20th-century gold mining.
Easy Activity for All :walking:
Traverse the mine easily, even with a cane.
Tips
from all over the internet
Gold Panning Patience :money_with_wings:
It takes a bit to get the hang of gold panning; wish for more time!
Embrace the Rain :umbrella:
The tour is great even in heavy rain.
History Buffs Rejoice :scroll:
Learn the gritty details of 20th-century gold mining.
Easy Activity for All :walking:
Traverse the mine easily, even with a cane.
Friendly & Informative Staff :smiley:
Staff are great to talk to and very knowledgeable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the AJ Mine & Gastineau Mill Tour for its historical insights and engaging gold panning activity. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are frequently highlighted as a major plus, making the experience enjoyable even in Juneau's unpredictable weather. Some wish for more time at the gold panning station.
"If you like history & was ever curious to know how they did gold mining back in the day, then this is for you. They guide you into one of the mines & explain the machinery as your guide works an actual drill to give you that understanding & feel on mining back in the day. After that. You're taken to a outdoor seminar. After that, you get to go gold mining to see if you can actually get some gold. It's not easy, but you can do it.
Please note that I came here on an excursion from the cruise line. It's well worth it. It's an easy activity."
Michael M.
"Really enjoyed our time at the AJ Mine Gastineau Mill, despite it raining hard during our time there, it was worth every second spent there.
Staff were the best to talk too, they were really informative and friendly to interact with!
The mine and mill were really interesting and great to explore too, highly recommend seeing it for yourself"
Hello Ness
"This was a great tour for those who are not afraid of confined spaces. You do have to climb up into the mine a ways and I use a cane and was able to traverse it easily. I loved the panning for gold and I wish they would have given us longer time to do it. It took me a little bit to get the hang of it and by the time I did, it was about time to go. I did get three flakes of gold to go home with."
Wendy Severy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors arrive via a medium bus ride from the cruise ship terminal. The tour operators typically arrange this transportation as part of the excursion package.
The tour is generally considered easy. While you do go into the mine, even those using a cane have reported being able to traverse it with ease.
The tour typically involves a bus ride, a guided exploration of the mine and mill, and a gold panning session. Specific timings can vary, but it's usually a few hours.
While often booked as a cruise excursion, independent bookings might be available through local tour operators in Juneau. It's worth checking directly with companies like Alaska Shore Tours.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Given Juneau's weather, waterproof clothing and an umbrella are advisable, as the tour proceeds even in heavy rain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing can vary, especially when booked as a cruise excursion. It's best to check with your cruise line or local tour operators for the most up-to-date pricing.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you want to participate in the gold panning activity, as spots can fill up quickly.
The tour typically operates during the cruise ship season, usually from May through September. Specific daily hours are dependent on cruise ship schedules.
While not explicitly stated, the tour is generally suitable for most ages. Children may find the gold panning particularly engaging.
Cancellation policies usually depend on where you booked the tour. Cruise line excursions often have specific terms, so review those carefully.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll tour an old gold mine, learn about historical mining machinery and processes, and have a chance to pan for gold. Guides often demonstrate equipment. +1
Some visitors feel the gold panning time could be longer, as it takes a little practice to get the hang of it. You might get a few flakes to take home.
While not guaranteed, some tours have reported wildlife encounters during their visit.
The tour goes slightly inside the mine. While it's an enclosed space, most visitors find it manageable and informative rather than frightening.
Photography is generally allowed, but always check with your guide for any specific restrictions inside the mine itself.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food is typically not included in the tour package. You might find opportunities to grab a bite before or after the excursion, such as at a local crab shack.
The tour site itself may not have extensive dining facilities. It's advisable to eat before or after the tour, potentially in downtown Juneau.
It's generally a good idea to bring a water bottle. Check with the tour operator about bringing snacks, though it's usually best to consume them before or after the main tour activities.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic mining equipment outdoors, the entrance to the mine, and the gold panning area. The surrounding landscape can also offer scenic shots.
Yes, with good lighting and a steady hand, you can capture interesting shots inside the mine, showcasing the historical tools and tunnels.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for the outdoor equipment and a camera with good low-light performance for the mine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the mine tour involves going into an enclosed space, it's generally manageable for most children. The outdoor mining equipment also provides visual interest and opportunities for imaginative play. The knowledgeable guides can make the historical aspects engaging for younger audiences, explaining the processes in an understandable way. Remember to pack rain gear, as Juneau weather can be unpredictable, which is always a consideration with kids.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
Many reviewers booked this as part of their cruise package and found it to be an easy and informative activity. It provides a good balance of historical learning and interactive fun, offering a solid introduction to Juneau's gold mining heritage without being overly strenuous.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
The informative guides are a significant asset, sharing their extensive knowledge and bringing the history of the mine to life. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the engineering and human effort involved in extracting wealth from the earth, offering a deep dive into a pivotal part of Alaskan history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Gold Mining in Juneau
Visitors often express fascination with the historical machinery and the stories behind the mine's operation. The guides, many with decades of experience in mining or related fields, bring this history to life with their knowledge and anecdotes. Learning about the daily challenges and triumphs of the miners provides a tangible connection to the past. It’s not just about seeing old equipment; it’s about understanding the human endeavor behind it.
The tour highlights the evolution of mining technology and the impact of these operations on the landscape and community. From the initial discovery of gold to the large-scale operations of the Gastineau Mill, the site tells a compelling story of industry and ambition. It’s a chance to step back in time and appreciate the hard work that shaped this Alaskan capital.
Gold Panning: A Taste of the Gold Rush
Many reviewers mention that they wished for more time at the panning station. This sentiment underscores how engaging and enjoyable the activity is. It’s a chance to connect with the spirit of the gold rush and experience a piece of Alaskan history firsthand. Even if you don't strike it rich, the experience itself is memorable and fun.
Guides are usually on hand to offer tips and demonstrate the best methods for panning. It’s a great way to learn a new skill and potentially take home a small, tangible souvenir of your Alaskan adventure – a few flakes of real gold!
Navigating Juneau's Weather for Your Tour
It's highly recommended to dress in layers and wear waterproof outer gear. An umbrella is also a wise addition to your packing list. While the rain might dampen the scenery slightly, the historical and interactive elements of the mine tour remain unaffected. The guides are experienced in leading tours in all conditions, ensuring a valuable experience.
Don't let the weather forecast deter you from this fascinating excursion. Many visitors found the tour to be well worth it despite the rain, highlighting the informative nature of the guides and the unique historical insights provided. Embrace the elements and focus on the rich history of gold mining in Juneau.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit