Big Thunder Gold Mine
Explore a historic gold mine, pan for gold and gems, and see a replica 1895 gold mill. A fun, educational adventure!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Big Thunder Gold Mine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic gold mine, pan for gold and gems, and see a replica 1895 gold mill. A fun, educational adventure!
"A perfect family activity with a fascinating underground tour and rewarding gold panning!"
💰 Check for Discounts
Look for deals on Groupon before you go; they can significantly reduce the cost.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking underground and potentially standing for panning.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Mine Tour
Inside the Big Thunder Gold Mine
Explore the actual mine and learn about historical mining techniques. A fascinating glimpse into the past.
Gold & Gem Panning
Panning area
Try your luck finding gold flakes and colorful gemstones. Fun for all ages, especially kids!
Replica 1895 Gold Mill
Museum area
See a fully functional gold mill setup, showcasing historical mining equipment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
Gold Panning Patience is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Check for Discounts
Look for deals on Groupon before you go; they can significantly reduce the cost.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking underground and potentially standing for panning.
📸 Staff Takes Photos
The friendly staff are happy to take pictures for you, especially during the tour.
💎 Gift Shop Treasures
Find local gems, trinkets, and interesting stones at reasonable prices.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Check for Discounts
Look for deals on Groupon before you go; they can significantly reduce the cost.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking underground and potentially standing for panning.
📸 Staff Takes Photos
The friendly staff are happy to take pictures for you, especially during the tour.
💎 Gift Shop Treasures
Find local gems, trinkets, and interesting stones at reasonable prices.
🍺 Local Brews Available
The on-site restaurant/bar offers local beers and a fair food selection.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the fascinating underground mine tour and the fun gold panning experience, especially for families. The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhance the visit, though some found minor detours into unusual theories during tours. The convenience of on-site dining and proximity to other attractions are also noted positives.
"This was a perfect family activity on a hot day. It was worth it to do the tour and gold panning. Our family had Mike as our tour guide. He was patient and knowledgeable. We enjoyed the tour with him taking time to answer questions as we went through and pointing out different rock types so we could help identify along the way too. If you have children doing the gold panning, it takes a lot of patience. It is best to get less bowls so that you can help with the experience. You will find some flakes of gold. Pay attention closely to the demo after your tour to help with how to do the gold panning. This was a highlight to our vacation."
Michelle Murphy
"Fun and fast. If you're on the 1880 train or just don't have a ton of time this is perfect. The tour is about an hour and panning for gold can take 10-20 mins. The staff was very nice and took a few pics for us. The store has reasonably price trinkets and interesting stones. The restaurant/ bar had local beers in 16 Oz. cans for $5.50 and fair selection of food. They are about a 15 min walk from the train station and there is a historic walk on the way with numbered informational signs. I would definitely go here again!"
M Becker
"Fascinating History and a Unique Look Underground
Big Thunder Gold Mine offers a really cool glimpse into South Dakota’s mining history. Touring the actual mine and learning about the sheer effort it took to carve it out by hand was genuinely impressive. The hour-long tour was packed with interesting stories and old mining techniques—definitely a highlight for history buffs or curious travelers.
We skipped the gold panning section, which seemed a bit touristy, especially for adults. But if you're bringing kids, they might enjoy it.
Our tour guide was engaging and knowledgeable, though he veered into some odd conspiracy theories that felt a little out of place. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it was unexpected and a bit awkward at times.
Pro tip: check Groupon before you go—there’s a huge discount available that makes the visit much more affordable."
Will Bushee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Thunder Gold Mine is accessible by car and is a short walk from the 1880 train station. Informational signs line the historic walk from the station.
Yes, there is parking available at the mine.
Yes, Mount Rushmore is visible from the front entrance of the Big Thunder Gold Mine.
Big Thunder Gold Mine is approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Rapid City, South Dakota. +1
The mine is generally well-signposted, especially if you are coming from the main tourist routes in the Black Hills area. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary for tours and gold panning. It's recommended to check their official website or look for discounts on sites like Groupon for potential savings.
It is highly recommended to book guided mine tours in advance, as they are popular and can sell out, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Big Thunder Gold Mine website for the most up-to-date hours of operation. +1
Often, combo packages are available that include both the mine tour and gold panning. Inquire at the ticket counter or check online for package deals.
Yes, you can typically purchase gold panning sessions separately if you don't wish to take the full mine tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour takes you inside the actual mine, explaining historical mining techniques and the effort involved. It lasts about an hour and is packed with interesting stories. +1
Gold panning can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes, but it requires patience. Some visitors suggest sharing bowls to help children. +1
You can expect to find small flakes of gold and various gemstones like garnets.
Yes, the mine tour is generally suitable for children, and gold panning is particularly enjoyable for them.
The mine features a replica 1895 gold mill and offers a unique look underground.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant and bar on-site that offers a selection of food and local beers.
The restaurant offers a fair selection of food, and local beers are available in cans.
Information on picnic areas is not widely available, but the on-site dining option is convenient.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume your own food and drinks in designated areas or before/after your visit, and utilize the on-site facilities.
Prices at the restaurant are considered reasonable, with local beers priced at around $5.50 for a 16oz can.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the mine, but it's always a good idea to check with your tour guide for any specific restrictions.
The underground mine, the replica gold mill, and the surrounding Black Hills scenery offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can take photos while gold panning. The staff may even offer to take pictures for you.
Specific drone photography regulations are not mentioned, but it's advisable to check with the venue and local authorities before flying drones. +1
The mine is lit for tours, but it can be dim. Using a camera with good low-light performance or a flash might be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
👫 Couples
🚂 Day-Trippers from the 1880 Train
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mining Experience
For those eager to try their hand at finding treasure, the gold and gem panning area is a must-visit. After a demonstration, you'll receive a pan and a supply of gravel, from which you can sift out gold flakes and various gemstones like garnets. While it requires patience, the thrill of discovery is immense, and it's a particularly rewarding activity for families.
The site also features a replica 1895 gold mill, showcasing a fully functional setup that demonstrates the processing of ore. This adds another layer to understanding the entire gold mining operation from extraction to refinement.
Tips for Gold Panning Success
Many visitors, especially those with children, find it beneficial to share panning bowls. This allows adults to assist younger participants, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Don't get discouraged if you don't find gold immediately; it's a process that requires focus and a keen eye.
Remember that you're looking for tiny gold flakes and small gemstones like garnets. The effort is often rewarded with a small but exciting collection of treasures to take home.
Beyond the Mine: Local Attractions
Of course, the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a must-see and is visible from the mine's entrance, offering a convenient photo opportunity.
Exploring the charming nearby towns like Keystone or Hill City can also enhance your visit, offering local shops, restaurants, and additional historical sites that delve deeper into the region's rich past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit